Lucy Cooper's Linkedin Analytics

I became ACCA qualified in 2003 when I was 24, going straight down the professional route after leaving school with good A Levels. Learning the basics ‘hands on’ was always more important to me than a university degree, & so I studied with the Financial Training Company (now Kaplan) alongside full time work. I have worked in practice for over 20 years for a range of small independent firms across Derbyshire & Leicestershire, where I have found flexibility is key, as no two days are ever the same! I am now at a point in my career where I am confident to step away from the traditional accountancy practice, and admit there is a better way for us to help our clients! It is becoming increasingly clear that the once a year chat, rushed partner meeting & ‘paper bag job’ just don’t work any more! We get right into the inner workings of our clients businesses here at Troy. We spend time working alongside them and are often considered an extension to their team, which is great! They can ask us anything & we’ll explain. This nurtures confidence in using software like Xero & Dext, and also streamlines their processes. This in turn produces more meaningful & regular information. We create regular cash flow forecasts, budgets & management reports. We have a detailed chat with clients pre year-end, based on their accounts that are 90% done, to discuss any tax saving opportunities for them. We are accountants who try not to look backwards if we can help it, as none of us are going that way!➡️😊 It is clear to me that the stereotypical practice is out of touch with modern business. Clients come to us consistently wanting the same things. To be treated with respect, to not feel undervalued or unsupported. To understand. Our clients know we have got their back always, it really is that simple! This is the boring experience bit! -Preparation of limited company & sole trader accounts, using both Iris & more often these days Xero Tax software (Xero Gold partners at Troy!) -Audit, including one listed on the Sunday Times PwC Profit Track 100 list -Corporation tax & SA tax computations, also considering any tax planning opportunities -Regular cash flow forecasting, budgeting & management reports communicated with clients -Supporting our very knowledgeable book-keeping & VAT team in more technical areas (eg post Brexit VAT implications) Please take from reading my profile two things. I am NEVER afraid to challenge the status quo of how things are done. Secondly my strongest skill is people, then numbers. I will talk with you on YOUR wavelength, it really is that simple!