services

Our Services

At Fiander Tovell accountants in Southampton, we work with a wide range of businesses, of all ages, sizes, sectors and structures, and with private individuals.

We’ll stay on top of your finances for you, so you can focus on what you do best. The support we provide is tailored specifically to your individual needs and ranges from bookkeeping and annual accounts to compliance, forecasting, and everything in between.

Accounting

Audit & Regulated

Tax

Corporate Advisory

Accounting

Annual Accounts

We’ll take care of all of the important deadlines for you; from the preparation and review of your annual accounts to your company, partnership and personal tax return. Our in-depth knowledge and understanding of evolving legislation will give you the peace of mind to concentrate on the day-to-day running of your business.

Business Services

We offer a complete bookkeeping and management accounts service, regardless of the stage you’re at in your growth. It’s essential to keep detailed records of all your financial transactions and, just as importantly, know where to find them. We can help you do this remotely using the latest online accounting and data capture software. Our bookkeeping service also includes personalised training, if required.

Budgeting is another essential step of business planning. We can provide tailored reports that allow you to plan and forecast effectively. The more information you are able to give us, the more we can help you achieve your financial goals as a business in a simple and transparent way.

VAT

VAT legislation can be a complex topic, particularly for smaller businesses; which is why we’re on hand to explain things. We can assist with VAT registration, preparing returns and providing advice on VAT planning. We can also provide assistance in dealing with HM Revenue & Customs regarding VAT enquiries and inspections.

Company Secretarial

Ensuring you have the right systems in place is key to meeting your obligations and driving business. We can provide you with secretarial services ranging from providing a registered office address to acting as Company Secretary, maintaining statutory books and circulating accounts and AGM notices.

Keeping your company records up to date and filing relevant documents with Companies House is a priority for all companies, but it can put a strain on your resources. At Fiander Tovell, we take pride in the knowledge that by helping you stay compliant, we play a part in helping your company thrive.

Payroll

We operate an in-house payroll bureau staffed by experienced payroll operators to assist you in maintaining your payroll, meeting your statutory obligations and paying your staff on time. If you would like us to handle your payroll for you, you would need to provide us with the monthly gross pay and any commissions/adjustments and we would:

calculate net pay, PAYE and national insurance liabilities;
summarise and advising you of the liabilities due to HMRC;
provide payslips and year end P60’s for your employees;
prepare any in year P45s or P38s for joiners and leavers;
calculate any statutory maternity/paternity or sick pay;
liaise with your workplace pension provider to obtain/calculate the pension deductions and process these through the payroll;
submit the agreed payroll data online to HMRC in accordance with the RTI requirements;
calculating and submitting furlough claims.

Our costs for this service are fixed depending on the number of employees and frequency of pay-runs to give you certainty over costs.

View our FT Pay video here.

Fabrice Legris, BEng, FCA

Commercial Client Director

fabricelegris@fiandertovell.co.uk

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Fabrice has been in Public Practice since the late eighties. He qualified with one of the Big Four Firms in London and spent most of his Public Practice career providing audit, accountancy, tax and business advisory services to clients ranging from small businesses to medium and larger groups. He enjoys working closely with clients to understand their business needs and provides them with relevant, clear and timely advice on tax, financial, accounting and strategic matters critical to owner managers.

Despite spending most of his professional career assisting and advising business owners in the UK across a wide range of industry, he also worked for 6 years during the late nineties in Mauritius as Finance Director for a large conglomerate in the Aviation and Tourism field and in process gained invaluable experience in running the day to day finances and controls of such a Group with multinational operations.

Fabrice is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Chris Griffiths, FCCA, CTA

Head of Commercial & Firm Principal

Chrisgriffiths@fiandertovell.co.uk

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Chris has considerable experience advising businesses of all shapes and sizes, in accounting, taxation and strategic business matters, which has been gained over the past 30 years. Chris has a particular interest advising owner-managed businesses and enjoys working closely with business owners to help them achieve their business goals and aims.

Chris also takes a keen interest in the ‘not for profit’ sector.

Chris is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

Lisa Jefferies, FCA

Commercial Client Director

Lisajefferies@fiandertovell.co.uk

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Lisa joined Fiander Tovell in 1992 and qualified with us as a chartered accountant in 1997.

She has years of experience in advising family-run businesses, working closely with them to establish strong relationships. Lisa’s approach ensures that she is ideally placed to assess the needs of the business and the individuals involved and provide integrated advice and support.

Lisa likes to work closely with clients and ensures our team is on hand to assist with day to day accounting and tax concerns. She provides reassurance to her clients so they can concentrate on running and growing their businesses.

Audit & Regulated

UK Company

Let our specialist team of experienced auditors plan and organise the audit of your UK company with minimal disruption to your team and to fit around your timescales. Audit work can be tailored to focus on areas of the business important to you to provide added value and feedback on internal controls and inherent risks within your business. Try to maintain consistency within the audit team year on year to prevent asking your team members the same questions every year!!

Groups

We audit UK groups and UK subsidiaries of foreign parent companies, working in a collaborative way with parent company auditors and working to head office deadlines.

LLPs

LLPs audits are similar to companies but where many LLPs are partnerships we understand the different dynamics of partnerships to companies – having been an LLP ourselves for over 15 years. The added interaction with the LLP and partners tax is fundamental and our specialist audit and tax teams work in an integrated way to make this seamless.

Solicitors

We have a team of trained specialist SAR reviewers who are familiar with the latest SRA rules and regulations and can offer advice and practical solutions to your operational questions.

ARMA/ARLA

Team understands additional reporting and regulations for Estate and Letting Agents and provides an efficient review and reporting process.

Schools

Independent school accounts and audits.

Pension Audit

Our thorough pension scheme audits ensure your company meets UK regulations and financial reporting standards. We provide trustees with clear financial assessments, identify potential risks, and boost transparency. By evaluating internal controls, testing transactions, and working with actuaries, we ensure accurate reporting. With our services, you’re not just ticking a box—you’re enhancing governance, risk management, and planning for your pension scheme’s future, ensuring lasting benefits for your employees.

Audit Grants

Local authority, grant audits and applications.

Corporate Governance

Strong governance creates a robust business structure and gives confidence to stakeholders in the business. Our many years of experience working with big businesses and working for large accounting firms gives us the knowledge to pass on to our clients best practice and advise on regulations that affect you.

Trustee Governance

Trustee have specific legal responsibility for good governance and beneficiaries expect a stronger degree of control and transparency. We can help and guide trustees though their responsibilities and provide induction programmes for new trustees.

Charity

We act for many charities large and small. Familiar with Charity Commission requirements and guidelines. Audits or independent examinations.

Internal controls

Strong internal controls limit risk and can improve efficiency within your business. Our team of experienced auditors is well placed to review your systems and feedback where improvements could be made or help design new systems and controls for new areas of your growing business. We draw on the experience of many businesses we have reviewed and audited over the years.

Accounting Systems

An efficient well run accounting function depends on effective people and strong systems. We have specialist operatives who can help design systems, train your people and monitor progress or reports. This should help give you confidence in your numbers, allow you to plan ahead, proactively mitigate taxes and minimise costs and inefficiencies.

Andy Jay, FCCA, FCA

Managing Director & Firm Principal

Andyjay@fiandertovell.co.uk

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Andy joined Fiander Tovell in June 2010 becoming a Director in April 2012.

He qualified with a local independent firm of Chartered Accountants in 2003 and then moved to a big four firm as audit manager, before arriving at Fiander Tovell.

He has significant experience providing audit, accountancy and transaction related services to clients ranging from small, owner-managed businesses to large, multi-national groups.

Adam Buse, MChem, FCA

Head of Corporate

Adambuse@fiandertovell.co.uk

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Adam is a Chartered Accountant with over 13 years practice experience, gained during his development with Fiander Tovell and post qualification.

Over his time with the practice, Adam has worked with a wide variety of clients, across many sectors including solicitors, care homes, building contractors and recruitment agents. Adam has looked after businesses of varying sizes from unincorporated entities to large audit groups. The breadth of his experience allows him to consider business problems from all angles.

Mark Gregory, ACA

Corporate Client Director

Markgregory@fiandertovell.co.uk

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Mark joined Fiander Tovell in 2013, completing our training programme, and qualifying with us as a chartered accountant in 2018.

With over ten years experience in practice, Mark has a wide variety of experience ranging from advising owner-managed businesses and individuals to multi-national corporations.

He has a particular interest in audit and regulated services, leading our corporate team. His experience covers a range of industries including transport, construction, education, manufacturing, charities and the public sector.

Tax

Company & Business

Personal Tax

Annual self-assessment returns
Tax Reclaims
Non-resident, expat and non-dom
Income disclosures and HMRC Enquiries

Trusts

Trust taxation and compliance is complex and requires very specialist knowledge and experience. We have trained professionals with relevant experience to help you navigate the complexities and minimise your tax liabilities. We will work closely with your legal adviser to ensure a co-ordinated solution is found where necessary.

Tax Valuations

Because there is no precise formula for valuing a business or company shares of private companies the practical experience of the valuer is paramount. Our advisors have carried valuations over many years across many business sectors for the purposes of HMRC disputes, life insurance and inheritance tax planning, probate purposes, Trust taxation and employee shares.

Tax Planning

Good tax planning requires an understanding of your personal and business objectives and we invest the time to understand these. Our practical, commercial advice and extensive experience will help you find effective solutions.

Inheritance Tax & Wealth Planning

Planning for later life can be complex and for some is a highly sensitive subject. We have experienced advisers skilled at managing the complexities and personal sensitivities which often cross different generations. We seek to find practical solutions to the difficult questions that can arise and can guide you through any changes you may wish to make to reduce your family estate’s exposure to taxes and complexity. We will often work closely with your lawyers to ensure the will is consistent with your tax plans.

EIS & SEIS

EIS and SEIS

These tax advantaged investments come with strict rules of compliance and potential pitfalls. They are by their nature high risk investments and require a clear understanding of the rules before you invest in any. Such investments are products regulated by the FCA and as such we cannot advise you on which investments to consider. However, we have years of experience handling the many tax issues that arise and advising individuals and EIS/SEIS companies accordingly. We can also assist with the setting up of an EIS or SEIS company, obtaining advance tax approval from HMRC and assisting with the EIS/SEIS compliance and forms required for investors to claim their tax reliefs.

Business growth & succession

We have helped many businesses with their growth plans, offering sensible guidance, a sounding board, structured solutions, and support throughout the process. Succession planning involves creating a plan and business structure that works tax efficiently for the existing business owners and is workable for the successors. This can involve a trade sale, new equity investment, management buy outs, employee share schemes and usually takes a few years to fully effect. We help throughout the process.

Employee share scheme

Many different styles of share schemes. Designing a scheme that’s right for you and your employees whilst navigating the tax, legal requirements and practical implications is made easier with the help of our experienced advisors. We can help find the right solution, source lawyers where needed, value the shares and liaise with HMRC for all the company’s requirements.

Cathy Revis, FCA, CTA

Head of Tax, Deal Advisory
& Firm Principal

Cathyrevis@fiandertovell.co.uk

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Cathy joined Fiander Tovell in 1992 and was Managing Director for 5 years until 2021. She now heads the Tax Team and leads the firm’s offering in Transaction Support for business disposals and acquisitions.

She has particular expertise in all areas of tax planning for businesses and individuals; corporate structuring for growing businesses; and succession, exit and retirement planning.

She has also spent most of her professional career working in the field of reorganisations, mergers, acquisitions and business sales and enjoys the constant variety and challenges involved in assisting business owners from all industry sectors to exit or expand their businesses.

Cathy is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

Diane Warren, CTA

Head of Private Client Tax

dianewarren@fiandertovell.co.uk

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Diane has recently joined Fiander Tovell and is responsible for the Private Client Tax Team. With over 30 years of working in private client tax, Diane has a wealth of experience in personal tax covering income tax, inheritance tax and capital gains tax matters; having advised a wide range of clients including high net worth individuals, families, business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, trustees and executors.

She also has particular expertise regarding the taxation of trusts, where she works closely with trustees providing tax advice and helping them to meet their compliance obligations.

Diane is a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

Corporate Advisory

Bank reporting and funding reviews

Banks can require an interim review of funding facilities with a report from an independent accountant, or a full investigation when finance is applied for. We have lots of experience designing bespoke reviews that provide the bank with the comfort they need in an efficient and timely manner at a lower cost than a full due diligence review. The banks who have used this service like our targeted approach that focuses on the elements of the business and finances that are key to their lending decision and businesses appreciate the minimal interruption and cost involved. Contact us for more details if you think this may be of help to you.

Business Valuations

Business Valuations are needed in many different scenarios; including sales and acquisitions of businesses, divorces, employee shares schemes and inheritance tax planning. Because there is no precise formula for valuing a business or company shares of private companies the practical experience of the valuer is paramount. Our advisors have provided valuation over many years across many business sectors for the purposes of HMRC, Banks, legal disputes, life insurance and employee shares.

Business Sales

Years of experience helping our clients sell their businesses. Familiar with the legal process, the negotiations, the implications for sellers and can help support through what is often a once in a lifetime event for many business owners. You may only do this once and therefore want the right business partners to help you get it right!!

Acquisitions Due Diligence

Buying a business is a difficult and costly process, but if done correctly should increase the value of the combined business. We highly recommend a thorough DD process to ensure you know exactly what you are buying, what risks you may need protection from and uncovering the full extent. Our team has extensive knowledge and practical experience and will integrate their work with the legal advisers and any other professionals involved to ensure you get a joined up advisory team helping you buy the right business for you.

Andy Jay, FCCA, FCA

Managing Director & Firm Principal

Andyjay@fiandertovell.co.uk

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Andy joined Fiander Tovell in June 2010 becoming a Director in April 2012.

He qualified with a local independent firm of Chartered Accountants in 2003 and then moved to a big four firm as audit manager, before arriving at Fiander Tovell.

He has significant experience providing audit, accountancy and transaction related services to clients ranging from small, owner-managed businesses to large, multi-national groups.

Helen Holman, BA Hons, FCA

Associate Director – Deal Advisory Services

helenholman@fiandertovell.co.uk

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Helen joined Fiander Tovell in October 2023. She works alongside Cathy Revis in delivering Transaction Support services for business owners.

She has experience in a wide range of areas including strategy development, financial due diligence, business disposals and acquisitions and forecasting.

Trained with one of large 4 firms, Helen has worked in ‘industry’ for Aviva Health as well as for a regional independent accountancy firm. Recently Helen has worked for herself delivering project accountancy services to boutique corporate finance firms and business owners.

Helen is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Cathy Revis, FCA, CTA

Head of Tax, Deal Advisory
& Firm Principal

Cathyrevis@fiandertovell.co.uk

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She has particular expertise in all areas of tax planning for businesses and individuals; corporate structuring for growing businesses; and succession, exit and retirement planning.

Cathy is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.