Agile, flexible processes are welcome in most sectors. In the logistics sector they are a must – mitigating seasonal fluctuations so that peak periods feed into quieter months and keep the whole system running smoothly.
Ready to adapt to whatever the client’s needs might be is J Sweeney Accountants’ outsourced financial director service, which provides the expertise and knowledge of a professional FD to those who don’t need, want or have the resources for a full-time role.
The Pitsford-based firm has been working with More Driver Solutions to help guide the driver agency through its steady business growth.
More Driver Solutions, based at Swan Valley, is one of the largest independent specialist driving agencies, with a large pool of core drivers, and a database of around 7,000 drivers in total. That database allows the agency to act quickly and efficiently to provide competent and compliant drivers that meet the high standards clients expect.
“Logistics is a sporadic business, there are peak times and quieter times and the important thing is to keep the cash- flow steady, preparing for those times when it’s quieter through efficient financial planning.“We’ve been working with More Driver Solutions for some time. They handle their own payroll in-house but apart from that we hold regular monthly meetings, complete the annual accounts and tax planning, and we’re also involved where they need us most in the ever- changing decision making, all based on the financial planning for the business as a whole.
“The important thing is for us to remain flexible because all clients have different needs and in logistics they are dealing with shift work and agency staff, which they’re the experts at, but then we’re there to link that back to the overall financial health of the business.
“It’s not cheap, employing a financial director, which is why outsourcing is perfect. You get the services you need when you need them, but no more than you need. It means you have someone taking an overview of where your business is financially, providing regular reports, and generally being accountable and offering advice when decisions are being made about the growth and development of the business.”
As trusted business advisors, J Sweeney Accountants’ team boasts more commercial experience than most accountants from running accounts departments, completing practice accounts filings, tax planning and general accounting, through to financial decision making and operational support for management teams. A fixed-fee arrangement means clients don’t have to consider how much the bill is going to be when they contact their advisor for advice.
In addition, the outsourcing model has proven attractive to clients who are not in a position to invest in a dedicated finance department but need all the financial support such a department would offer, meaning they benefit from a working relationship that not only offers all the financial support needed, but one that will focus on the growth strategy and development that normally falls onto a finance director.
Emily Cooper, Director at More Driver Solutions, said the relationship began when it was obvious the company needed to collaborate with experts in their respective fields in order to continue to grow. she explains
“Although I am not a qualified accountant, I had spent years performing tasks such as bank reconciliations that were not the best use of my time or skills,”
“We decided to reach out to J Sweeney because they were recommended to us and we knew that we needed to modernise our operations.
“We were looking for an accountant who could communicate with us in plain language and help us implement more efficient systems to enhance our processes. Since we handle all our payments to employees and suppliers in-house, making around 400 payments a week, we needed a robust process to minimise data entry errors. Joseph provided effective solutions and assisted us in their implementation.
“In addition to this, we also engage Joseph in our Monthly Management Meetings. During these meetings, we review the most recent figures and plan ahead for the year to ensure that the business is being managed financially in the best possible way.
“We would highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a fresh approach to their finances.”
Contact J Sweeney Accountants at info@jsweeneyaccountants.co.uk or visit the website here
