Frequently Asked Questions
How are you different from a regular accountant or bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper keeps the records. An accountant reports on them. We look at the structure underneath both and redesign it so that the reporting makes sense. The team should not be over-reliant on any one person and, the people making decisions should understand the numbers. We’re not here to do the day-to-day, we’re here to make the day-to-day work properly.
We’re already using Sage / Xero / Exchequer / Access Accounts / iplicit / Twinfield / AccountsIQ.
Can you still help?
Yes, in fact, that’s usually where we come in. The software is rarely the problem. What matters is how it’s structured and whether the reports it produces actually mean something to the people reading them. We’re familiar with most systems and have managed migrations between several of them. But we always start with process before we touch the software.
What does the diagnostic review involve?
It’s a focused piece of work, we look at how your system is structured, how reporting flows, where the dependencies and weak points are and what the highest-impact improvements would be. It’s deliberately short and practical. At the end you get a clear picture of where things stand and what we’d recommend.
We’ve had consultants in before and it didn’t go well.
We hear that a lot. Usually what happened is that someone came in, delivered the work, and left. We work differently, we get into the detail with you and we stay involved through the change. The coaching element is as important as the technical element. If the team doesn’t understand why things have changed, the change doesn’t stick.
How long does a typical engagement take?
It varies enormously. A diagnostic might take a few days. A system migration with coaching could be several months. We work at the pace the organisation can absorb. Some of my relationships have run for over a decade, not because the project hasn’t finished but because it evolves. That’s usually a good sign.
Can you give me an example of what you’ve done?
One that comes to mind; I came into Exeter Students’ Guild where the Head of Finance had just left, year-end was approaching, and they’d been let down by another interim at the last minute. Within days we had a clear picture of what needed to happen. I worked alongside the CEO and senior team, presented to trustees, coached the finance team, and helped them through a system transition at the same time. The CEO said she couldn’t believe one person could do half of what we’d done and in the way we’d done it.
What do you charge?
It depends on what’s involved and I’d rather have a proper conversation about what you need before quoting a number that might not reflect the reality. The diagnostic is a low-cost way to start and it gives both of us a much clearer picture of what an engagement would look like.
Do you only work with Students’ Unions and charities?
That’s where most of our work is, yes. It’s a sector that suits how we work, the people care about what they do, they’re often under-resourced in finance, and they really value someone who takes the time to explain things clearly. We’ve also worked with commercial organisations, but Students’ Unions and charities are where we feel most at home.
We’re thinking of changing our finance system.
Where do you start?
We start with understanding how your organisation is actually managed – how decisions get made, what information people need, where the current system lets you down. Once we’re clear on that, the software choice becomes much more straightforward. And you’re far less likely to end up with a new system that replicates the problems of the old one.
What happens after the engagement ends?
We do proper handovers. The goal is that when we leave, the team is more capable and more confident than when we arrived. Most clients stay in touch, and we’re happy to provide ongoing support when it’s needed. Several of our relationships have run for over a decade, not because they need us every week but because it’s useful to have someone who knows your organisation well when something comes up.
