Emma
Swarbrick

WHO I HELP

Owner management businesses. Private equity backed businesses. Groups.

HOW I HELP

Management accounting. Financial reporting. Process and transaction support. Budgeting and forecasting. Audit support.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Construction & Property. Healthcare services. Technology. Financial Services. Public Sector. Not for Profit.

“I’M EXCITED TO BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE GROWTH OF OUR VFF TEAM.”

In her capacity as Senior Manager in our Virtual Finance Function team, Emma Swarbrick’s primary duty is overseeing the teams that support her clients. Emma’s realm of responsibilities includes coordinating and managing the client team at AAB, liaising with her clients on any issues or escalations, reviewing management information, VAT returns and management packs, attending client meetings and any other ad hoc support. She also assists with budgeting and forecasting where necessary and can provide information packs for current or potential investors.

Emma is also a member of our dedicated VFF Construction & Property Sector team, and our Leeds-based Technology Sector team.

OPEN DIALOGUE & TRUST

“In my opinion, the ideal client relationship is one rooted in open dialogue and trust between both parties, and one where they trust me to do what I’m good at, so that they can focus on their business! I want them to feel that they can come to me with any issues, big or small and that I will always have their best interests at heart. From me, clients can expect honesty, flexibility around the support they need, timely and accurate information, an interest in their business and plans for the future.”

HELPING CLIENTS GAIN UNDERSTANDING

“For me, the most satisfying aspects of working with clients is learning more about their businesses and their aspirations, and helping them to realise these. I get a lot of joy in helping clients understand more about how to improve their financial performance. In terms of the most satisfying aspect of working with colleagues, I get a lot of satisfaction learning from them. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with colleagues, sharing ideas and problems and solving them together, as well as seeing colleagues develop their own skillsets.”

BALANCING THE VIRTUAL WITH THE ‘HANDS ON’

“At first, I was a little dubious around the concept of the ‘virtual’ element of my job, having come from industry and been so heavily involved in the business I worked for. However, I now find that the virtual element works really well, especially with being able to formulate the most appropriate AAB team for the client from a range of locations. I do still believe that there is a lot of value to be had from a face-to-face meeting round a table and will continue to do this with my clients periodically where possible.”

HANDLING CLIENT DIFFICULTIES

“Understandably, it can be difficult for clients to send me their information for finalising management accounts, budgeting, and re-forecasting. I will generally try and set up a call or face to face meeting to discuss this if I’m struggling to get the relevant information via email.”

DEVELOPING GROUPWIDE APPROACHES

“What excites me most about my career future is definitely seeing the VFF team and client base in Leeds grow and develop and being an integral part of that growth. In terms of what excites me most about the future of AAB Group, it would be cementing the value of the acquisitions through developing a groupwide approach to tech and processes.”

INVALUABLE TEAMWORK

“One of the AAB Group Values is that ‘Collaboration is our superpower’ – I find this value particularly important as part of the VFF team. The team is built from many individuals across different locations that gel into one team so well and are able to support our clients regardless. Due to the nature of VFF work, there is often a requirement to gain insight or support from other business units. This is invaluable internal teamwork that hugely benefits the VFF team and in turn our clients with our collaborative approach.”

EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE

“The greatest strengths I bring to AAB Group are probably my extensive commercial accounting experience and the ability to put myself in my client’s shoes, having worked in industry for so long.”

A BIG COMPLIMENT

“The greatest compliment I’ve received in my line of work didn’t come directly from the client as such, but I was told that since I took over the accounts, the lending bank decided they were so happy with the management information that our client no longer needs an audit – which feels like a huge compliment to the team.”

ACCOUNTANTS AREN’T BORING

“My pet hate about how my profession is perceived is probably the old belief that ‘accountants are boring’. This is an extraordinary generalisation, and one that I find time and time again to be completely unfounded!”