In the Spotlight: John Davison

The spotlight this issue focuses on John Davison, Associate Director at Clive Owen & Co LLP. With almost 17 years service with the practice, he has a lot of knowledge to share on his role in the Business Planning and Development department.

Q. So John, how would you summarise what you do at Clive Owen & Co LLP?

A. Our department covers a vast range of services however the main areas I get involved in are providing financial forecasts to support new business owners, and ensuring clients have the correct accounting software in place. One of my key goals with clients is to set up the systems needed to provide useful management information on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Q. Tell us about a recent achievement in your department...

A. Sage have tightened up on the criteria needed to become Sage resellers, so to maintain our accreditation we now need to sit annual exams. We are proud of this as it demonstrates our product knowledge and gives clients that extra reassurance that we are able to help.

Q. What's the latest development or innovation that clients are finding most useful?

A. We are in demand with old and new clients over our management accounts package which links to Sage and other Windows-based packages. We believe our own in-house design to be unique amongst firms of accountants and the package brings more flexibility to the clients reporting facilities. Once designed to your specifications, simply at the touch of a button our system enables clients to:

• Produce up to date information whenever needed;
• Compare current, live, actual results with forecasts or prior year figures;
• Take immediate action to enhance sales, increase margins or control costs;
• Perform "what if" scenarios and sophisticated variance analyses.

Q. Do you help train people in how to use their accounting systems?

A. We specialise in Sage training and have a good knowledge of all versions. We often do close hand holding for the first year of trading up until their first financial statements. Over a period of time we would train the book keeper or accountant to do the job we have been doing, and then continue to sit on board meetings giving more strategic advice.

Q. What continues to surprise you about the businesses you work with?

A. Clients often have the hardware and software necessary but aren't using them to their full potential. Training clients to get they full potential out of their current hardware and software will often achieve considerable results with minimum additional costs.

Q. Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself to finish off!

A. I am a staunch supporter of our local football team and hold a much-valued season ticket at Darlington Football Club, though I do also do a lot of walking in the Lake District.

Please contact John at our Darlington office for more information on how they can help keep you in the driving seat of your business in these changeable times.

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