Business Details
7 Years
experience
Expert Accountants in Southend-on-Sea
Practical Bookkeeping, Accounting and Taxation Services (PBATS) was founded in 2019 with a vision to deliver superior accounting, taxation, and advisory services. Our practice has grown significantly, driven by a commitment to technical excellence and client-centric solutions. With directors Martin Beales and Kerry Williams leading the team, we combine over 40 years of collective experience in public practice and industry. Our expertise spans company accounts, tax planning, management accounting, and outsourced financial director roles, serving businesses across sectors including technology, healthcare, and real estate.We prioritise innovation, quality, and integrity, ensuring clients receive tailored advice to optimise financial performance and compliance. Our team includes specialists in bookkeeping, payroll, capital gains tax, and software training, supported by a network of trusted professionals. Client testimonials highlight our responsiveness, technical knowledge, and ability to reduce tax liabilities while providing strategic growth guidance. We serve clients in Essex and beyond, offering flexible services including virtual accounts departments and meeting room hire.
Services
Accounting Services
Tax Planning
Bookkeeping
Payroll Processing
Capital Gains Tax
Management Accounts
Company Secretarial
CIS Returns
Software Training
Outsourced Financial Director
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of technical expertise in accounting and tax planning.
- Our team provides proactive, client-centric advisory services tailored to business needs.
- We combine innovation with integrity to deliver transparent financial solutions.
- We specialise in reducing tax liabilities through strategic capital gains tax planning.
- Our directors have extensive networks of trusted professionals for holistic support.
What people say
Exceptional service
Technical knowledge
Responsive support
Tax liability reduction
Strategic growth guidance
Services
Accounting Services
We prepare and submit annual accounts, company tax returns, and VAT filings while minimising liabilities. Our services ensure compliance with Companies House and HMRC regulations. Clients benefit from tailored financial reporting and strategic tax planning to enhance profitability.
Tax Planning
Our tax planning services focus on reducing personal and corporate tax liabilities through capital gains tax strategies, R&D claims, and profit extraction planning. We provide expert representation during HMRC disputes and tax tribunal preparations.
Bookkeeping
We offer clean-up and ongoing bookkeeping services using QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage. Our team ensures accurate transaction recording, reconciliation, and VAT return preparation. Clients receive organised financial records to support informed decision-making.
Payroll Processing
Our payroll services include RTI submissions, pension auto-enrolment, and payslip distribution. We ensure compliance with PAYE regulations and provide guidance on employee benefits. Clients benefit from accurate, timely payroll processing across multiple software platforms.
Outsourced Financial Director
As outsourced financial directors, we provide growth planning, cashflow forecasting, and funding negotiations. Our services include profit maximisation strategies and management reporting. Clients gain strategic financial leadership without full-time executive costs.
People
Martin Beales
Managing Director, Founder
Martin has 20 years of accounting experience, specialising in tax planning, financial director roles, and business advisory. He supports clients in sectors including technology, healthcare, and real estate, with a focus on growth strategies and compliance.
Kerry Williams
Managing Director
Kerry brings 20 years of experience from top accounting firms, specialising in forensic accounting and insolvency. She strengthens PBATS' client network and provides expertise in contentious financial matters and business growth strategies.
Laura Sutton
Management Accountant
Laura has 25 years of experience in practice and industry, overseeing management accounts for diverse clients. Her expertise spans financial reporting for SMEs and PLCs, including roles as financial controller at a barristers' chambers.
Kristen Sadler
Bookkeeping and VAT Manager
Kristen manages bookkeeping operations with 9 years of experience in top firms. She specialises in agriculture, retail, and leisure sectors, offering expertise in accounting software and tax compliance.
Charis Sulman
Tax Manager
Charis has 25 years of tax expertise, focusing on complex CGT planning, property tax, and international taxation. She advises on estate planning, trusts, and tax disputes, ensuring clients adopt optimal tax strategies.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide company accounts, tax returns, VAT filings, payroll, CIS returns, and bookkeeping. Our services ensure compliance with HMRC and Companies House requirements.
How can you help reduce my tax liabilities?
We use capital gains tax planning, R&D claims, and profit extraction strategies to legally minimise tax. Our team also advises on tax reliefs like Private Residence Relief.
Do you offer outsourced financial director services?
Yes, we provide outsourced FD services including cashflow forecasting, funding negotiations, and strategic business growth planning tailored to your company's needs.
Can you assist with payroll processing?
We handle payroll for all frequencies using Sage, Xero, and BrightPay. Services include RTI submissions, pension auto-enrolment, and employee benefit calculations.
Is meeting room hire available?
Yes, our Southend-on-Sea office offers meeting rooms by the hour, half-day, or full-day. Rates start at £20/hour with AV facilities and refreshments included.
How do you support business growth?
We offer management accounts, growth planning, and financial system reviews. Our advisory services help clients secure funding and implement profit maximisation strategies.
