Who We Are
At Emma Michell Accounting, we’re a UK-based firm helping businesses, freelancers, and professionals stay financially organised and compliant without the stress that usually comes with managing accounts. Led by Emma Michell, a qualified chartered accountant with years of hands-on experience, we bring clarity and confidence to small business finance.
Our firm was built on the idea that accounting should be practical, transparent, and genuinely useful — not just a set of numbers at year-end. Whether you’re a small business owner juggling invoices, or a startup founder preparing for growth, our goal is to give you the right tools, advice, and systems to manage your finances effectively.
Our Mission and Approach
We believe accounting is more than compliance; it’s about helping people make informed decisions. Every report, forecast, or statement we prepare is designed to give you a clear picture of where your business stands and where it could go next.
Our work focuses on:
- Simplifying financial management for small businesses
- Ensuring timely compliance with HMRC regulations
- Providing data-driven insights for growth and sustainability
- Offering accessible support for business owners who may not have in-house finance teams
Why Businesses Choose Our Services
Expertise with a Personal Touch
Our clients often tell us that what makes us different is how personal and attentive our service feels. We don’t operate like a faceless firm. Every client has direct access to an accountant who understands their business and can guide them through each financial challenge.
We work with a range of industries — from online retailers and tradespeople to consultants and creative professionals — tailoring our approach to suit each client’s operations and structure.
Transparent and Predictable Pricing
One of the biggest frustrations businesses face is unclear or unexpected accounting costs. That’s why we use a fixed-fee pricing model. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for, with no hourly surprises or hidden extras.
Technology That Makes Accounting Easier
We’re committed to using the best technology available. Our team integrates with platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage to streamline bookkeeping, automate reports, and make collaboration effortless. By keeping everything in the cloud, you can access your financial data anytime, anywhere — ideal for remote teams or business owners on the go.
Core Accounting Services
Bookkeeping and Record Management
Keeping your records accurate is the foundation of every good business decision. Our bookkeeping services ensure that your financial information is always up to date, with real-time tracking of expenses, invoices, and cash flow.
What we offer:
- Transaction recording and reconciliation
- Supplier and customer ledger maintenance
- Cash-flow statements and management reports
- VAT returns and record checks
A good example of this is a small e-commerce client we support who struggled to reconcile multiple sales channels. By introducing a unified bookkeeping system, they now track inventory, returns, and profits across platforms in real time — cutting reconciliation time by 60%.
Payroll Management
Payroll errors can lead to employee dissatisfaction and HMRC penalties. Our payroll service keeps everything compliant and punctual. We handle salary calculations, deductions, and submissions so you can focus on running your business.
Key features:
- Automated payroll processing
- PAYE and National Insurance management
- Real-time submissions (RTI)
- Workplace pension support and reporting
Tax Planning and Compliance
Tax planning isn’t just about meeting deadlines; it’s about saving money legitimately and avoiding unnecessary stress. We create tax strategies that align with your financial goals and business structure.
Our tax services include:
- Annual and quarterly tax filings
- Corporation and income tax planning
- Self-assessment for sole traders
- Capital gains and inheritance tax planning
For example, one of our consultancy clients reduced their annual tax liability by 18% after restructuring how dividends and salaries were handled — a small adjustment with a significant financial impact.
Financial Advisory and Business Growth
Beyond accounting, we help businesses develop practical financial strategies. Whether you’re preparing to scale or reviewing your operational costs, we provide the data and guidance you need to make confident decisions.
Our advisory services cover:
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Cash-flow optimisation
- Business valuation and investment preparation
- Financial system audits and automation advice
The Process We Follow
Step 1: Consultation and Business Review
It begins with understanding your business — how it operates, your challenges, and your goals. During our initial consultation, we perform a light financial health check and review your existing systems.
Step 2: Customised Accounting Plan
Based on our findings, we design a tailored accounting plan that addresses your immediate requirements and long-term objectives.
Step 3: Setup and Integration
We migrate your data into our systems or integrate our accounting tools with your existing setup. Our team ensures a smooth transition without disrupting your operations.
Step 4: Ongoing Support and Reporting
Once everything is set up, we handle day-to-day tasks like bookkeeping, payroll, and tax filing. You’ll receive monthly and quarterly reports, making it easy to track progress and plan ahead.
Step 5: Annual Review and Strategic Planning
At the end of each financial year, we conduct a detailed review of your results and identify ways to optimise for the next cycle — whether that’s adjusting expenses, exploring grants, or improving pricing strategies.
Who We Work With
Freelancers and Sole Traders
We understand the challenges of running a one-person operation. From managing invoices to keeping up with tax returns, we provide simplified solutions that keep everything organised and compliant.
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
SMEs form the core of our client base. We offer complete support — from bookkeeping and payroll to strategic tax planning. Many of our SME clients rely on us as their outsourced finance department.
Startups and Growing Businesses
Early-stage companies benefit from having clear systems and forecasts. We assist startups with incorporation, financial planning, and investor readiness.
E-Commerce and Service-Based Businesses
Online businesses need specialised accounting systems that sync sales, expenses, and taxes automatically. Our team helps set up cloud-based dashboards that deliver accurate insights at a glance.
Common Business Challenges We Solve
- Late or inaccurate tax filings – We manage your deadlines and submissions to avoid HMRC penalties.
- Unclear financial visibility – With our reports and dashboards, you’ll always know where your money goes.
- Cash-flow instability – Our forecasting tools help plan spending and maintain healthy liquidity.
- Complicated payroll – We ensure correct calculations and timely employee payments.
- Time-consuming administration – By automating routine tasks, you regain hours every week.
Real-Life Example
A London-based marketing agency approached us when they were struggling with manual bookkeeping and unclear profitability. Within two months, we implemented Xero with integrated bank feeds and automated their expense tracking.
Results included:
- 75% reduction in bookkeeping time
- Monthly management reports providing profit clarity
- Improved cash-flow control leading to consistent savings each quarter
The agency now uses our financial forecasts when pitching to investors, giving them more confidence in their growth projections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a chartered accountant different?
A chartered accountant is formally qualified and regulated, ensuring professional standards, ethics, and continuing education. This means your finances are managed by someone who’s legally accountable and up to date with UK accounting laws.
How much do your services cost?
Our pricing is based on fixed monthly packages depending on business size and complexity. There are no hourly surprises, making budgeting predictable.
Which accounting software do you use?
We mainly work with Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage — three of the UK’s leading cloud-based platforms. These tools integrate easily with payment gateways, POS systems, and CRMs.
Can you handle international clients?
Yes, we assist UK-based businesses with overseas clients and transactions, managing currency conversions and international tax implications where applicable.
How long does setup take?
Most businesses are fully onboarded within two weeks. Migration times depend on the amount of existing financial data and integrations required.
How to Get Started
- Schedule a Consultation: Book a 30-minute discovery call through our website.
- Receive a Proposal: We’ll send a detailed plan outlining costs, timelines, and deliverables.
- Onboarding: Once approved, we start migrating your data and setting up your accounting systems.
- Go Live: You’ll begin receiving reports and updates within the first month.
We also provide a checklist to prepare your documentation — such as bank access, invoices, receipts, and payroll records — to ensure a smooth start.
Why We’re the Right Choice for UK Businesses
Our approach combines professional accounting with practical business advice. We don’t just file your taxes; we help you build systems that support stability and long-term growth.
What you can expect from working with us:
- Timely, accurate reports
- Full compliance with HMRC and Companies House requirements
- Transparent communication
- Guidance that improves financial awareness across your business
Our goal is to be more than your accountant — we’re your partner in financial management. By staying proactive, we help prevent issues before they become problems.
Summary
Running a business already comes with enough challenges; managing accounts shouldn’t be one of them. Emma Michell Chartered Accountant provides clear, dependable, and technology-driven financial management for UK businesses of every size.
From bookkeeping and payroll to strategic tax planning, our services are designed to keep your operations compliant, efficient, and profitable. With decades of combined experience, modern tools, and a genuine commitment to client success, we make accounting less about numbers and more about empowering better decisions.
Whether you’re a freelancer looking to streamline your finances or a growing company needing an outsourced finance team, we’re here to help you stay organised, compliant, and ready for what’s next.
