I’ve been an accountant for over 35 years, and during that time I’ve met all sorts of business owners.
Each one has their own way of working, their own strengths, and their own challenges.
But over the last few years, I’ve noticed something important – many of my clients who are neurodivergent (that might mean autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or similar) were finding the traditional approach to accounting stressful and overwhelming.
The truth is, the accounting world isn’t always built for everyone.
There’s a lot of jargon, tight deadlines, and information flying back and forth. If you already find admin or numbers stressful, it can feel like a mountain to climb.
I realised that if I truly wanted to help my clients, I had to change how I worked. Here’s why I made that decision and what it means in practice.
1️⃣ Because “one size fits all” doesn’t work
Every client is different. OK, ssounds like a cliche.
Some like a quick phone call, others prefer everything in writing or perhaps a video.
Some need reminders, others work best with a long lead time.
Neurodivergent clients often have very specific ways they process information, so sticking to the “standard” way accountants work just wasn’t fair on them.
I’ve learned to adapt – more flexibility, clearer instructions, no unnecessary jargon. It’s not about doing less; it’s about making things easier to understand and less stressful.
2️⃣ Because anxiety about finances is real
Money can be stressful for anyone, but for some neurodivergent business owners, the worry can be overwhelming. I’ve had clients tell me they’ve avoided opening letters from HMRC for months because they felt paralysed by anxiety.
I decided part of my job isn’t just numbers – it’s removing that weight from people’s shoulders. I create structure, take away the uncertainty, and make sure my clients know I’m on their side, not judging or rushing them.
3️⃣ Because too many people have been made to feel “bad with money”
I’ve lost count of how many people have sat in front of me and said, “I’m rubbish with money.”
But that’s not true – they’ve just been made to feel that way because the system doesn’t fit how their brain works.
I changed the way I work to prove a point: you’re not bad with money, you just need support that makes sense for you.
That might mean step-by-step guidance, breaking big tasks into small pieces, or giving you more time to process what needs doing.
4️⃣ Because good advice is useless if you can’t access it
There’s no point having a brilliant accountant who talks in riddles, fires emails full of jargon, or expects you to fit into their process.
My clients need advice they can understand and act on – otherwise it’s just noise.
So I slowed things down. I explain things in plain English. I send information in a way that suits the client best – emails, voice notes, checklists, whatever helps.
I don’t just “do the numbers” – I make sure you actually feel in control of your finances.
The big change
I didn’t become a “different accountant” overnight.
It’s been a process of listening, learning, and adjusting.
But the difference it’s made to my clients is huge. They tell me they finally feel supported, understood, and able to focus on running their business instead of panicking about accounts and tax.
Changing the way I work hasn’t just helped my neurodivergent clients – it’s made me a better accountant for everyone.
Because at the end of the day, accounting should be about people, not just numbers.
If you’ve ever felt ignored, judged, or overwhelmed by your accountant, know this – it doesn’t have to be that way.
The right support can make all the difference.
