How we work

Think of this as your onboarding trail. Step by step, you’ll know exactly where we’re up to, what’s coming next, and how we keep things simple, clear, and on track.

Pre-Sign-Up Checklist

Before we jump on a call, here’s what you need to know:

We’re a software-led firm — we work best with clients who are open to using tools like Xero or FreeAgent

We support sole traders, limited companies and not-yet-trading businesses

We tailor our support based on your setup, your industry, and how involved you want to be

We ask a few quick questions on our contact form to help us recommend the right next step

If we’re not the right fit, we’ll always say so — and might even suggest someone who is

Do we have anything else for symetry?

1

Welcome Aboard

You’ve chosen clarity — and we’re excited to get started.

We’ll begin with:

  • A welcome email introducing your main point of contact
  • Your personalised onboarding checklist
  • Access to your secure document portal

To comply with HMRC regulations, we’ll run through:

  • Anti-Money Laundering (AML) ID checks
  • Risk assessment questionnaire
  • Business details confirmation

This ensures we’re protecting your business and doing things properly from the start.

2

AML & Risk Checks

3

Agent Authorisation & Clearance

We’ll:

  • Apply for agent status with HMRC (so we can act on your behalf)
  • Request professional clearance from your previous accountant (if applicable)

You’ll be copied in and kept in the loop — no chasing required.

Now we lay the groundwork:

  • You’ll be introduced to your dedicated point of contact
  • We’ll get you connected to the right software tools
  • Your services and deadlines will be added to our internal tracking
4

Success Setup

5

Software Training

We’re a software-led firm — and we want you to feel confident.

We’ll offer:

  • A quick training session on how to use your new tools (like Xero, Dext, Apron, etc.)
  • Tailored support to show you where to send receipts, track invoices, and find your reports
  • Cheat sheets and video guides if you want to DIY it later

We’re almost done! At this stage, we’ll send you this message:

“We’re thrilled to let you know onboarding is nearly complete. We’d love to schedule a quick meeting to run through everything, check it all aligns with your expectations, and answer any final questions you may have.”

This session includes:

  • Demonstration of the software tools you’ll use
  • A chance to ask anything
  • Ensuring we’re both happy with how things are set up
6

Pre-Go-Live Check-In

Ongoing Journey

How We Work With You

Once onboarded, your journey with us depends on the services you’ve signed up for — but you can always expect:

Service Frequency

  • Weekly — for those on high-volume support (e.g. bands, VAs, VAT-heavy clients)
  • Monthly — for management accounts, bookkeeping, and payroll cycles
  • Quarterly — for VAT-only clients or those on light-touch packages

Communication

We’ll:

  • Let you know when work has been completed
  • Tell you if we need anything to proceed
  • Give you early nudges ahead of deadlines
  • Check in when it’s been too quiet (we’re proactive, not reactive)

Ongoing Support & Training

  • Need help using your software? Just ask.
  • Systems changing? We’ll guide you through it.
  • Something confusing you? We’ll explain — no judgement, no jargon.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk.

More about the team

Meet the Team

We’re a small, straight-talking team who love helping people feel confident about their numbers.

Caroline

Founder & Accountant

Tax-slaying, system-loving, dog-walking finance nerd

Dave

Accountant & Sound Pro

Balancing bands and balance sheets since forever

Emma

Trainee Accountant

Knows Xero better than most humans know their children

Charlene

Bookkeeper

Makes sure everything gets logged, reconciled, and ready on time.

About Carter Clear

Carter Clear exists to take the confusion out of accounting.

We help bands, creatives, surveyors, and service businesses turn their finances from a source of stress into a tool for growth.

We’re collaborative, systems-driven, and not afraid to bring a bit of fun into finance.

If that sounds like your kind of support — let’s talk.

Get in touch

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