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Innovative trainee accountant gets her boss's vote

Nine months after swapping washing pots for a trainee accountant’s role, Roberta Sewell has earned a nomination for New Accountant of the Year at the North East Accountancy Awards.

Roberta, 21 from Darlington, joined Analox Group as a Trainee Accountant in July 2012, and is currently studying part-time for her Association of Accounting Technician (AAT) qualifications. Ian Batchelor, Financial Director for Analox Group, nominated Roberta for the award.

He said: “Roberta is innovative in her approach to her work, providing us with solutions to issues we’re facing, despite her very short time working in accountancy.

“She introduced a cloud-based expenses system, taking away the need for staff to hold onto receipts. This enables everyone to keep up to date with their expenses easily, even when away from the office. Her real skill was in introducing this change. She gave immediate support to anyone experiencing difficulties, meaning that this new system was positively received throughout the company.

“Roberta also applies what she is learning through her studies for her qualifications. For example, she identified how the company could mitigate the risk of keeping large cash deposits with one bank.”

Prior to joining Analox, Roberta worked for Middleton Hall Retirement Village in Middleton St George, working for three years in the kitchen washing pots and cleaning, and also serving in the restaurant. She commented: “I’m overwhelmed to be a finalist in the awards, especially as I had no idea that I’d been nominated. I realised when I started this job that I’ve found what I love doing, but it’s overwhelming to be nominated for an award only nine months later.”

Roberta will meet the judges for the final judging session on Wednesday 22nd May, 2013. The winners of the Nigel Wright North East Accountancy Awards will be announced at the awards dinner at the Hilton NewcastleGateshead on Thursday 13th June, 2013.

Analox Ltd is based in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, UK, and specialises in the design and manufacture of gas analysers for military and commercial use.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Hignett, i2i Business Solutions .