Meet Peter Harvey, founder of Saviour Accounting, a CIMA-qualified accountant who’s been in the industry for over 20 years. Peter’s journey into the accounting world wasn’t planned; it was the result of a series of temporary office jobs after university. But as fate would have it, a permanent position came along that offered to sponsor his accountancy courses and exams, and Peter decided to take the plunge.

Two decades later, Peter’s practice stands as a testament to his commitment to providing efficient, professional services while maintaining a healthy balance between work and family life. Here’s a closer look at his journey, challenges, and insights.

The Challenge of Taming Proposal Admin

For Peter, one of the biggest obstacles in running his practice was the time and effort involved in manually producing proposals for potential clients. He trialled Engager to help streamline the process but initially put it on hold.

“The admin got worse!” Peter admits. “So I bit the bullet, contacted Ash at Engager, and got a further week’s trial. I now wouldn’t ever go back! Engager has been a game-changer for my practice.”

Favourite Engager Feature, Professional Proposals in Minutes

Engager’s proposal generation tool quickly became Peter’s go-to feature. It not only saves him time but ensures his proposals are professional and polished. Essential for impressing potential clients.

“Proposals are much quicker to produce now, and they look a lot more professional too,” Peter explains.

Keeping Life Organised

Peter’s workday is a mix of client meetings, responding to emails, and completing client work. To stay on top of everything, he relies on his calendar and uses templates for client communications, like chasing overdue payments or scheduling discovery calls.

“I streamline processes to keep admin time down,” Peter shares, highlighting the importance of efficiency in a one-person practice.

Building a Sustainable Practice

Peter has taken a careful approach to growing his business. His advice to others?

• Grow organically: Avoid rushing into unnecessary costs.
• Be financially cautious: Only take on subscriptions or expenses you can truly afford.

This deliberate approach has helped Peter maintain a practice that aligns with his long-term goals and values.

The Tech Revolution

Reflecting on how technology has transformed his business, Peter recalls the early days of scanning signed proposals and editing Word documents. A far cry from today’s streamlined, paperless systems.

“Technology is fundamental,” Peter says. “My office is now paperless and more streamlined than ever before.”

Balancing Work and Family

Peter prioritises his personal life and works his clients around his family—not the other way around.

“I space out deadlines and don’t work with anyone who won’t work with me,” Peter explains. “I have no plans to grow beyond myself and want to retain clients for the longer term.”

Looking Ahead, Automation and AI

Peter sees a future where automation and artificial intelligence play an even greater role in accounting. While he’s optimistic about the potential for these technologies to improve efficiency and provide specialised tax planning, he also sounds a note of caution:

“AI will change the face of accounting, hopefully for the better. The danger is we lose the ability to think for ourselves.”

The Rewards of Helping Others

At the heart of Saviour Accounting is Peter’s genuine passion for helping people. For him, the most rewarding part of his job is solving problems for his clients, and getting paid to do so is the cherry on top!

Peter Harvey’s story is one of adaptability, efficiency, and balance. By embracing technology, streamlining processes, and staying true to his values, he’s built a practice that not only serves his clients well but also supports his own quality of life.

To learn more about Peter and his approach to accounting, visit Saviour Accounting.

Takeaway Tip: Peter’s success highlights the importance of staying flexible and organised while prioritising personal values. How can you use technology and streamlined processes to balance your work and personal life? Share your ideas below!