Sarah Flear

Hello

I am a Partner at Smith Cooper, with over 25 years of experience advising a wide range of clients – principally, owner-managed/family-owned businesses, schools/academies, charities and other not-for-profit organisations – on all manner of audit, assurance and advisory matters.

What can I do for your organisation?

I can ensure that you get the best advice regarding your regulatory, compliance and general advisory needs.

Experience counts

I qualified as a chartered accountant in 1997, with a leading National firm where I work principally with owner-managed businesses. I then when on to spend 11 years at EY, where I was responsible for the financial reporting for a wide range of clients with turnovers of between £2 million and £300 million. My client base ranged from smaller local businesses to large PLCs, some with operations in many countries and business sectors. They very much mirrored the diverse and rich Midlands business market place.

I joined Smith Cooper in 2010, as I wanted to work in a firm that was very closely connected to the local market, the community and owner-managed businesses.

Deeper knowledge

I have experience in working with clients across a range of sectors, including manufacturing, construction, engineering, schools and academies, and charities and other not-for-profit organisations.

I am the firm’s Head of Audit and Accounts. I have extensive knowledge of statutory reporting and advising owner-managed/family-run businesses and companies that are part of international groups, specifically those who report under international financial reporting standards (IFRS) or US GAAP.

I have also headed-up our multi-capability education team for 10 years. We really enjoy providing assurance and advisory services to academies and schools, which includes external and internal scrutiny/audit. But our services are not limited to audit and assurance and incorporate a range of non-audit services, including payroll, employment tax, VAT, GDPR and IT compliance reviews.

Personally speaking

My interests outside work revolve around my family, friends and sport. I have two boys who keep me very busy, but I still ensure I make time to keep fit. I have been a competitive swimmer for most of my life and still train with Long Eaton Masters Swimming Club. I also enjoy running and compete in local races.