Andrew Heelin celebrates 45 years at Shorts

A massive congratulations to Andrew Heelin, as this month he celebrates 45 years at Shorts.  On 24th June 1974 India were all out for 42 in the Test cricket at Lord’s, and a young Andrew Heelin was starting his first day at work for Saml. Edwd. Short & Co.   Andrew is now the Accounts Director for Shorts and has many tales to tell about his time with the firm.

We asked him for a few memories to mark the occasion;

“I’m honoured and privileged to have achieved 45 years’ service at such a prestigious firm as Shorts, who are the leading Accountants and Business Advisers in North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.

Looking back over my time, as one can imagine, I have seen many changes. In no particular order here is a list of changes which readily spring to mind:

• Premises – from decaying Dickensian on Gluman Gate to Fairfield Road to our current modern head office in Chesterfield and similar premises in Sheffield
• Name of the firm – from Saml. Edwd. Short & Co to S E Short & Co to Shorts as we are now known
• Partners – from Reg Birley, Jim Briar, John Bown and Frank Stewart when I started (who are all now retired) to the present time, where we now have a total of 16 partners and directors
• Technology – from adding machines to calculators to computers.  I believe the first barcode was invented by Wrigleys in the States not long after I started working, which was probably the beginning of the technological age.
• Client records and books - form double entry manual book keeping to computer programs / software / spreadsheets although we still do have the odd old fashioned ‘carrier bag’ approach on occasions
• Legislation and taxation – so many changes such as the following: The introduction of Making Tax Digital, Stock relief, withdrawal of cash basis for professional firms, the introduction of UITF40, the roll out of self-assessment which introduced the concept of overlap profits come to mind as a few examples and yes I can remember graduated contributions in addition to national insurance
• Reporting requirements – the many changes in the presentation of company accounts, the filing of VAT returns and EC sales lists
• Reporting timing deadlines - for accounts for both incorporated and unincorporated businesses as well as tax returns, VAT and PAYE including late filing penalties
• Approach to work – changes in the way ‘audits’ are processed including the recording of work completed from proper planning to completion meetings

I have also seen clients both big and small come and go but there are still a large hand full who are still with Shorts since my career started. I like to think that this is because of Shorts reputation for being proactive and looking after clients. We also have the right number and calibre of staff to provide a first class service across all areas.

I am proud to be the longest serving employee currently at Shorts and I can only hope that the remainder of my career is as happy, interesting and challenging with my 'second' family.”

Other recent news:

• Top Hats and Tiaras at Shorts
• Radius team celebrate growth with the promotion of Tom Whitworth
• Shorts Chartered Accountants