Accounting, bookkeeping and Fractional Finance Director services for SMEs
Tailored finance business partnering services to help owner-managed SMEs achieve their goals
Jackdaw Four Finance offers four services you can combine as you need: a Fractional Finance Director, accounting and tax, bookkeeping, and one-off consultancy projects. We work with owner-manager SMEs across Yorkshire and the UK, mainly on FreeAgent and Xero.
Every quote is tailored to your business, but as a guide: fractional FD support usually runs 2 to 8 days per month at a day rate of £800; accounting, tax and bookkeeping packages start from £100 a month for Ltd companies (less for sole traders), billed monthly; and consultancy projects are fixed-fee or time-based.
Book a free call and we'll give you a clear and tailored quote before any work starts.
Fractional Finance Director (FD)
Most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can neither afford nor require a full time Finance Director - so who will help guide the Managing Director through the critical finance side of running their business? That’s where an experienced Fractional Finance Director can be instrumental in helping your business both survive and thrive.
Nick can act as your part-time or Fractional Finance Director, providing your business with the insight, experience and skills you need, without the expense of a full time employee. It’s a flexible, cost-effective solution that gives you senior financial expertise when you need it most.
Accounting & Tax
For many SMEs, staying compliant with accounting and tax obligations can feel like an endless cycle of deadlines, filings and calculations. We take that weight off your shoulders, providing the full suite of accounting and tax services you need to remain compliant, accurate and on time - all while keeping an eye out for ways to improve your business performance and maximise your earnings.
Whether you want us to take care of everything, or just specific elements alongside your existing accountant, our flexible service means you get the right level of support for your needs. We work primarily with FreeAgent and Xero, ensuring your records are accurate, up-to-date and ready to support informed decision-making.
Bookkeeping services on FreeAgent and Xero
Jackdaw Four Finance keeps the books for owner-managed businesses across Yorkshire and the UK, on FreeAgent and Xero. You can hand it all over to us, or keep doing it yourself and have us check and correct it each month or quarter. Either way, your records are accurate, up to date and ready for VAT returns, accounts and decisions.
Consultancy and forecasting
Not every business needs an ongoing Finance Director. Sometimes you need senior finance expertise for one project: a forecast for the bank, a review of how you use Xero, or a plan before you raise funding. Jackdaw Four Finance runs these projects for owner-managed SMEs across Yorkshire and the UK, priced as a fixed fee or on a time basis.
Software
We are proud to be certified partners with two accounting software packages - FreeAgent and Xero.
FreeAgent
A great tool for businesses up to circa 5 employees, mainly providing services. It’s simple to use, with all the bookkeeping features you’d expect, but it can also complete and file your annual account and corporation tax, if you are classed as a Micro-Entity, as well as your personal self-assessment return. This allows us to keep our costs down for you, versus completing these through other software.
If you have a NatWest, RBS or Mettle bank account, you can use FreeAgent for free! Visit their website to find out more.
Xero
Xero is ideal for slightly larger SMEs, who have more complex accounting needs and require more features, better reporting or want more integrations with other software.
If you are unsure, we can help you make the right choice. If you already use either software, transferring on to our FreeAgent’s Partner Dashboard or XeroHQ is very straightforward.
Client Portal
Communication with Jackdaw Four Finance is both easy and secure via our Client Portal, keeping you informed and your data safe.
What our clients say
We were introduced to Nick by a mutual connection who highly recommended him. We’re a small business and needed some financial expertise to advise us on how we use Xero, and to create a forecast model. Nick has not only been a pleasure to work with, his depth of expertise is very clear and we have really appreciated his patience when we ask basic questions. We now have greater governance in our financial processes and a robust financial tool that brings confidence to out future growth conversations.
Frequently asked questions
I already have an accountant. Why would I need you?
Your accountant files your statutory accounts and tax returns; we help you run and grow the business using your numbers through the year. We’re happy to work alongside your existing accountant. If you’re on FreeAgent or Xero, we can also take over the compliance work so everything sits with one trusted partner.
What areas do you cover?
We’re based in Boston Spa, near Wetherby in West Yorkshire, and work with clients across the UK by video call. For fractional FD clients who need us on site, we cover Leeds, Wetherby, Harrogate, York and the rest of Yorkshire.
How much do you charge?
It depends on the service. As a guide, fractional FD work is charged at a day rate of £800, usually for 2 to 8 days a month. Accounting, tax and bookkeeping packages start from £100 a month for Limited Companies (less for Sole Traders), calculated for the year and billed monthly so your costs are predictable. Consultancy projects are fixed-fee or time-based. You’ll always get a clear quote before any work starts.
What happens on the first call?
It’s a free, no-obligation 45-minute conversation about your business, what’s working, what isn’t and what you want to achieve. We’ll be honest about whether we can help, and if we can, we’ll follow up with a written proposal.
How long am I tied in for?
As long or as short as you need. We agree the terms at the start of the engagement, and there’s no long minimum contract. Our standard terms are 30 days notice.
When can you start?
Usually within two to four weeks of agreeing a proposal, quicker if the need dictates. We don’t take on more work than we can do well, so we’ll always be honest about timing.
Are you qualified and regulated?
Yes. Nick Lankester is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA) and a CIMA Member in Practice, which means we hold professional indemnity insurance and are supervised by CIMA for anti-money laundering. Jenn Driver is a full member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (MAAT).