Running a business is a lot like driving a car. You know where you want to go. You know the route. But you’d rarely expect to be your own mechanic, tuning the engine, replacing the tyres, repairing the gearbox, all while driving at the same time.

At Carthy Accountants, we talk to business owners every week who are doing exactly that; managing their operations and trying to manage their accounts, tax, and compliance.
In a recent Business Success Conversation, we said the following:

“People who don’t have accountants, they’re the ones who work in the evening doing their VAT returns… they’re working on a Sunday, getting their bookkeeping up‑to‑date."

In short: you are good at running your business. We are good at the accounts bit. And when you mix the two without the right support, things slip.

In this excerpt from Business Success Conversations, we talk about why trying to be your own accountant is like trying to be your own mechanic.

1. Know your strength and use it

You’re an industry specialist. You have customers, a team, products and services. That’s your zone.
We’ve trained for years in accounting, tax, structure, compliance. We spot things you don’t know to look for.
We see clients who try to do both and they end up doing neither well.

2. The peace of mind factor

It’s not just about numbers.
When things are being done in the background; deadlines met, tax positions reviewed, bookkeeping up to date; you sleep better. You focus on growth, not the worry of what’s left undone.
As one of our team said:

“If your client doesn’t trust you. There’s no point in that relationship.”

Trust matters. If you’re doing your books yourself because you don’t trust someone else, you’re carrying an extra burden.

This story shows what happens when you ignore professional advice, and HMRC steps in.

3. Avoid the trap of DIY fatigue

Doing your own accounting might feel empowering. But the emails, the software updates, the deadlines, the overheads… they stack up.
And that time is your time. Time you could spend winning business, managing your team, innovating.

4. How we work with you

At Carthy Accountants, we start with the foundation: compliance, correct bookkeeping, timely tax returns. Then we build. We help you interpret the numbers. We spot what you don’t know to look for. Then we grow together.

If you’re spending Saturday mornings on bookkeeping when you should be with your family or friends, you’re in the wrong seat.
Let’s get you back in the driver’s seat for your business, with a trusted co‑pilot for the numbers.

Get the Business You Want

When you partner with Carthy Accountants, you’ll get clarity, control, and time back. Let’s put your strengths to work and let us take care of the rest.

Ready to talk? Get in touch today: https://carthyaccountants.co.uk/contact