SOFIE DEGUELDRE (Segment manager single-person entrepreneurs)

Team member in the spotlight:

Satisfied & happy clients as motivation

How long have you been working at VDN&P? 
For quite some time now! I started at VDN&P as a job student in 2009. In 2010 I was there again for my internship and then I was hired right away.  

I started at the bottom of the ranks, as a file manager.  Over the years I have gone through all positions, today I am segment manager of the single-person entrepreneurs team. VDN&P gave me the opportunity to further expand my tax knowledge through tax college, after which I became part of the tax team. I then evolved to the position of manager, supported by external partners and various trainings.

What does your job consist of?  
I mainly take care of guiding and coaching my team members. In addition, I also take up the role of advisor and help reflecting on operations within the office. On a typical working day, I am mostly busy answering questions - mainly by phone or e-mail - from both clients and colleagues and preparing and holding meetings/conversations with clients (checking the balance, possible optimizations, ...). Keeping the right balance is quite a challenge but also fun and exciting.

A good portion ‘GBV’

What are important skills in your job? 
Excellent accounting and tax knowledge are of course the foundation, but good soft and people skills are also needed. And further: a good portion of 'Gezond BoerenVerstand', as we call it at VDN&P: common sense and a good gut feeling. As a manager you have to be prepared to strive for perfection but at the same time maintain a sense of realism about what is achievable and what is not. 

I am proud of the fact that someone on my team has also moved on to a managerial position himself. The growth of the employees within my team is a confirmation to me that I am doing a good job in my role model and in the way I handle things within my team.

Can you give us an example of a challenging project? 
I remember a client whose turnover was fixed by the tax authorities, which resulted in six years in a row of audits and high taxes, VAT and social contributions. It was quite a job during the audits to keep the results as favorable as possible. In the end, we decided to take the client out of the fixed-rate and declare the actual turnover. Although this led to a higher result, thanks to optimizations we ensured that the client ultimately received a tax refund, within the legal framework.  Being able to accomplish that for a client is what makes it so rewarding.  

What do you like about it? 
Satisfied clients are my main motivation; making them happy with the results of our advice gives me satisfaction. I find it special that I can help my clients get the most out of their business and thus play an active role in realizing their entrepreneurial dreams.

‘Empowerment’ is important in the corporate culture'

What makes VDN&P special? 
I particularly appreciate the flexibility, good work-life balance and appreciation for our efforts. At VDN&P, there is space for personal growth and development. Empowerment is also an important aspect of the company culture, everyone is encouraged to share ideas, show initiative and work together constructively. And last but not least, the good atmosphere. 
For example, great moments of relaxation during the lunch break are possible in our basement area with kicker and ping-pong table, darts, ..... Activities such as game nights are also organized after work.  

What would you say to someone considering joining VDN&P?
At Van Den Neste & Partners, you will find a stimulating and supportive work environment where you are encouraged to share your ideas, show initiative and collaborate with a talented and passionate team. It's a place where you'll have the opportunity to grow, both professionally and personally, and where integrity and collaboration are highly valued. If you are looking for an environment where you are valued and have the opportunity to make an impact, Van Den Neste & Partners could be a great fit for you.