Shakera Rolle-Manuel

Winners
Shakera Rolle-Manuel

Shakera Rolle-Manuel

SRM Accountancy
UK

Interview with Shakera Rolle-Manuel

Welcome to this exclusive interview with Shakera Rolle-Manuel, the dynamic founder and CEO of SRM Accountancy. Established in 2016, SRM Accountancy has swiftly carved out a reputation for excellence, combining professional acumen with a deep commitment to community engagement. In this conversation, Shakera shares insights into her journey of founding SRM Accountancy, the challenges she has faced, and the innovative strategies she employs to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of
the accounting industry.

Could you share your journey to founding SRM Accountancy and what
inspired you to start this venture?

I launched SRM Accountancy in 2016 after working in the corporate world for many years and feeling an increasing pull to step out on my own. I had built a fantastic business network in Jersey but felt strongly that I wanted to branch out and diversify my client base. My goal was to retain my relationships with corporate clients while having the flexibility to support start-ups and entrepreneurs.

It's been a whirlwind eight years, and looking back, I'm incredibly proud to lead a female-owned and operated firm that offers something brilliant for both businesses and individuals, with strong roots in the local community.

What have been some of the most significant challenges you've faced as
the CEO of SRM Accountancy and how did you overcome them?

Balancing motherhood with setting up a business was one significant challenge, to say the very least! Having my little boy while establishing SRM meant I had to be extremely careful with my time and realistic about what I could achieve. But it taught me to be more compassionate with myself, which is an important lesson to learn in any aspect of life.

SRM offers a range of services from Bookkeeping to Tax Services; what
does a typical day look like for you as CEO?

The only consistency in my days is that they are always long and busy. Without wishing to sound clichŽ, no two days are ever the same but as the founder of a rapidly growing business, I accept that my role is ever evolving. I pack in a lot of client work but am often found working on strategy or the operational side of the business, for example. It has presented some fantastic learning opportunities over the years, uncovering aspects of business that I'd previously outsourced or handed out to other departments. I've learned a huge amount about business development and marketing! I'm lucky to have a fantastic team around me who keep things manageable, allowing me to enjoy the diversity that my role brings.

What major trends do you see shaping the future of the accounting industry and how is SRM Accountancy preparing to adapt to these changes?

We're in a very interesting era of technology for all industries, and the accounting industry is certainly facing its own revolution when it comes to automation and artificial intelligence. AI can now be used for forecasting trends, detecting fraudulent transactions, auditing data, automating complex tax compliance tasks, and its capabilities grow daily.

We have an adaptive business model that is ready to evolve with technology. Our service offering is based on advisory and consultancy services, and while technology offers expedience, it has yet to emulate the lived experience and personal interaction that people still value. By marrying AI developments with a very personal service and ensuring we stay on top of industry trends, our industry can continue to meet and exceed the needs of clients globally.

How do regulatory changes affect your business, especially with the specific financial landscape of Jersey, and what strategies do you employ to ensure compliance and advise your clients effectively?

Jersey's regulatory landscape must evolve continuously to maintain the Island's reputation as a well-regulated international finance centre. Staying abreast of an often complex regulatory environment is an essential function of our business. From the outset, I've invested significantly in technology and education to ensure everyone on the team, including myself, is aware of their obligations. This includes tight internal policies and continuous monitoring systems.

Maintaining proactive communication with our clients is also crucial to ensure there are no disruptions to their operations. As a business, we place significant importance on maintaining relationships that go beyond the transactional, so there are never any surprises when it comes to regulatory updates. It's not enough to simply repeat complex regulatory information; we must communicate in terms that make sense to our clients, with relevant references to their specific business and industry.

Each client's situation is unique, so it's important to tailor adviceto their specific circumstances, considering the implications on their business. This means clients comply with regulations but also understand the obligations and rationale behind them.

SRM Accountancy is known for its involvement in local projects such as supporting the Jersey College for Girls and the Junior Golf Academy. Can you tell us more about these initiatives and why community engagement is important to your company?

Jersey has been my home for many years, and I feel lucky to be part of its community. I believe in the power of giving back, both personally and in business, and I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to support some fantastic island programmes through businesses that align with my personal and professional values.

We sponsor the Jersey College for Girls LEAP programme, which develops business and entrepreneurial skills in young women. The Junior Golf Academy sponsorship has seen 101 children to date grow their skills and passion in the sport. We've also sponsored the Island Games basketball team and are looking at projects in the future that will continue to show our commitment to the island and our passion for nurturing talent. CSR in organisations can feel like a tick-box exercise but I wanted to set my company up with core values that make a meaningful impact, not just in the lives of our clients but the wider world around us.

What are your short-term and long term goals for SRM Accountancy?

Currently, I'm looking to expand our support for entrepreneurs, offering more services as part of our package that transcend traditional accountancy. Long-term, I envision SRM growing its global footprint, leveraging emerging technology and our in-house expertise to offer services to the Channel Islands and beyond.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own business in the accounting sector?

It's only been eight short years since I founded SRM, but we've seen huge strides in technology since then, and I truly believe that this is a great time to start a new business. There are so many tools available and numerous experienced individuals sharing knowledge online on everything from start-up tips to brand kits and business plan templates.

My advice to anyone looking to start up on their own is to go for it. Prepare yourself for challenges because they are part of the process, but don't see them as blockers or barriers to your success. Plough through them and learn from them. Research other businesses like yours and think about how you can apply aspects you admire to your own enterprise, whether that's marketing, branding, service packages or client engagement strategies. Think about the relationship you want to have with your clients and make sure it's reflected in your onboarding process, as it sets the tone for your entire relationship. Lean on your network for support, referrals and reality checks!

Crucially, consider your personal values and how you can live them through your business. Making money is important but it's nothing without a sense of pride and purpose.

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