Services
Preparing Year End Accounts
As an accountant I take your records and as you would expect, convert them into the year end financial statements. However I am commercial and understand the implications that these accounts have on tax, credit ratings and banking reviews. I like clients to work with me to get their accounts to be as accurate as possible and to tell the correct story. I therefore discuss the figures and their presentation with clients.
I make sure I have highlighted areas of concern and have the correct understanding of the transactions that make up the accounts. As a Devon based accountant I know small business accounting is about more than the numbers.
I hear horror stories of business owners not being aware that their accounts have a problem with them. If there is an accounting or tax issue with your accounts I will have brought it to your attention and discussed ways to minimise its impact.
Start-ups
Start-ups: If you are thinking about taking that step to start running your own business I can help make the road as smooth as possible.
There is little point in spending your time researching the information I already know. I have forty five years experience – use it! I will happily meet-up with you for an initial free 1 hour consultation to discuss your business idea. It can all be a bit confusing and overwhelming but I have been there for 100s of clients, helping them to set-up and become establish.
I will talk you through the following:
- The best trading vehicle: limited company or sole trader.
- VAT and Making Tax Digital (MTD)
- Online accounts packages and why we prefer Xero
- Filing deadlines
- Tax due dates
I can then incorporate your company for you, apply for VAT registration and PAYE registration (if you are going to employ staff straight away).
Preparing Tax Returns
Preparing tax returns and filing them is part of the standard work of an accountant. You need to know how much tax is owed and when it is due to be paid.
In tax there are a lot of grey areas. Without an informed tax accountant steering you through this minefield you may well get it wrong or at least worry that that was the case. I will give you peace of mind. As you work with me I will take the worry out of tax and make sure your tax returns are filed promptly and that you have as much warning as possible about the tax you owe.
As a local Account I do not divorce your personal tax position from that of your business. For example I see no point in saving your company 19% tax if you have to then pay 40% (or more) tax. I look at you and your business as a single entity and my advice takes you, your family and your business into consideration.
Financial Help
Every director has a legal responsibility to make sure that their limited company keeps accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the company. You are not an accountant, but I am and from our offices in Devon, using the Cloud, I can assist you in fulfilling this obligation.
I offer a menu approach so you take as many or few services as you require. I can perform these on a regular basis or on a one-off basis as and when you require them.
The services I offer are:
- management accounts
- business advice
- cash flow monitoring
- forecasts
- payroll
- pension auto enrolment
- VAT returns
- bookkeeping
- company secretary services
I like to use technology as much as possible. To that end I recommend cloud accounting solutions. I can therefore access your accounting information on a regular basis and be more informed so provide better advice and assistance to you.
I believe strongly in using everyday words when I talk to our clients. I have heard stories of accountants shouting at and bullying clients, as well as talking down to them and confusing them. I am not like that at all. I try to avoid jargon and love dialogue with my clients.
I like technology: there are a number of cloud accounting packages out there, for example Xero, they may be better suited for your business than the usual easy suggestion of most accountants. I am also prepared to communicate with my clients not only via emails but with tweets and texts, though when necessary I can also use a formal letter signed off with an ink pen!
Ultimately every client is different. You all have different concerns and aspirations. I always remember that you have a choice. I am passionate about my clients, I want the best for you and I want to get excited about your business. I will set out different options that resolve your issues, I will say what I will do if I were you, but ultimately it is your business, the choice is yours and I respect that.