This is what you came for
Why use me ?
All your
questions answered in full
Thanks for visiting my website but let’s be honest you didn’t come here to look at the pictures and read the blurb or our journey (although it’s quite interesting further down the page).
You came here with important questions about your business and whether you could find an accountant that you could TRUST and who you feel understands your business and can SUPPORT you.
So watch me, Andy Downs on the short video to the left (less than 3 mins) where I’ll tell you why we should work together.
Then read the questions and answers below where I aim to be honest and transparent so you are completely informed in making a decision.
Then when you’re ready, hit the button to get started.
Your Questions Answered
Here you will find answers to your burning questions. I don’t pull any punches here so these might not always be what you were hoping for but at least they’re honest and to the point.
If your question isn’t answered here then let me know and I’ll add it as if you’re asking others will too.
If anything isn’t clear I’ll be happy to clarify.
WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE ?
I have clients in fostering, child nurseries, providing specialist support and therapies in mental health. Others include Independent Social Workers and care-centric businesses. That’s besides over 35 years in general accountancy practice.
WILL YOU NEED TO GET TO KNOW ABOUT ME AND MY BUSINESS ?
Yes. I need to really understand how you and your business ticks. This involves meetings, online or in person and you putting in some work, completing short non-onerous homework so I can really see how I can help.
CAN YOU RUN SOME OR ALL OF MY FINANCE FUNCTION ?
Yes. I can run some or all the finance side of your business, from bookkeeping, VAT where it applies, Payroll for staff and others such as foster carers. I am an accountant after all so I offer all the services that an accountant would. I’ll also tell you what I think you need support with but apart from the compliance needs such as Accounts and Tax Returns it’s you’re choice as to what you take up.
BESIDES ACCOUNTING WHAT ELSE CAN YOU PROVIDE ?
Let’s assume the accounting services are a given.
If you’re in a care-centric business then you probably want support with the direction of your business. What goals you have set for yourself such as next years holiday and your business such as where you want it to go.
You’ll want help when OFSTED or CQC come calling.
So it’s not just about the numbers as I’ll be by your side whenever you need me.
CAN YOU HELP ME WITH FINANCING AND FUNDING SUCH AS GRANTS ?
Yes. I can help source finance and funding as well as putting together the necessary reports, documents and applications required by funders and lenders.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST ?
Here’s the big one and I am not about to sugar-coat it or fob you off with “every business is unique” but this little box can’t give you an idea of a likely fee. If however you hop over to my pricing page I can explain better how many factors determine your price and what to expect.
Then, armed with this information, use my fee illustration calculator to give you a good idea of what you ought to invest in the finance function of your business.
COULDN’T I GET THE SAME HELP FROM ANOTHER ACCOUNTANT ?
Yes. Possibly. But what sets me apart is the experience in your sector, the fact that I am in your corner with all my experience, working alongside you, not using junior staff to simply bang out the accounts or get the payroll processed without thought.
But yes there other local accountants, of course there are and if you want I can give you some suggestions who could assist.
DO YOU WORK WITH EVERYONE ?
No. I am a bit picky with the businesses I work with as I find that those that value others, value me and we both prosper. Ensuring I have the time and resources to support you are vital in freeing up your time.
MY RECORDS ARE IN A BIT OF A MESS CAN YOU HELP ?
Yes I can but it all comes at a price of course. I understand however that life can run away with us sometimes and something has to give. As you care for others, the finances are not usually in your comfort zone so things get left and then they get worse. I can sort all this out for you.
DO YOU WORK WITH BUSINESSES THAT ARE NOT IN THE CARE SECTOR ?
Yes I do and I have some great clients but my vision (we all need a vision) is to concentrate on care-centric businesses so if you don’t fit this criteria by all means try me but don’t be too disappointed if I point you in the direction of an other local accountant.
ARE YOU REALLY ANY GOOD ?
Great question. These days when we shop for anything, whether a new washing machine, mobile phone or TV etc we look for social proof and accounting services are no different.
It’s not just about how good the accountants say they are but what the clients say. Apart from the testimonials on my website I have over 60 Google Reviews and sit at 4.9 stars so I think this speaks for itself.
My Core Values
My values are important to us.
It’s how I live my life, run my business and how I want to support others.
ABOUT US
In the beginning it was just my dad building an accountancy business
A bit about us.
Back in the early 60’s my Dad started his accountancy firm from nothing. Holding down a full time job in a Solicitors for over 25 years he built it in the evenings, at the weekends and whenever he could squeeze in the time.
He was quite a remarkable man with a dedicated work ethic who worked tirelesly for his clients and his family.
Eventually he found the income and courage to go it alone and went full time as an accountant helping many a varied business to meet their tax obligations to HMRC.
In the late 80’s I joined him (yes, I’m the younger one who looks like he’s come to work as a lumberjack) and we rebranded to the imaginatively named “A Downs & Son” and moved into our own office.
For myself Balloon Accounting is the story of living in a world of someone else’s dreams, expectations & limitations.
I joined a High Street bank from school and on into Building Societies but I was living a “plastic” life rather than a life of purpose and fulfilment.
Fast forward a few years and my stint with Dorset Police as a PCSO demonstrated my need to input into the wider community was an itch that needed to be scratched.
My wife and I became Foster Carers and know what it’s like to offer a child support and security during traumatic times. We became parent & child carers and later I sat on the panel of a local foster care agency.
So I know what life is about in your sector.
Balloon Accounting is the culmination of these experiences and the realisation that there is a more worthwhile way forward. It represents the opportunity to give back to a sector that truly needs support whilst satisfying my own enjoyment of structure and process.
And whilst over the years we have grown in size, however big we get and whatever we call ourselves our values remain the same.
