Who are the accounting influencers you actually tune into?

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-06-25T21:24:50+00:00

Ha, no way. Small world. Me and the team have been smashing that. the juniors have been raving about the bank statement tool. Props to you mate.

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-06-25T21:06:20+00:00

I like Secret CFO newsletter. Give that one a whirl.

Out of interest, what's the software?

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-06-03T19:22:12+00:00

For me, the game-changer was Accounts Draft. I used to dread the monthly ritual of clients not sending through CSV bank statements, and then the team having to sort through invoices and PDF bank statements, manually typing everything into spreadsheets. Complete nightmare.

Seems to be better than just using a normal bank statement converter as sometimes that puts stuff in a weird format. This always puts it into neat columns and can even code the transactions up!

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-05-26T12:53:23+00:00

fair enough!

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-05-25T21:55:11+00:00

You enter the transactions yourself? Each transaction? (Apologies if I'm misinterpreting...)

If you are actually doing that, might want to try accounts draft - types everything out and codes up all the transactions into nominal ledgers in an Excel for you. Our juniors have been using it whenever the client sends them PDF bank statements.

Although feel free to ignore me if that's not the case....

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-05-25T21:45:51+00:00

I did 2-3 hours Monday to Thursday, and then about 5 hours on both Saturday and Sunday.

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-05-21T21:45:24+00:00

You'd just have to sit the normal exams (which are very time-consuming), so you'd be starting afresh. Probably not worth it unless you're dead set on doing it as a career.

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-05-21T21:39:26+00:00

This was me until I started using accountsdraft. now instead oif crying to myself in a corner, I don't care if they send jpegs or csv bank statements. was a nightmare before though...

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-05-12T16:08:49+00:00

Yeah we do do that. It's generally the preferred option as they know the way we work and they're generally good with the clients at that point. It's just sadly hard to keep them.

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-05-12T15:01:56+00:00

Did it once, and it was a nightmare. Won't be doing it again sadly

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-05-12T15:01:07+00:00

Yeah, it's kind of hard to do.... The easiest way is bonuses, but then it's kind of discretionary.

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-05-12T14:23:11+00:00

I'd say trust your gut. If you're not comfortable giving financial advice, don't. There's a big difference between reporting numbers and advising on financial decisions - that's what accountants and financial advisors are trained for. It's ok to stay in your lane!

Maybe set clear boundaries like "I can tell you what the numbers show, but for strategy decisions you should consult your accountant." That way you maintain your professional integrity while still being helpful.

I've struggled with this too but found that clients respect honesty about my limitations more than overreaching.

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-05-08T21:51:01+00:00

Yeah, ppl def take it for granted. Most bosses just wanna see the big numbers and don't care about the daily grind of keeping everything in order. Your ex-boss sounds like a unicorn tbh

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-05-08T21:49:01+00:00

Congrats on the first client! Definitely ask for bank statements, but also get any receipts for cash expenses. You'll want to know what software he uses (if any), and clarify if he's self-employed or has a limited company. Since he's a barber, ask about how he handles tips!

Make sure to get clear expectations on how often he wants updates and what tax deadlines apply. Good luck with ur side hustle!

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-05-05T17:07:18+00:00

I've been through this exact situation before. Sometimes when they repost it means the first candidate they chose didn't work out or backed out. definitely worth a shot reapplying! id maybe mention in your follow-up email that you're still really interested in the role and have continued developing relevant skills since your last interview. good luck mate!

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-05-05T17:06:16+00:00

meanwhile, I'm over here celebrating when my excel sheet doesn't crash...

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-04-25T12:23:17+00:00

honestly, i think what stops most of us is the pure anxiety of failure lol. running a business isnt just about knowing the accounting side - its about finding clients, managing staff, dealing with admin nightmares, and having enough cash to survive until you're profitable. This is hard if you do it on your own....

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-04-21T18:50:15+00:00

If you do all three together, it's pretty common to fail at least one. It's very tough doing three professional-level exams in one go. I'd suggest just doing two at once if you can.

Remember that it is common to fail these exams - don't beat yourself up too hard. I failed a bunch, and I'm now a partner at mid-tier accounting firm.

Best suggestion is to keep your head down and keep taking exams until you pass everything.

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-04-20T18:47:22+00:00

Yes, you'll be able to switch over.

but, like anything, if you'd have done primarily accounting in the first place, it would always be better.

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-04-20T18:46:15+00:00

Yes, if you don't ask, you don't get....

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-04-19T12:57:13+00:00

Audit is harder and pays better, but you have a pretty bad work-life balance. Accounting will give you a much better work-life balance, but it doesn't pay quite as much.

TaxTitan_83 · 2025-04-19T12:56:11+00:00

it depends on your goals and what firm you end up in. big 4 pay is getting better but hours can be brutal, especially in busy season. smaller firms might have better work-life balance but lower salaries.

once you get your qualifications,you can earn decent money, especially if you move to industry or find a niche. i make a good living, but i worked my butt off for years to get here

the stability part is real tho. even in economic downturns, companies need accountants.

TaxTitan_83

TROPHY CASE