John
Anderson

WHO I HELP

Portfolio comprises mainly owner-managed limited companies but also includes sole traders, partnerships, and registered charities.

HOW I HELP

Delivering accountancy, taxation, and other business advisory services.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Specialises in small not-for-profit entities.

“I FULFIL THE ‘SOUNDING BOARD’ ROLE FOR OWNER-MANAGERS.”

Primarily based in our Glasgow office, John Anderson is a Business Advisory Group Partner responsible for a portfolio of clients in a variety of sectors including the third sector, ranging in size from independent consultants to eight-figure turnover retail and construction companies.

John’s primary role is to provide business and tax advice using compliance work as the platform. In seeking to provide ‘value added’ advice, it is important to bring in others with skills in areas such as cloud accounting, tax planning, and restructuring reviews. John’s role is very much one of helping owner-managers with the financial aspects of their business as well as their personal financial affairs. John provides advice during the lifetime of the business; from starting and growing the business to when the owner-managers are preparing to exit the business and; when they are planning for life after business.

John’s secondary role but no less important, is supporting colleagues. This can range from helping with ‘on the job’ for junior members of staff to collaborating with more senior colleagues.

John strives to make dealing with compliance matters as ‘stress-free’ as possible by agreeing on timetables and information provision. John encourages the preparation of regular reliable management accounts, and these are usually critical to properly running the business and enable John to fulfil the ‘sounding board’ role for the owner-manager.

A two-way relationship

“An ideal client relationship is one where rapport exists. My clients can expect me to be available when required and know that I am just a phone call away. Communication is key to building strong working relationships so I make sure to maintain regular contact with clients to help problem solving and provide opportunities to involve colleagues in other disciplines (tax and financial planning etc.). Clients can also expect me to challenge them on occasion and to develop the business. And most importantly, clients can trust work to be carried out promptly and proactive advice given for a fair fee. I am always delighted to see clients expressing appreciation for the service we provide, and one of the greatest compliments I have received from clients was being told I am their trusted adviser.

One of the most satisfying aspects of my role is helping to deliver robust solutions to our clients’ business problems and providing them with proactive advice. Seeing that my advice and support have played a part in helping businesses thrive and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding to me.”

Technology enhances the service we provide

“Technology has no doubt revolutionised the way we work, and I take pride in being part of a tech-enabled group that embraces the use of technology and innovation to enhance the services we provide to our clients. I believe a ‘virtual’ approach is good for dealing with routine matters while a more ‘hands-on’ approach is preferable for problem solving and providing planning advice, so it’s important to find a balance between the two in order to deliver the best tailored service to our clients.”

Sharing knowledge

“By ensuring that the business has good people who truly enjoy and care about what they do should go a long way to winning and retaining clients. As part of my role, I really enjoy helping to pass on knowledge to junior members of staff and learn from the more senior members.”

Opportunities

“With AAB on a rapid growth, it is becoming a pre-eminent provider of a broad range of services to help existing and potential new clients, and I am excited to be a part of its growth journey. For me, I am the most excited for the opportunity to collaborate with new colleagues.”