Accountants, at a rudimentary level, are here to make sure their clients comply with the law in terms of financial management and meeting HMRC requirements and deadlines.
However, there is so much more to be gained by working closely with your accountant as an extension of your business to provide support through start up, growth, and all the ups and downs that come in-between!
We are going to showcase some of our clients in the next few months and we start with Katrina Cliffe, founder and Managing Director of KC Communications, a Marketing Consultancy in our home town of Huddersfield.
Take a look at Katrina's journey with us:
A Positive Start - “I was aware of Sheards being able to manage my self-assessment and company requirements such as tax returns and VAT, but I was wanting more than this. I wanted an Accountancy firm to be able to help me get more financial insight into management accounts and be able to make more informed decisions. I soon realised they went the extra mile and could provide much more than the basics! I had already been suing accounting software, however I wasn't taking full advantage of the information available and that's where they could help me.”
A Seamless Transition - 'To enable us to start from a strong position, the previous years' accounts were reviewed and any anomalies were addressed. Both Kevin and Zoe have been wonderful during the transition process and have helped me to understand my obligations for Making Tax Digital and auto-enrolment.'
Peace of Mind – 'My accounts are completed and filed well ahead of deadline and I am able to ensure that cash flow is there when the tax bill arrives. Payroll and VAT are handed swiftly with minimal input from me.'
Clear Insight – 'At the start of each financial year, we set a forecast for the upcoming year. Then when Sheards do my quarterly management accounts, we measure actual business performance against that. This helps me greatly with my decision making, such as when the right time to recruit might be.'
Ongoing Support – 'I also benefit from a quarterly business support group with other Sheards clients and have access to third party training and development. I am part of the mentoring group with Business Coach and Mentor, Natasha McCreesh, which is invaluable. This is an example of where I feel Sheards are different to other accountants and give me much more added value and business advice. They aren't purely about the numbers!'
Bright Future – 'I'm now at a point where I speak to Sheards before any major decision and I look forward to our quarterly meetings to review where we are, discuss my ideas and get really sound advice from people I trust, who are experts in what they do.'
If you would like to chat with us to see how we can help you, then contact us for further information, and let us help you have a bright future!
Look out for some more client case-studies like Katrina's and more useful information by signing up to our newsletter at the bottom of the link here.