Helen Brand
Chief Executive, ACCA
Aleksandra Zaronina-Kirillova
Head of SME Professional Insights, ACCA
Glenn Collins
Head of Technical & Strategic Engagement, ACCA UK
Accountants are expanding their strategic impact, combining deep financial expertise with forward-thinking partnerships to build sustainable, successful businesses.
The rapidly evolving business landscape is putting the resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the test like never before. For example, many SMEs understand the importance of operating sustainably, as the resulting efficiencies can be beneficial for their business, more appealing to customers and certainly better for the planet. Nevertheless, meeting sustainability goals presents them with various pressing challenges — as does navigating a complex regulatory environment and embracing digitalisation, among other issues.
Accountants as strategic SME partners
Fortunately, SMEs don’t have to face these challenges alone because the role of professional accountants has evolved and expanded to meet the transforming needs of the small business sector. Accountants are now acting as strategic partners and trusted advisors who help SMEs build resilience at every turn. By immersing themselves in every aspect of a business, they’re uniquely qualified to provide valuable strategic insight and guidance while driving positive change that delivers lasting success.
For example, PJCO Chartered Certified Accountants provide support to SMEs and entrepreneurs, helping clients navigate everything from rising interest rates to technological change through their work with landlords and buy-to-let properties. Elevate Accountancy specialises in franchising and the care sector, combining digital solutions with industry knowledge to deliver strategic advice through regular client interaction and feedback. Meanwhile, Profit Impact works with businesses on sustainability transformation, helping clients turn environmental goals into tangible results while maintaining financial performance.
The expanding role of accountants
For its part, ACCA — the global body for accountants — is making sure accountants are equipped with all the skills and knowledge necessary to support SMEs in this highly charged and constantly changing business world. It’s crucial that it does, insists Helen Brand, Chief Executive.
“SMEs are the backbone of the global economy, and supporting their resilience and growth is central to our mission,” she says. “Our members in small and medium sized practices understand the entrepreneurial journey intimately — they are small business owners themselves. This shared experience creates a powerful foundation for meaningful support and guidance. Through our global network, we’re committed to empowering accountants to be not just advisors but true partners in building sustainable, successful businesses.”
Accountancy professionals are
uniquely positioned to help SMEs
navigate today’s complex challenges.
Accountants are contributing to building a more sustainable world
Accountants who work in small and medium-sized practices (SMPs) are indispensable for an SME’s sustainability agenda. By first integrating sustainable practices into their operational frameworks, SMPs gain first-hand experience and insights into the challenges and benefits of sustainable transformation. This approach means they guide clients towards environmentally and socially responsible practices and enable them to effectively communicate and report on their achievements.
They can also boost financial resilience by easing access to diverse funding sources, managing cash flow optimisation and building investor relationships. Plus, by leading technology adoption initiatives and creating tailored digital strategies, they can play a central role in its digital transformation, too. They make strong advocates, ensuring that SMEs’ voices are heard at policy level.
Helping SMEs unlock their true potential
“Our community of practitioners acts as an essential support network, which is particularly vital given that SMEs contribute over £2 trillion to the UK economy,” says Glenn Collins, Head of Technical and Strategic Engagement, ACCA UK. “In fact, according to figures from Intuit, SMEs that use accounting services have seen an 11.5% annual increase in their revenue, compared to those that don’t. Using an accountant can also save them up to nine hours every week on financial management.”
“Our research shows that accountants are uniquely positioned to help SMEs navigate today’s complex challenges, from digital transformation to sustainability requirements,” says Aleksandra Zaronina-Kirillova, Head of SME Professional Insights, ACCA. “That’s why we’re continuously developing practical tools, insights and guidance to help our members stay ahead of emerging trends and deliver real value to their SME clients. When we equip accountants with the right resources, they can truly unlock small business potential.”
