Simmons Gainsford (part of Sumer Group) is a well-established and leading firm of Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors, known for delivering high-quality, partner-led services to entrepreneurial businesses, owner-managed companies and private individuals. With a strong reputation for technical excellence and a personable, client-focussed approach, the firm offers a supportive and professional working environment.
The role will be based in our Uckfield office and is a varied administrative position that combines front-of-house responsibilities with broader office and Personal Assistant (PA) support. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the office, providing reception cover when required while also supporting the Facilities & Business (FB) function and PA team. This position would suit someone who is highly organised, adaptable and enjoys working in a client-facing role alongside general administrative support.
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Providing reception cover as required, including meeting, greeting and liaising with clients
- Operating the switchboard and managing incoming calls
- Diary management and scheduling meetings
- Booking meetings and preparing boardrooms
- Assisting with client invoicing and credit notes
- Drafting Letters of Engagement
- Supporting fire safety and health & safety procedures
- Ordering stationary and office equipment
- Preparing refreshments for meetings
- Printing, scanning, photocopying, filing and document binding
- Supporting ad hoc projects and administrative tasks
- Undertaking errands as reasonably required
- Providing general administrative support as needed
Please note: the above duties are not exhaustive and may vary as required
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High attention to detail, with the ability to adapt to a changing environment
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities
- Strong IT skills, with an intermediate working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
- Effective time management and prioritisation skills
Desirable:
- Previous experience in a secretarial or administrative role within Professional Services
- Experience using relevant software packages such as CCH or CoAct
At Sumer, we know everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we’re committed to fairness, removing barriers, and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.
Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:
- We Shine Together
- We Do the Right Thing
- We Make It Count
We know diverse teams make us stronger. That’s why we’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.
Our size and ethos means that we have a natural empathy with entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses. Our client base is diverse and includes media, entertainment, retail, property, hospitality, manufacturing, recruitment, lawyers and charities. Our remit is to solve problems and create solutions so the compliance work – such as audits and tax returns – is complemented by creative business and strategic planning.
We have grown steadily over the years but not to an extent that we don’t know one another. We’re fortunate in that we have the following teams: Audit & Accounts, Corporate, Personal and Indirect Tax, Bookkeeping, Payroll, IT, HR and Internal Accounts so we can all work together to help businesses as we offer a wide range of advice and solutions.
We enjoy what we do, we love being challenged and we are always striving to improve. We’re not going to deny that it can be a demanding environment at times – but that’s a great one in which to learn and grow stronger in our knowledge – and we don’t have a late hours’ culture.
Our Partners and Managers are approachable, incredibly supportive and dedicated to providing an individual career and personal development path for all our staff. Many of them began as trainees themselves so they understand the journey ahead for our new trainees as they mentor them.
We offer CPD training throughout the year as it’s important that our clients receive the most up to date and relevant advice, and our staff are continuously learning so they are empowered by their knowledge. There is always the opportunity for individuals to suggest any ad hoc courses.
We are a sociable bunch too! As well as our annual firm-wide seasonal events, we have a social club who think of even more innovative ways to have fun throughout the year.
We also like to keep everyone updated – and share ideas – by having regular team briefings, employee focus groups and staff meetings.
