What Makes A Business Change Accountants After 122 Years?

Q: What made you think it was time to change your accountants?

“A decade or so ago, changing trading conditions meant that – along with all other print companies, we found ourselves facing unprecedented challenges. As the economic climate got tougher, it became clear that I needed more detailed financial information than I was getting from our accountants. We’d meet once a year for me to sign off our accounts and have a brief discussion about the top line figures, but they were unable to explain things to me in layman’s terms.”

Q: How did you come to select Inca?

“Graham and I met at a networking event and he seemed to be able to explain business finance in a language I was able to understand. He made quite an impression on me, but making the break after more than a century was not an overnight decision, and it was some time later that I felt ready to make a change. I met with several other well-established accounting firms, but in the end felt the company that really understood our needs best, and that I could relate to was Inca. Graham’s business background and his ability to bring the numbers down to my level, explaining them in a jargon-free way, rather than using ‘accounting-speak’ made all the difference.”

Q: How was the transition process?

“One of the key reasons I hesitated about making the move for such a long time, was because I was imagining it would be a time-consuming and tortuous process. In fact, it was extremely straightforward and painless. Inca managed all aspects of the process for us, ensuring it was a smooth transition with no issues whatsoever.”

Q: How do you find the experience of working with Inca?

“We’re far closer to Inca on a day to day basis than we ever were with our previous accountants. Lesley from Inca comes to our office each month to work with our bookkeeper Karen, prepare monthly management accounts which she and I then chat through. This is something we never used to have, and the detailed information they provide ensures we’re always fully aware of our financial position. Our previous arrangement didn’t allow us to try out different things without finding out the financial consequences until at least a year later, but now with monthly information, we’re able to see very quickly how a particular initiative impacts on our profitability.”

“It’s reassuring to know that Graham is just at the end of the phone if I need him. His background means he understands the key drivers in business, and is able to provide practical advice which goes beyond the numbers, and helps me to focus on the areas which will bring about success.”