FAQ
Common questions
Straight answers to what directors usually ask before we work together. If yours isn’t here, bring it to a free call.
15 questions · Updated October 2026
Topics
How it works
What is a fractional finance director?
Someone who does the job of a finance director for your business on a part-time, ongoing basis. You get cash flow forecasting, management accounts, margin work and one person who knows your numbers, without the cost of a full-time senior hire.
It suits businesses that have outgrown a once-a-year accountant but don’t need a finance director in the building every day. See how the FD Model works.
How is this different from my current accountant?
Most accountants look at your business once a year, after the event, to prepare accounts and a tax return. I do that too, but I also work with your numbers through the year so they help you decide things while it still matters: whether to take on a contract, make a hire, or chase a debt now.
Is my business ready for this?
Usually, yes, if the books are accurate and the returns go in on time but you still don’t feel in control of the numbers. Common signs are cash feeling tighter than the profit suggests, two or three systems that never quite agree, or pricing and hiring decisions made on gut feel.
If it’s too early for you, I’ll say so on the call.
Who will I actually deal with?
Me. I run Precision on my own, so the person who prepares your numbers is the person who answers your call. There’s no account manager in between, and no explaining your business to someone new each year.
What happens if you’re unavailable?
Your records live in cloud accounting software that you own and can always get into, with the working papers filed alongside, so nothing sits only in my head. Deadlines are planned well ahead rather than left to the last week.
For a longer absence, I have a cover arrangement with another qualified practitioner, and it’s set out in your engagement letter.
Services
What do you actually do?
Tax, accounts and compliance, plus the finance director work on top: corporation tax and self assessment, year-end accounts, VAT returns, payroll and CIS, management accounts, cash flow forecasting, margin analysis and KPI reporting.
Most clients have a mix of these, agreed at the start and reviewed as the business changes.
Can I come to you with a one-off question?
Yes. Plenty of questions are too important to ignore but too small to justify a big bill. Bring them. I’ll tell you whether it’s something you can relax about or something to act on, and if it needs a specialist, I’ll say so and point you to the right person.
Which sectors do you work with?
Most of my work is in five areas: e-commerce and online retail, transport and logistics, CIS construction, salons, clinics and booking-based businesses, and charities.
The first four are where I’ve done the most work. Charity is an area I’m deliberately building. If your business sits outside these, ask anyway, because the core work is the same.
Which accounting software do you use?
Mainly Xero, connected to whatever else you run: e-commerce platforms, booking systems, payroll and bank feeds. If you’re on something else, we’ll talk about whether moving is worth it, and when.
Can you deal with HMRC for me?
Yes. As your agent I can speak to HMRC about your tax, VAT, payroll and CIS, and I handle enquiries and compliance checks from the first letter to the close. If HMRC gets in touch, send it to me before you reply.
Got something specific on your mind?
Tell me what’s going on and you’ll get a straight answer.
Fees
How much does it cost?
A fixed monthly fee, agreed before any work starts and based on what your business needs, not hours logged. You can see the starting points in the pricing section.
Questions you send during the month are covered, so there’s no reason to think twice before picking up the phone.
Getting started
What happens on the free call?
We talk about where the business is now, what’s working and what’s on your mind. There’s no preparation needed and no obligation, and you don’t need your numbers in order first.
By the end, you’ll know whether I can help and what that would look like.
How do I move from my current accountant?
It’s simpler than most people expect. Once you’ve signed an engagement letter, I contact your current accountant for professional clearance and the records I need to take over. It’s a standard process between accountants, so you don’t need an awkward conversation. I’ll also set up agent access with HMRC.
Do we need to meet in person?
Not unless you’d like to. I work with businesses around Worcester, Cheltenham and Stroud and I’m happy to meet in person, especially at the start. Most of the ongoing work runs online, so being further away isn’t a problem.
Are you qualified and regulated?
Yes. I’m a Fellow of the Association of Accounting Technicians (FMAAT) and a member of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT). I hold professional indemnity insurance and the practice is supervised for anti-money laundering, as every UK practice must be.
Question not on the list?
Big or small, bring it. You’ll get a straight answer on whether to act now or relax.
Worcester · Cheltenham · Stroud
Question not on the list?
Big or small, bring it. You’ll get a straight answer on whether to act now or relax.
Worcester · Cheltenham · Stroud
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