Adfin was the easiest thing I set up in my entire practice: cost-effective, simple, and it just works.
In the spotlight this week is Beth, who swapped a decade in fashion buying at Marks & Spencer for life as an accountant. Bringing a sharp commercial focus and a love of speed, she’s built a modern, tech-driven practice with a personal touch - starting with direct debits from day one and making Adfin one of her easiest (and most impactful) tools.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into accounting?
In my previous life, I was a clothing buyer living in London. I did that for about 8 to 10 years, but after going through a few recessions and cutbacks, the role became increasingly focused on budgets and numbers. I actually found myself enjoying that part more and more.
Eventually, I started studying AAT on the side while still working, and then made the switch - it’s been the best decision I ever made.
I’m really passionate about combining all my experience into my own practice - not to do something wildly new, but to drive something better. I saw the extremes: very tech-driven firms and very old-school ones, and I wanted to create something that felt more balanced. I’m big on leveraging tech to give clients more access to me - someone to talk to.
Was there anything from your fashion career that helps you now as an accountant?
Absolutely - speed! In retail, especially a FTSE 100 company, if it wasn’t done yesterday, that wasn’t fast enough. That mindset of being fast and commercially focused really shapes how I work now. I also bring a lot of commercial awareness - knowing when a plan needs sticking to or pivoting - and I think that adds something different to my client work.
Are there particular types of clients or industries you’re focusing on?
For me, the niche is the person. Some people just want to hand over papers and have the work done - and that’s totally fine, but that’s not me.
I want to work with people who are open to change, who want to make their lives easier, and who are happy to collaborate. It’s not about growth for the sake of growth - it’s about figuring out what they want, and helping them get there.
I do have a passion for supporting startups. I’m even working with a local CIS to offer a free mentoring programme in conjunction with a local start up grant for 18-30 start ups.
Let’s talk more about that tech roadmap - how did you choose what to start with?
There’s so much tech to choose from - client portals, management software, receipt capture tools… It’s endless. I took everything I’d learned so far and chose a stack I felt good about, while keeping an eye on what’s coming up and listening to what other business owners are saying.
One big piece of advice I heard from almost everyone was to set up with direct debits from day one. It takes so much stress off your plate. And it sets you up to scale - you don’t want to be sorting that out later when you’re already swamped.
That’s also how I came across Adfin - at Engager Day. I already planned to use Engager, and when I saw Adfin’s integration was announced, it just made sense. The presentation helped dispel some common myths I had about payments, and honestly, it was the easiest thing I’ve set up so far. Cost-effective, simple, and just works.
Are there any tech trends you’re especially excited about?
There’s really only one answer: AI.
Right now, I’m particularly interested in AI being built into receipt capture tools - not just machine learning, but actual AI. It’s an area that’s still really time-consuming and costly, and clients often don’t fully see the value. So if AI can improve that, I’m all in.
I’ve also automated quite a bit using Client Engager, which has really helped with admin and scaling.
What’s one task you’d happily never do again - and one you love doing?
I’ll start with what I love: cleaning my house. I know it sounds sad, but it’s true! A full clean on a Friday evening really helps me unwind. There’s just something so satisfying about it.
As for what I’d never do again? Talk to HMRC. The setup, the inefficiencies - it’s just painful. Coming from a commercial background, it’s hard to believe they operate the way they do.
Need an accountant who moves fast and makes your business feel lighter? Beth’s your woman. Book a call with Beth today.
Setting up a new business? Get started with Adfin today to have seamless payments from day 1.
