Every month we pose 7 questions to a Chamber member, this time it’s Danny Fox, founder of Graphite Accounting Solutions.
1.Who are you and what do you do?
I launched Graphite Accounting Solutions a little over a year ago now.
The main aim of the Company is to provide another resource to businesses that may need short term cover for maternity/paternity leave or if they are just short staffed and recruiting for a full-time position. We are also available to provide a long term full outsourced financial control solution as well. Alongside that we offer a full accountancy practice suite of services from annual accounts, tax, payroll and bookkeeping, etc.
2. How long have you been doing this?
Accountancy is my one and only profession starting when I was seventeen years old. I initially started in practice and have also moved through the finance industry working in trust and company and private equity. I can honestly say there is not much in the accountancy world that I do not have experience of!
3. How did you get into this field?
When I was at school, I always wanted to be an electrician. This was back in the day where if you had not taken specific GSCEs you would not be considered for a position no matter your level of passion, intelligence or aptitude. Thankfully, times have changed.
A friend of mine joined an accountancy firm so I thought, why not give it a go? Here I am, 35+ years later still in the same profession. I guess I must have done something right!
4. What’s the ‘why’ behind your work?
My main driver is being able to help and support others. I have worked in places where the expected norm is to work overtime, having to monitor emails whilst on holiday and generally to put work before everything else. By offering an external resource, we are able to reduce the pressures on existing staff members to hopefully help them sleep at night.
I also see a lot of situations where local tradespeople aren’t aware of legislation changes which could then put them in breach of the law. I keep my clients updated of any changes to ensure that they have made the required updates so they aren’t suddenly faced with unexpected fines.
5. How do you approach problem-solving?
My approach is to look at the end result and the paths that lead there. Invariably, there are always steps along the way which can be improved, be it from automation, clarifying roles and responsibilities, upskilling, etc. When the improvements have been identified then we look to implement those in a manner that works for the client. Following implementation, a second review always takes place to ensure that the improvements have the desired effect or if further tweaking is required.
6. Has there been a moment, experience or piece of advice that’s stuck with you in your business journey?
I was on holiday in Jamaica and had one of the locals say to me “they don’t have problems, they have situations and situations can be resolved”. This actually sat quite deep with me. I had recently been under a lot of stress and made me sit back and think about how I approach situations in the workplace as they are no longer problems. This is an ethos I drive forward and have repeated to many of my team members.
7. Tea, coffee, or something stronger?
It has got be an ice-cold beer on a summer’s day at a barbeque with family and friends. A great way to relax and leave the work behind to enjoy time with the important people in my life.
To learn more about Graphite Accounting Solutions click here
