Meet the Team- Accounts Team Leader Kashish Khwaja

How long have you worked for Nant?

I have been at Nant for nearly two years. I joined towards the end of lockdown when social distancing measures were still in place.

What are the main responsibilities in your role?

As team leader I oversee the accounts department, working closely with accounts assistant Amazing Igboanugo.

I look after anything relating to payments in and out of the business which includes sales invoices, credit control, purchase ledger, petty cash and chasing all accounts queries.

I am also responsible for producing the end of month financial statements for senior management.

Every day is different and a new challenge, I love it.

What can be the most challenging parts of the job? How do you address these challenges?

Credit control can be challenging. When we have new clients come on board it can take some time to develop a relationship, learning how we both like to operate and finding a balance that suits both businesses. This can often be time consuming in the beginning of a new relationship.

Our system Regul8 helps with this as it tracks conversations, emails and notes so that all parts of the business can understand where we are at with a customer.

Another challenging area for accounts is end of month. We create end of month financial statements and invoices based on the previous months work. That can be particularly challenging and busy at the start of the next month.

What qualifications or training do you draw upon in the role?

I studied Accounting and Finance at Birmingham City University

I am currently studying for my ACCA Accounting qualification which I am completing alongside my role at Nant. I have three exams left to sit to complete the qualification which I look forward to finishing in 2023.

What jobs did you have before you joined Nant?

After graduating I worked for a facilities management company as an accounts assistant. I worked there for a year until the covid lockdown when my role became redundant.

During lockdown I worked at a covid testing site which I really enjoyed. I worked there for a few months before the role at Nant became available.

What do you enjoy about working for Nant?

Nant is a friendly company to work for. It feels like a family, and we are all really close. Everyone is really understanding both personally and professionally.

I like that the company encourages development. We have internal compliance meetings where we have to review processes and procedures and they are a great way to learn and develop skills.

What is the work-related accomplishment in your career to date that you are most proud of?

Progressing from accounts assistant to accounts team leader in a short space of time is my biggest work- related achievement.

I initially joined Nant as maternity cover and didn’t expect to be with the business long term, let alone oversee a department. The progression has been fantastic, and I have the support of the team around me.

What is the best bit of advice you would give somebody starting at Nant?

Be yourself and always ask questions. Everyone is happy to help even if they work in a different department. Moving to an open plan office has helped to understand each other’s roles better and build relationships.

What are your interests outside of work?

I like socialising and spending time with friends. I also enjoy playing badminton. We set up a Thursday social at work where we play badminton and even went on to playing rounders!

During lockdown I went on a lot of walks and that has continued. Most weekends I will try to explore a different part of the country. I’m always in search of a great sunset on my walks. The best one was Durdle Door in Dorset.

Tell us something nobody would know about you?                                                                            

I have a claim to fame! In 2018 I went home to visit family in Pakistan. My cousin took me to watch a famous TV game show live on Pakistani TV. I was picked to go on stage and play a competition to win a prize