“I ended up with more money in my pocket than I had planned”

Amanda started her business in September 2022. She provides admin services such as paperwork, maintaining CRM systems, electronic filing, diary management and inbox monitoring. She also delivers day-to-day bookkeeping activities for clients.

How did you start your business?

“I worked for an investment property investment company for over 22 years, but I was made redundant. It was not a complete surprise as I had been working for the company part time from home for eight years. I did not want to go back into full-time employment and I definitely didn't want to go back to working in an office, so it seemed like a natural progression to set myself up as a virtual assistant.

“I absolutely love running my business and it is the best thing I have ever done. It is easy to think ‘should I have done it sooner?’, but I think things happen for a reason and if I had done it sooner, I might not be doing as well as I am now and learnt as much as I have.”

Why did you decide to start working with TaxAssist?

“I set myself up as a limited company and I needed an accountant to help me with my annual accounts and self-assessment.

“I was recommended to use TaxAssist Accountants by someone who had met the company through networking.

“I had met another accounting firm through networking, and I was going to go with them. When it came to price, there was no difference in the two quotes, but it was the fact that when I met my TaxAssist Accountants face-to-face I really liked them that swung my decision. It is also great that they are based on my local high street and I can go to see them whenever I want.”

How has TaxAssist benefitted your business?

“When I was putting the information together for my self-assessment tax return, My TaxAssist Accountant called and asked if I had taken any dividends. I had not, so they advised me that I should. As a result, with a not very large salary at the time and after an unexpected phone call I ended up with more money in my pocket than I had planned!

“My accountant regularly calls me to check if everything is ok, and is always there on email, on the phone or in person if I have any questions.

“I love the fact that I can phone TaxAssist and say: ‘I'm sorry if I'm being daft but I've got no idea what this is about’. They do not make me feel daft and they will answer my question.

“TaxAssist recommended I use QuickBooks accounting software so they can sign into my account to check my figures and share advice which is very useful.

“I would hate to be working with an accountant who was very stuffy and didn’t communicate in a friendly and personal way.”

What is your advice for managing finances and cash flow?

“You should have a cash flow forecast that you set up yourself or get your accountant to help you with. This is necessary so you can see what money is coming into your business and what money is going out.”

Date published 15 Sep 2023 | Last updated 20 Mar 2024