SJD Accountancy is a firm that should be happy about at least one set of figures in 2009: the organisation has moved up the Best Companies list from 41st position in 2008 to 26th this year. The company, based in Hemel Hempstead and with seven other offices, provides tax and accountancy services to contractors, freelancers and other small businesses. With 111 employees, it aims for a low-stress environment, with an empty office before 9am and after 5pm, and an hour for lunch. Staff give SJD Accountancy its best marks for Wellbeing, with a top 10 positive score of 80% overall. They haven't suffered work-related stress in the past year (89%), aren't under too much pressure to concentrate (81%) and are happy with the balance of work and home life (79%). The firm must have one of the shortest working weeks in the survey, with team members doing an average 35 hours and senior managers about 40. “If we are busy, we simply employ more staff,” is the explanation. There are some light-hearted touches in how SJD Accountancy presents itself, with one handy calculator on its website showing you how long it will take to become a millionaire by saving. Fourteen people have been at the company for more than five years including Simon Dolan, managing director for the past 16 years. Managers are open and honest (87%), supportive (88%) and help employees to fulfil their potential (81%). Meanwhile, whatever HMRevenue & Customs decides to do with its tax deadlines, those at SJD are realistic (82%), and staff don't feel they are taken advantage of either (79%). Account managers are paid a typical £33,000 and people feel fairly paid for their responsibilities (75%). More than 50% of new customers are referred by existing clients, and there is good career progression. A regional director and the senior client liaison manager both started on reception.
