Mini CFO® Accountancy Services
A finance partner in your corner, who holds the complexity with you
You're beyond needing a tick-the-box accountant
What this is
You're looking for an accountant and finance exec rolled into one — part of your team.
The finance person you'll voicenote for a pep talk when you're going round in circles, celebrate a win (because they actually get it!), message saying "Help! What do I say to this email?"
With Mini CFO®, the must-dos tick along reliably — annual accounts, Corporation Tax, payroll, VAT, Companies House admin. The financial foundations and structure that keep your business running smoothly, on time, and without dread or palaver.
But more than that, you've got someone who'll gently challenge your pricing, map out what you actually need to bring in, and quantify the business case for that new idea so you can make the call with real confidence — holding the financial rigour and structure that underpin your mission, your business, and your personal goals.
So you can focus on the radical, hopeful, joyful, transformative work that made you start in the first place.
Who's it for
You want to feel held and supported by your finances, so you can make bold moves — without having to shrink your mission down to fit someone else's money rules.
Mini CFO® is for mission-driven people. The kind of founders, practitioners, and change-makers building something with intention — in creative work, media, activism, impact-driven and not-for-profit organisations, consultancies, and professional practices. Whether you're a sole practitioner, a limited company director, or the founder of a start up or social enterprise.
You might be at one of these moments:
- Stepping into something new — leaving corporate or employment to start your own venture, learning the financial language of running a business, working out how to feel secure when there's no monthly payslip landing.
- Outgrown the old setup — you've been running your business for years and your existing accountant ticks the boxes, but the questions have got bigger and that transactional relationship doesn't fit anymore.
- Scaling up — first hires, bigger clients, hitting new thresholds, ready for finance support that fits this phase
- Reshaping the model — whether that's restructuring ownership, launching in a new direction, or evolving the business into its next iteration.
How it works
Mini CFO® is an accountancy and strategic finance service delivered through a monthly retainer relationship — designed to be a blessing, not a burden.
I will get to know your business from the ground up, and we'll set a rhythm that works. The 'must-do' compliance gets handled through the year, not crammed in at year-end - annual accounts, Corporation Tax, payroll, VAT, Confirmation Statement, financial oversight all handled- so nothing creeps up and there are no last-minute panics.
We meet regularly — monthly, quarterly, or 6-monthly depending on what fits — to talk direction, strategy, and the things that come up across the year. Forecasts, budgets, strategies, and planning and problem solving work fold in as part of the rhythm or as add-ons when relevant.
And in between, I'm on hand — through whatever channels we've agreed work for you. E.g. messaging on the IM platform of your choice, a voicenote, a Loom explainer, or a call away. When a new idea sparks, I'm right there running the numbers so you can move with confidence.
The results
Imagine your financial flame burning bright, without burning out:
Finance that goes beyond the filings. The must-dos done like clockwork — that's the baseline. The real value is everything else:
- A proper finance brain on your team — engaged with the strategy and the decisions, not just the filings.
- Real answers to the everyday "can I afford this?" / "should I take this on?" questions.
- Customised reporting, forecasts, budgets, and business cases that turn ideas into action.
- Mission, business, and personal finance goals all moving together — not pulling in different directions.
- The space and freedom to focus on the work you love and you're brilliant at.
Why this is different
Finance isn't neutral. It's built to keep the status quo in place — and we're here to reimagine that.
Traditional finance runs on rigid rules, hierarchy, and one-size-fits-all processes that expect you to fit yourself to its systems. Mini CFO® is the opposite. Everything — the communication style, the rhythm, the meetings, the conversations around money — is tailored to you. Your brain, your life, your belief system and your actual way of working.
That means a neurodivergent-friendly, trauma-informed, holistic approach to money — one that takes the whole of how you work into account: hyper-focus sprints and burnout dips, hormone swings and the overwhelm days, chronic illness flare ups and care responsibilities, mental health waves and the everyday reality of being a person with a life.
Meetings get rescheduled. Plans flex. Needs are honoured. We'll work out the pros and cons of the big calls, check where the planets are, and pay attention to the season you're actually in.
FAQs
What do you charge for Mini CFO® Accountancy Services?
Mini CFO® works on a monthly retainer, shaped to fit the size and rhythm of your business.
When you book a call, we'll explore your needs together, and I'll scope out a clear price for you. The fees depends on things like the size and complexity of your business, the level of engagement and number of meetings and financial planning cycle, your management reporting requirements, whether bookkeeping is done in-house or by us, and whether you need support on payroll or other specific areas.
As a guide, the minimum starting prices are:
Limited companies — new businesses under the VAT threshold (say £50-90k t/over), prices start from £195 + VAT per month. As your business grows, retainers scale to match — for example, a Ltd turning over around £300k with a small team would typically start from around £450 + VAT per month. For larger or more complex organisations, we'll scope that on a call.
Sole traders — I work with a limited number to ensure of a personal, quality service (we don't just churn out tax returns!), priced from £150 + VAT per month. Including Self-Assessment, Making Tax Digital filings, and regular support across the year. Price will depend on specific services included and the forms of income you need to track and report on.
Onboarding — a one-off onboarding fee may apply to cover the transition and getting everything set up properly (software, systems, initial review and set up work). We'll scope this on the call and I wiil quote for a project phase, which is billed over the first 3 months.
Add-ons and extras — additional services can be included flexibly as needed, for example including payroll, bookkeeping, financial planning sessions, budgeting work, and ad-hoc finance projects.
CICs — a CIC is a type of not-for-profit limited company with an asset lock. Mini CFO® offers a 15% discount for not for profits.
Book a call and we'll work out exactly what fits.
What accounting software do you use?
I work with Xero. As Xero Certified Advisor Partners (and early adopters), it's what I support and recommend for Mini CFO® clients — it's the strongest fit for limited companies and the cleanest way to keep your records compliant, accessible, and meaningful in real time.
Software isn't just about filing taxes properly. It's about being able to see what's actually going on across the year — financial data, performance, cashflow — and streamlining the routine bits like invoicing and payments and to tailor what your report and track. I also support a range of apps that connect to Xero (receipt managers, expense tools, payment platforms, and more) so you can build a set-up that genuinely fits how you work.
On software costs: I'm fully transparent. If I manage your Xero subscription, I recharge you exactly what it costs me, passing on any discounts I get (currently 15% off through my partner status). If you'd prefer to manage your own subscription, that's fine too — and you may be eligible for new-subscriber discounts directly from Xero. As a guide, Xero is from around £230/month for limited companies — you can check current Xero pricing here.
If you're coming from other software — QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage, spreadsheets, or anything else — I support the transition across to Xero as part of getting started (onboarding fees may apply), so you don't have to navigate it on your own.
What locations do you cover?
Mini CFO® is remote-first, so I work with clients across the UK — wherever you are. We use video calls for meetings and async tools (Slack, WhatsApp, voicenote, Loom) in between.
I'm based in rural Somerset on a rewilded off-grid site — that's where the work happens at my end. But what matters isn't where either of us is based; it's what you're building.
How do we get started?
Simply book a call. We'll talk through your situation — goals, current challenges, and opportunities — and explore what kind of support would make all the difference. If it feels like a fit, I'll draft a proposal that we refine together, so it fits for your reality and preferences.
What do I actually get that I wouldn't from my current accountant?
Most accountants focus on the filings and taxes and that's where the relationship ends. With Mini CFO®, the 'must dos' of accountancy and compliance get done properly and you get a finance brain on your team across the year: real answers to the everyday questions, input on the big decisions, customised reporting and forecasts and business plans when you need them.
I'll tell you what I think — based on years of commercial experience, wide industry knowledge from grass roots to FTSE 100, and the assurance of being an ICAEW-regulated practice. Many accountants aren't trained, insured, or comfortable giving advice beyond the numbers. My work is rooted in advisory and consultancy: helping you navigate ambiguity, weigh up options, and move forward with confidence.
And the client list is keep intentionally small. I don't run a factory-farm practice packing clients in cheap and high. Mini CFO® takes on a very limited number of clients so the work stays bespoke, considered, and held through your needs and preferences.
Client testimonials
Check out these sparkling reviews!
Before working with Harriet, we were hoping to gain a better understanding of our business finances and achieve financial clarity to allow us to make changes to the business. Since we started working together, we have much greater confidence in making financial decisions.
What stands out about working with Harriet is that she provides pragmatic and helpful advice in a clear and straightforward format.
As a business owner who does not have a financial background, Harriet takes the time to provide useful and structured guidance to allow us to make effective decisions.
Mark Jerzak
Managing Director of MESH Engineering
When I set up my CIC, I knew one of my biggest knowledge gaps was around finance. After speaking with several accountants, it became clear that I didn't just want someone to file paperwork - I wanted to learn alongside someone. Speaking with Harriet confirmed that what I really needed was a partner: someone who understood CICs and social enterprises.
The biggest shift has been in my confidence. Having regular catch-ups with Harriet - and knowing she's always on hand for any questions has made me feel so much more grounded and supported. My CIC has gone from feeling financially uncertain to becoming much more stable and resilient.
Harriet's patience - especially with my occasional panic around money - has made a huge difference. She's incredibly generous with her time and makes things clear and easy to understand. It's rare to find someone who combines technical skill with such a supportive, relational approach.
Laura Tyley
Founder of This Living Place CIC
Since we've started working together, I always feel confident that my business is on the right track for constant growth and development. Having a level-headed ally to run my thoughts past has been invaluable.
What stood out about working with Harriet is that she is so supportive in every aspect. From highlighting any liabilities I might not have known about, to making sure I have all the tools in place for my business to keep thriving. She is always calm and cool – she is so good at explaining things and bringing new perspectives to my business.
Harriet ALWAYS has time for me and she's always super helpful with great suggestions and insights on how your business can be the best it's ever been.
She is the best ally you'll ever have!
Anita Mattson Hesketh
Founder of Lush Blooms Bespoke Floristry
I trust Harriet completely and know that she is on top of absolutely everything with my business. The fact that she proactively brings up ideas, potential problems, and updates that I would have never even known about is such a breath of fresh air. I also appreciate her organisation and her Loom videos that explain everything I need to know - so thorough.
I found Harriet as I was being off-boarded at my old accounting firm. I was feeling like I didn't have a proper overview of the accounting side of my business. Harriet jumped straight in and was able to solve problems that my old firm had been putting off and not paying attention to. She also uncovered some fines that I hadn't been alerted to and she fixed it all. On top of that, she came in and organised my P&L to be much easier to understand.
I wish I had started working with Harriet sooner. She feels like a part of my own team.
Jessica Dante
Travel Content Creator and Founder of Love and London
Before working with Harriet, we wanted to remove the mystery around our finances and be clear where we were at and map out a forecast for the future and change our company structure.
Since working with Harriet, I became Co-Director! We split shares in the company and agreed on a memorandum of understanding for all eventualities. We now have a clear financial plan, and know how much money we need to bring in and by when. We have payroll and dividends worked out and have hit our targets.
What stands out about working with Harriet is that she doesn't use jargon or speak from a script - there's no gatekeeping. She explains things in an accessible way and has a can-do attitude, so it really feels like she is invested in our success. We now feel held and in control when it comes to our finances, and Harriet's accountant-meets-coach style has helped us shift our mindset to one of empowerment rather than avoidance.
We recommend Harriet to everyone!
Rebecca Burgess
Co-Director of Design Impact Studio
"I wanted to feel safer with my finances and not so dysregulated around key milestones — and working with Harriet is exactly that. She is there to reassure me when I get in a tailspin; calming, reassuring, clearly super knowledgeable, and she keeps everything in order.
Her sensitivity to working in a brain-first way, and with those who may have neurodivergence, really stood out. I have recommended Harriet to a number of people."
Laura Taylor-Williams
Founder of Media Stori Consultancy
Before working with Harriet, I wanted to feel more in control of my finances and have better financial education. I was less afraid of the financials in my business but now I am in control of them. I have better systems in place, I check in regularly and have an up-to-date forecast, which allows me to feel calmer and more in control. I also love our quarterly check-ins.
What stood out about working with Harriet is that she's totally non-judgemental, kind and considerate, as well as honest and totally on it. There have been times where my mental health has been in a bad place and I've so appreciated the extra support. Harriet has also made complex things feel simpler with her support and guidance.
She understands my business and how I want to work and 100% supports me in that. Since working with Harriet I've seen an uplift in revenue and it's certainly helped to feel more confident with my finances.
Jo Hooper
Founder of Get Wildly Free
Schedule a complimentary call with Harriet today
Harriet offers a no pressure chat, to get to know each other, delve into your business, discuss any current challenges you’re facing, and explore your goals and aspirations.
These calls are ideal whether you already have a clear idea of your needs or want to scope it out together and get a taster of my style. I’m excited to connect with you and learn more about your journey!
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