TEAM MEMBER READY FOR PLACEMENT

Karl is a highly motivated and detail-oriented accounting professional with a strong foundation in financial management. With a degree in Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology, he brings a solid understanding of accounting principles and administrative processes. He is passionate about continuous learning and has demonstrated a keen ability to adapt to various accounting tasks. Beyond his professional expertise, he enjoys reading books, listening to music, watching anime, and dancing. His love for knowledge and structured approach to tasks make him a valuable asset in any accounting or administrative role.

Onboarding Training and Assessment
At Affordable Staff, we ensure that every team member possesses a robust understanding of administrative tasks while also having a deep appreciation and comprehension of Australian business practices and cultural nuances. This dual focus ensures they are exceptionally well-prepared to support their clients effectively. All our VAs begin with general admin training that focuses on real estate, providing them with valuable context for working with Australians and a comprehensive overview of general admin competencies. This foundational training ensures that trainees are versatile and capable of supporting a wide range of administrative tasks.

Our training program for Accounts Virtual Assistants (VAs) encompasses a comprehensive suite of topics essential for proficient financial administration. The curriculum begins with foundational bookkeeping tests and a basic accounting refresher, followed by specialised modules on an introduction to Australian accounting and taxation. Trainees delve into business activities and entity reporting within Australia, learn the basics of accounting ledgers, and get acquainted with various accounting software, including Xero and MYOB. The program includes detailed steps for setting up and using these tools, covering everything from bank feeds to payroll compliance and invoice creation. VAs gain hands-on experience by processing various tasks in Xero, ensuring practical application of their learning.

Additionally, the training addresses taxation topics, including types of taxes, regulations, and laws specific to individuals and businesses in Australia. The final segment includes a thorough assessment and certifications in Xero and MYOB, ensuring that trainees are well-prepared for real-world accounting tasks.

This comprehensive approach ensures our VAs are highly skilled in both general administrative support and specialised accounting functions, making them invaluable assets to their clients.

Affordable Staff Tools Training
Tools Training is a crucial part of our training program, ensuring our team members gain proficiency in essential software used in daily operations. Our team members are introduced to LastPass for password management, Outlook for email and calendar organisation, TechSmith for capturing and recording, Hubstaff for time tracking, Zoom and Teams for virtual communication, OneDrive for file management, and Trello for project management.

For those completing our Accounting Foundations course, we place a significant emphasis on Xero and MYOB. Accounting VAs spend considerable time honing their skills through practice and repetition using these tools, ensuring they become highly adept and efficient.

Additional Skills and Notable Experience
He started his career in the accounting department of a healthcare institution, where he was responsible for reconciling monthly bank accounts, verifying daily cashier reports, handling deposits and collections, and creating check disbursements for patient refunds and supplier payments. He also maintained custody of all cash receipts, prepared outstanding check schedules, and recorded appropriate journal entries for cash accounts. His experience in financial reconciliation and administrative processes makes him well-equipped for an accounting support role.

As an existing employee at Affordable Staff, Stephen has been instrumental in handling various accounting and bookkeeping tasks since January 2022. His responsibilities include reviewing and preparing Forms for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, reconciling financial statements, lodging tax returns, issuing invoices, and participating in tax update webinars. Below are Stephen’s responsibilities listed in more detail:

• Email and Workflow Management
• • Managing emails received in the accounts email and responding to inquiries.
  • Handling finance-related emails and ensuring timely responses.
  • Updating workflow records to reflect current project progress and deadlines.
  • Keeping the Draft Final Review list up to date after sending out tax returns to clients.
• Banking and Financial Reconciliation
• • Reconciling transactions of the business bank account to ensure accuracy.
  • Verifying credit card transactions against financial records.
  • Reviewing and balancing bank transactions for the housing maintenance entity.
  • Matching bank transactions with accounting records to maintain accuracy.
  • Processing weekly payments for creditors and ensuring timely settlements.
  • Checking credit and debit card transactions for accuracy and discrepancies.
  • Reviewing and balancing PayPal transactions with the accounting system.
  • Ensuring that clearing accounts are balanced and properly recorded.
• Regulatory and Compliance Processing
• • Preparing and sending annual company statements through the Australian Securities and Investments Commission portal.
  • Reviewing and finalising annual compliance documents for ASIC.
  • Processing and submitting Form 484 for company address updates.
  • Creating and formatting trust distribution minutes for compliance.
  • Writing off uncollectible Work in Progress balances in the accounting system.
  • Reviewing employee timesheets and generating reports for payroll processing.
  • Processing and recording supplier invoices into the accounting system.
• Financial Reporting and Compliance
• • Ensuring compliance with corporate regulations and filing updates with ASIC.
  • Verifying financial statements for accuracy.
  • Submitting tax returns and ensuring clients receive correct invoices.
• Client Communication and Documentation
• • Staying updated with tax regulations through online learning sessions.
  • Notifying clients about tax return deadlines and assessment notices.
  • Sending income tax filings, engagement letters, and other official records.
• Organisation and Administration
• • Reviewing outstanding tasks and financial summaries.
  • Registering new clients and creating new work processes.
  • Organising files and managing client software subscriptions.
• Bookkeeping and Payroll Processing
• • Ensuring employees receive their wages on time and balancing payroll records.
  • Managing and modifying financial accounts for accuracy.
  • Managing business registrations and name transfers.

Learning Ability and Work Proficiency
He is a consistent and independent worker who is highly autonomous and capable of performing tasks with minimal supervision. He has an analytical and structured approach to work, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in financial processes. His strong written communication skills enable him to document processes clearly, while his assertiveness ensures he can engage effectively when necessary. He follows instructions well, especially through hands-on practice and recorded instructional videos, but would benefit from being more proactive in his communication.

Interpersonal Skills and Personal Characteristics
His enthusiastic and sociable nature makes him a positive presence in any team. He is outspoken, assertive, and friendly, fostering good collaboration with colleagues and clients. His meticulous and earnest approach to work ensures that tasks are completed with high attention to detail. With his refined organisational skills and eagerness to take on responsibilities, he is well-suited for an environment that values efficiency and professionalism.

Suitability
Karl is greatly suitable for any general accounts or general administrative position.

Why Karl is Suitable for the Role
His strong foundation in accounting, combined with his experience in financial reconciliation and administrative support, makes him an excellent candidate for an accounting role. His ability to work independently, coupled with his meticulous approach and proficiency in financial processes, ensures he can handle responsibilities efficiently. His adaptability, strong communication skills, and structured work ethic further enhance his suitability for a dynamic and professional environment.