Izz Whizzdom: Learn from the Experts series. Why it’s More Than Just the Numbers with Elizabeth Stanley, founder of SF Accounts Limited.
I am delighted to feature a guest blog from someone who is not only a respected member of my network but also a good friend of many, many years - Liz Stanley of SF Accounts Limited. The struggle with the juggle as a small business owner is very real, and it’s all too easy to let your finances slip to the bottom of your never-ending to-do list. In this blog, Liz shares her passion for being far "more than just the numbers," for her clients. Offering an approachable, jargon-free look at how SF Accounts Limited helps business owners navigate their finances from payroll through to year end accounts. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by paperwork or just need a little extra confidence to manage your finances, Liz’s insights, and ultimately her practical, caring support, are the perfect remedy. Read on to discover how you can remove the fear from your finances and realise that you truly don’t have to do it alone.
Running a business can sometimes feel lonely. There is always something else to think about, whether it is customers, suppliers, staff or the next deadline. Your finances can easily become one more thing sitting at the bottom of the to do list, simply because you do not know where to start.
We see this more often than you might think.
Not long ago, a gentleman walked into our office carrying a briefcase full of paperwork. He looked nervous and admitted he did not really know what he was bringing or whether he had everything we needed. Before we even opened the case, we showed him the beautiful view across Beechwood Park and spent a few minutes getting to know him and his business.
By the time we started looking through the paperwork, the atmosphere had completely changed. We talked everything through together, answered his questions and explained the next steps in plain English. When he left, he was smiling.
Nothing had magically disappeared from the briefcase. The difference was that he no longer felt like he was carrying the responsibility on his own. From that moment, it became our responsibility too.
That is why SF Accounts Limited exists.
Every business is different, so our approach is never one size fits all.
We take the time to understand you and your business before offering advice. Whether you need help with bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, Self Assessment, year end accounts, tax planning or support as a sole trader, limited company or Community Interest Company, our advice is always tailored to you.
Our first piece of advice is simple. Ask questions. There is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your finances. Asking before making a decision is always easier than trying to put things right afterwards.
There are also a few things every business owner should know. Never share your Government Gateway login details with anyone, including your accountant. As your authorised agent, we have our own secure access to deal with HMRC on your behalf, keeping your information safe and ensuring everything is submitted correctly.
Another question we hear regularly is about expenses. A good example is a bag. A laptop bag bought purely for carrying your work equipment could be an allowable business expense. An everyday handbag used for work, shopping and everything else would not be. Every situation is different, so if you are unsure, just ask before you buy.
The best relationships with our clients are built on trust.
We become part of your support network, someone you can call when something does not make sense or an HMRC letter lands on the doormat. You are never expected to have all the answers before picking up the phone.
That is why we always offer a free consultation, either in person or online, whichever works best for you. Our aim is not simply to prepare accounts or submit tax returns. It is to remove the fear from finance, give you confidence and help you realise that you do not have to do it alone.
Sometimes the biggest difference we make is not saving tax or meeting a deadline. It is seeing someone walk out of our office feeling lighter than when they walked in.
What is the one thing that has been sitting on your to do list for far too long? Let's talk it through together over a free consultation. You might leave feeling just as relieved as so many of our clients do.
Call 01633 386082
