Sit down for 5 minutes with our founder…
What inspired you to start your own business?
During my experience working for accountancy firms, a major challenge that we faced every day was poorly kept client records.
In most cases even when our clients hired finance staff, the work was incomplete and the staff generally didn’t have the required experience and knowledge. We had to correct errors and spend a lot of time figuring it out, and it ended up costing clients a lot of money through no fault of their own.
Therefore, I was well placed to see a gap in the market and an opportunity, knowing what mid-tier accountancy firms need and expect from their clients.
What do you charge?
In professional services, time is the valuable commodity and is usually charged by the hour. Every business will want or need different levels of input, so the amount of work – and therefore the cost – is different for every business.
What accounting software can you use?
In order to get the most value from your system, you need to be working with the best accounting software. We use Xero exclusively, and integrate various apps and tech to it where necessary to deliver exactly what’s needed.
We have experience in migrating businesses from other accounting software to Xero, and can work with any software in the short term whilst we prepare for the upgrade to Xero.
In 2017 I became certified as an advisor with Xero and have maintained my certification ever since. SWBK is a Xero Certified Silver Partner Practice which means we have access to the latest software updates and features that regular Xero users don’t get to see.
Can you provide your services online or remotely?
Yes – absolutely. Using online ‘cloud’ accounting platforms such as Xero, we can set you up and maintain your business’s financial records remotely. I understand that you may wish to meet in person from time to time to discuss the results – this is an important part of the process and as a relationship led service, this is really important. We can work to fit in with your requirements.
What qualifications do you have?
In 2016 I qualified as a Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) after several years of study alongside working full time for a firm in Taunton. I have been a full member ever since – that is what the letters MAAT stand for after my name.
SWBK is an AAT Licenced Accountancy Practice with a licence to complete a range of accountancy services to the general public.
What do you love most about your job?
Getting involved in a variety of different businesses in different industries and adding value to what has been typically been viewed as an administrative function. There is no limit to what proper accounting data can be used for and the most rewarding thing is seeing how much value it can bring.
Do you have insurance?
Yes. SWBK is covered by professional indemnity insurance which protects the business and gives you peace of mind that the service you’re getting is first class.
Why is it so important for businesses to hire someone to do the finance properly?
The role of an accountant has traditionally been backward facing: looking at data that is at least several months old and is useless in terms of being used to make informed business decisions. With access to better tech and working within a tighter commercial landscape, that role has changed and we can now do better. To get the most from your business you need real time financial reporting information, and there is no reason not to have it.
Where are you located and which areas do you cover?
The whole of the South West, so from Bristol all the way down to Cornwall. I am based in a town called Wellington in Somerset which has easy access to the M5 and beyond. I have clients based in all corners of the South West.
Is my business too big or too small?
Every business has an accountancy requirement, regardless of its size, so there is no business that is ‘too small’. Most larger sized businesses will have finance departments, therefore we aim to work with any business that doesn’t have – but needs – its own in-house finance function.
We are familiar with all business structures – from sole traders, partnerships and single director companies right through to corporate group structures – so we can work with businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Have a question that isn’t covered in the Q&A?
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