Our new Managing Partner, James Howard, explores his ambition for the firm to deliver more for its clients than just compliance: instead, accountants should provide a holistic service with practical advice to help businesses achieve their goals.
One of the main areas that I find exciting at work is how the accountancy profession is moving away from compliance work and into a more added value strategic focus service.
Now that I am part of my own accountancy firm I am in a great position to help clients with this and to build on the incredible foundation Neil, Helen and Liz have created to help our clients grow and succeed.
Our broader vision is now centred around expanding services beyond compliance to deliver holistic, strategic advice for businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to high-growth companies, providing board-level support.
I’ve always been passionate about building genuine relationships with clients and being able to make things happen quickly and efficiently for them. I’m looking forward to getting back to working closely with business owners, understanding their goals, and providing practical advice that really makes a difference – helping them grow, protect their business, and achieve their ambitions. This can’t be done by just reviewing the year end accounts and so having regular touch points with clients is so important. After all we would much rather look forwards than backwards.
Being a strategic partner with our clients means that we are better placed to help with real time problems and offer solutions as and when they are needed. This could be anything from forecasts, budgeting, funding applications, tax planning right through to non-executive roles, sitting in on board meetings or even assisting with interviews. One term for this could be a “virtual FD” – someone acting as that sounding board that we all need sometimes.
The current accounting software packages (Xero, QuickBooks etc) are all in position to prepare the reports needed for the end of the year at the click of a few buttons and therefore we need to find areas where we can add value to our clients. It is our belief that it is these strategic partnerships that can achieve this. Sometimes you might just want to WhatsApp your accountant if you have a burning question and I don’t ever want anyone to think that they can’t as they won’t get a response. This is how we can help.
Sysum Howard Duggan’s Head Office remains firmly rooted in Worcestershire, with the firm’s licensed trade work undertaken through its Newmarket office. As a whole, the firm remains committed to nurturing strong relationships, offering expert guidance and helping businesses not just survive, but thrive. This new chapter marks a significant opportunity for both new and existing clients to capitalise on the firm’s strength and expertise.
If your accountant isn’t delivering this level of value to your business, switching is easy. Give the friendly team at Sysum Howard Duggan a call on 01905 622202 for an obligation-free chat.