Most people think of accountants as number-crunching men in suits. A lot of people come to us looking for someone to help do their accounts and tax returns at the end of the year. But did you know that at Seed Accounting Solutions, we do so much more?
The Basics
Accounts and tax returns are a bit like an MOT – a legal minimum requirement. Something that has to be done each year, whether we like it or not. They are also the part of accountancy that is likely to be automated in the next 10 years. It is a relatively complex number-crunching exercise, but not one that couldn’t be done by a machine in the near future. What cannot be done by a computer however, is provide tailored advice, reassurance, peace of mind and a relationship. We truly believe in the power of working WITH our clients to help them achieve their goals and reach what the targets they set for themselves.
Independent and Strategic Advice
Some of our most successful clients take out quarterly review sessions – a one-hour focused and structured session to review the business performance in the previous 3 months, and set an Action Plan with targets for the next 3 months. We provide independent advice to the business owners, helping them see their business in a different light. In these sessions, we incorporate Xero, forecasts, budgets and business plans to analyse the information, and cut through the jargon.
Business Development
Sometimes we are required to create a forecast for finance applications, or create a Business Plan with a new client to help them stay on track and achieve their goals. We might provide some additional Xero training, or Financial Awareness coaching to help business owners manage their business finances better. Sometimes a business is at a crossroads, and the owners want to see what happens to their cash if they make various decisions (taking on team members, restructuring their team, increasing their prices, growing their client base, taking on some finance and so on).
What you need to look for in an accountant
That traditional view of an accountant in suit breaking the bad news 9 months after your year end that you have a huge tax bill that is due in the next 3 days is well and truly (and, thankfully!) in the past. Make sure you find an accountant that you can relate to, who you get on with, and can help you achieve what you want. It doesn’t have to be us – we are just one of many accountancy practices choosing to do things differently, and break away from.
Book in your free Discovery Call with us, and see how Seed Accounting Solutions can help your small business flourish. You can also find out more about our services here.