A few months ago, we welcomed a new client — although technically, he wasn’t new to us.
We’d spoken a couple of years earlier, when he was starting to professionalise his finance function. At the time, he chose to keep it in-house, hiring an accountant to manage it all.
Unfortunately, that decision came back to bite him.
The accountant could handle the basics. But when it came to upgrading systems, tightening processes or providing the strategic insight the business needed at the £1m+ stage — he simply wasn’t equipped.
And guess who ended up picking up the slack?
Every week, the business owner was knee-deep in loan applications, second-guessing his accountant’s work, and wrestling with buggy accounting software. He was effectively managing the finance function himself — despite hiring someone else to do it.
When he came back to us, he was drained.
“I don’t want to be an accountant,” he told me. “I just want to understand the numbers — and what they mean for the business.”
I hear this more often than you’d think.
Over the years, we’ve worked with countless business owners who find themselves entangled in their company’s finances — even though they don’t have the background, the skills or frankly, the interest.
Sometimes it’s an attempt to save money. Like the couple I’ll never forget, who spent every weekend slogging through their accounts (badly) to avoid hiring help. They had no free time, and their numbers were a mess.
Other times, it’s down to loyalty. They’re working with someone who’s no longer right for the role — but rather than make a change, they step in to compensate.
And while I respect that loyalty…
…the result is usually the same.
The finance function limps along. Business owners waste hours on tasks that a good accountant could handle faster and better. And worst of all, they’re distracted from the real work they’re good at — namely, growing their business.
It’s like me deciding to run my company’s IT. Sure, it’s crucial — but if I took it over, it would be a disaster. I’m not an IT expert. And frankly, it would be a terrible use of my time.
If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation — too involved in the finance function, unsure who to trust, and distracted by tasks you never signed up for — we can help.
Our team of outstanding accountants can take full ownership of your finance function, from bookkeeping and management accounts to strategic finance director support.
We’ve helped hundreds of businesses like yours implement the systems and structure they need to run their finances like a well-oiled machine. You’ll get regular, accurate reports and clear forecasts — and we’ll work with you to ensure you understand what the numbers are telling you, so you can make confident decisions.
Your job is to grow the business. Our job is to make sure your finances actively support that growth.
Let’s talk — and get you out of the spreadsheets, for good.
Simply email garry@insightassociates.co.uk or call us on 01279 647 447 to talk to us about your accounting needs – and how we can work together.
Warmly,
Garry
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