Built for business owners who want more from their accountant.
Smart Accounting Solutions exists because business owners deserve an accountant who actually shows up. Not just once a year, but throughout the year, when the decisions that matter are being made.
Craig's story
My name is Craig Normington. I have been doing this for over 25 years.
I started in accountancy straight out of sixth form, joining an accountancy firm at exactly the moment computerised accounts were arriving. I grew up with the industry as it changed. I have seen how it works, what it does well and where it falls short.
What it falls short on is the small stuff.
The sole trader who gets a confusing letter from HMRC and does not know what to do. The business with its own bookkeeper who does not get the help and support they need to develop their skills. The business that outsources its bookkeeping but gets nothing useful back beyond its VAT figures every quarter. The limited company director who sees their accountant once a year, signs the accounts without really understanding them, and carries on hoping for the best.
I have spent my career working with exactly these people. And I built something specifically for them.
Smart Accounting Solutions is a bookkeeping and accountancy service that does not just handle your compliance. It gives you the help and support you need, keeps your figures up to date and gives you useful information throughout the year. We help you understand your business, make better decisions and stop you losing sleep over the numbers.
What drives this?
The idea has been in the back of my mind for years, and it has developed because of the clients I have worked with and what I have seen them go through.
Too many business owners are carrying stress they should not have to carry. They are doing their best to run a business while trying to figure out HMRC letters, rising costs eating into their margins, quarterly submissions, year-end deadlines and software they were never properly shown how to use.
The large businesses have finance directors, management accountants and advisors on tap. Most business owners usually have none of that. Smart Accounting Solutions exists to change that, at a level that is actually accessible and affordable.
For every client who has sat across a table from me and said "I just want someone to take all this stress away," or "I just don't know where I am" this is the answer.
That is the job. That has always been the job.
How Craig works
I am not interested in being one more name on a list of suppliers you rarely hear from. Every client I take on, I get to know. Their business, their industry, their margins, their habits, and yes, sometimes their personal situations too, because money and life have a habit of getting tangled together.
Over the years, I've helped clients with all sorts of things that technically sit outside the job description. If I can point you in the right direction, explain something you're not sure about or simply take a problem off your shoulders, I will. That's just how I work.
What sets us apart is this: I stay personally involved with every client, and you will always deal with the same bookkeeper. There will always be someone you can get hold of. Just someone who knows your name, knows your business, and picks up the phone. We are part of your team, and we are here to help. We do everything we can to support you in your business and anything else that you need us to do.
I also believe in honesty. If your numbers are not looking good, I will tell you. If there is a smarter way to do something, I will say so. My meetings are not just a walk-through of what has happened. We will look at what is going well, what is not going so well, what we can improve, and how we can make things work better for you going forward.
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Meet the team
Smart Accounting Solutions is built around a team of well-trained bookkeepers who understand why accuracy matters, not just how to enter data. Every team member is taken through the full process, from bookkeeping to management accounts, so they understand the bigger picture of what they are doing and why it matters. The team also manages operations, onboarding and compliance to make sure everything runs smoothly for us and our clients.
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Katrina
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Rebecca
Come and have a conversation.
No hard sell. No fixed agenda. Just Craig, you, and an honest chat about where your business is and what it needs.
Based in South Yorkshire. Serving businesses across Yorkshire.
Frequently asked questions
What is Smart Accounting Solutions?
Smart Accounting Solutions is a bookkeeping and accountancy business based in South Yorkshire, owned by Craig Normington. We provide bookkeeping, VAT, management accounts, MTD, invoicing and admin support for our clients, but what we really specialise in is helping business owners understand and run their businesses. We also provide a full range of year-end and compliance services.
Who is Craig Normington?
Craig Normington is the Director of Smart Accounting Solutions and has over 25 years of experience in bookkeeping and accountancy, working directly with business owners across a wide range of sectors. He built Smart Accounting Solutions specifically to give business owners the help, support and information they need whenever they need it, not just once a year when the accounts are due.
What makes Smart Accounting Solutions different from other accountants?
We get involved in your business throughout the year and become part of your team. Craig remains personally involved and always available when you need him. You will also have a dedicated bookkeeper who gets to know you and your business. We believe in building personal relationships with our clients so we can really understand you and your business. We personalise our service to each client, giving you the help and support you need. We keep your figures up to date, meet with you regularly and help you understand what the numbers actually mean. It is all built around giving you useful information, practical help and someone to talk to whenever you need it.
How often should I expect to hear from my accountant?
It depends on you and your business. Businesses that are growing, changing or planning significant decisions may need monthly contact. Others may need less frequent contact. We will catch up with every client at least every six months to see how things are going, but most importantly, we will be there whenever you need us.
I've had a bad experience with an accountant before. How is this different?
The most common complaints about accountants are: not being proactive, being hard to reach, only engaging at year end, and sending bills for every small query. Smart Accounting Solutions is designed to address all of these. We keep your records and figures up to date on a regular basis, so we can spot anything that needs attention and contact you when something matters. Craig remains personally involved and you have a dedicated bookkeeper who gets to know you and your business, so there is always someone there to help. We engage with you regularly throughout the year, not just when your accounts are due. And because everything is covered by an agreed fixed fee, you will not receive an extra bill every time you call, email or need a meeting. The initial conversation is free, so you can assess the fit before committing to anything.