I’m Liz Freeman – member of CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) and owner of Freeman Accounting Services Ltd. I set this business up in 2003 having decided to leave my previous corporate life of twelve years in pursuit of that elusive work-life balance. I’m not sure if I’ve completely achieved that goal, but at least now I’ve only got myself to blame!

But what I can say with certainty is that what I do now, namely assisting the smaller business community to achieve their goals, is a million times more rewarding than slaving for corporate giants. With me it is personal – I take pleasure in my clients’ successes and positively glow with the praise of a job well done!

CIMA members are different to the more traditional high-street firms of accountants in that they are specifically trained to operate from within businesses. They are business managers, combining a higher level of commercial awareness with the more traditional accounting skills. All CIMA members have to undertake rigorous Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and illustrate the highest standards of professional competence. I think this is great, because it ultimately protects you, the client, and differentiates CIMA members from other so-called “accountants” who do not have to continually prove their competence.

Most of the assignments we receive are carried out by me personally. I don’t know the answer to every question that I am asked (no accountant does although few will admit to this!), but I will endeavour to find out. Over the last few years I have built up a strong team of associate accountants and other professionals and at times, and with your agreement, it makes sense to bring their expertise in. This means that Freeman Accounting Services can genuinely provide a one-stop shop for all your accounting and financial planning needs.

Sue Finnimore

Sue is a qualified chartered accountant—member of the ICAEW accounting body.  Her career has taken her from one of the largest accountancy firms in the country (Grant Thornton) to now one of the smallest (!), with various finance roles in the private, charity and not-for-profit sectors in-between.  As such Sue has many years experience across various sectors of the accountancy profession which means that she brings an invaluable set of skills to the company