TOM
COLLIER-TAYLOR

WHO I HELP

SMEs. Owner-managed businesses.

HOW I HELP

Management accounts. Year-end accounts. Process improvement & optimisation.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Construction & Property. Technology.

“ADDING VALUE FOR CLIENTS WITH OPTIMISED, EFFICIENT FINANCE FUNCTION SUPPORT”

Tom Collier-Taylor is an Assistant Manager in our Virtual Finance Function (VFF) team based in Leeds. Tom manages client relationships and supports the delivery of tailored financial services that help clients make informed decisions. His role spans everything from overseeing management accounts and reviewing complex reporting packs, to preparing year-end accounts and mentoring junior team members. With a background in Physics and Astronomy, Tom brings analytical precision and problem-solving acumen to the world of finance. Both Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) and Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) qualified, Tom combines his deep technical knowledge with a genuine enthusiasm for helping clients achieve greater efficiency and insight across their finance functions.

COMBINING ANALYTICAL INSIGHT AND TAX AWARENESS

“My academic background has helped shape how I approach my work. The analytical thinking I developed during my degree, particularly through programming and data analysis, now feeds directly into how I review figures, spot trends, and problem-solve for my clients.

Being both ACA and CTA qualified also gives me a unique advantage within the VFF team. I understand not just the accounting side but also the tax implications of business decisions for my clients. That allows me to provide advice that’s rounded and forward-thinking, considering both operational efficiency and the long-term impact.”

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH COMMUNICATION

“For me, building strong client relationships starts with talking. Whether it’s a quick call over Teams or a face-to-face meeting, I always make time to talk things through with both new and existing clients. It’s important as an advisor to be approachable, so I can really understand what each client needs.

I treat every client as though they were my only one, responding promptly, keeping them updated every step of the way, and making sure they feel supported. One of my clients even asked me to get in touch directly if I ever left AAB, which was a huge compliment, as I do always aim to feel like part of their team.”

DRIVING RESULTS THAT MATTER

“The most satisfying part of my role is seeing clients make informed decisions more easily based on information I’ve prepared or recommendations I’ve made. That’s when the value of good financial insight really shows.

One example that stands out is when a client’s finance manager retired, and they initially asked us to help with forecasting. They were so happy with the service that they decided to outsource their entire finance function to our team here at AAB. I led the re-working of their monthly reports, introducing consolidated and more visual reporting – something they loved. It made it easier for them to extract keyboard-level insights, and the relationship has grown stronger ever since.”

CLEARER INSIGHTS, SMARTER DECISIONS

“A large part of my week involves reviewing management accounts and refining reporting packs before they go to clients. I enjoy finding ways to make financial data clearer and more useful, helping my clients see the bigger picture through accurate, easy-to-understand information.

I’m also involved in developing more efficient systems for clients. Whether that’s improving data flows, changing accounting software, or streamlining manual processes, I always look for ways to make finance functions run more smoothly. My goal is to ensure every report, process, and recommendation adds genuine value to my business.”

A DIFFERENT ROUTE INTO FINANCE

“I didn’t come from a traditional financial background with my degree being in Physics and Astronomy, but I’ve always been interested in business. My family runs two businesses, and from a young age, I was involved in their day-to-day operations, which gave me an appreciation of the challenges and opportunities that come with running a business.

Before joining AAB, I worked part-time in bookkeeping for a local company. When I joined the VFF team, I quickly realised it was the perfect fit for me: I could combine my analytical mindset with my interest in business. And the best part is that I get to work closely with a range of businesses. That variety gives me perspective and experience that I can draw on. It allows me to see what works well across different industries and can help clients apply those lessons to improve their own systems.”

HUMANS BEHIND THE NUMBERS

“There’s a common misconception that accountants are boring, and I can confidently say that couldn’t be further from the truth! Our team at AAB is full of talented, fun, and interesting people, and the culture here makes a real difference.

At the heart of my work is a simple goal: to develop finance functions that are efficient, insightful, and genuinely add value for my clients. For me, it’s not only about getting the numbers right, it’s about giving clients the confidence to make smarter, faster, and better-informed decisions.”

COLLABORATION IS KEY

“AAB is a highly collaborative environment, and that’s something I really value. We have specialists across every sector, so when a client comes to us with a complex issue, we can draw on expertise from across the business to deliver the best solution. I’ve seen firsthand how this teamwork translates into better outcomes for our clients.”

ALWAYS LEARNING & IMPROVING

“Passing both my ACA and CTA exams while balancing a full workload was definitely a challenge, but it taught me valuable lessons in time management and prioritisation, making sure nothing gets missed, even when juggling competing demands.

I’m also passionate about technology and innovation within finance. I’m particularly interested in how AI and machine learning can reduce manual data entry, flag anomalies, and enhance reporting accuracy. I believe technology will continue to transform the finance function, and I want to be at the forefront of that change.”