Sarah Flear

Hello

I am a Partner at Smith Cooper, with over 20 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 at PKF Nottingham, working principally with owner-managed businesses. I then spent 11 years at Ernst & Young, 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 local businesses to multinational organisations across many jurisdictions. They required a broad spectrum of needs very much mirroring the diverse Midlands market.

I joined Smith Cooper in 2010, as I wanted to work in a firm that was 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 I also head up our multi-capability academies team, providing assurance and advisory services to schools, which includes external and internal audit. Our services are not limited to audit and assurance but incorporate a range of non-audit services, including bespoke Sage software for academies, payroll, VAT and general IT solutions.

I have extensive knowledge of 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.

Personally speaking

My interests outside work revolve around my family, friends and sport. I have two young 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 now swim for Long Eaton Masters. I also enjoy running and compete in local races.