Sarah Flear

Audit and Business Services Partner // Nottingham

I am an Audit and Business Services Partner at PKF Smith Cooper and based in our Nottingham office. I am also the firm’s Head of Audit and Compliance and the Education and Charity teams.

0115 945 4300 Email me Connect on Linkedin

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

I have extensive experience advising a wide range of clients – principally, owner-managed and family-owned businesses, subsidiaries of international groups, PE backed business and sector specialisms in schools/academies, charities and other not-for-profit organisations – on all manner of audit, assurance and advisory matters.

Experience counts

I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1997 and have over 25 years’ experience providing audit, assurance and financial reporting services. I began my career with a leading national firm, working primarily with owner-managed businesses, before spending 11 years at EY as a Director responsible for the financial reporting of a wide range of clients across multiple sectors, many of which were part of large international groups.

I joined PKF Smith Cooper in 2010 because I wanted to work in a firm that is closely connected to the local market and the communities it serves. Having spent time in three very different firms, I bring a broad perspective and practical understanding of both complex regulatory requirements and the day-to-day challenges faced by businesses and organisations.

Notably, I have led PKF Smith Cooper’s multi-capability education team since 2010, supporting the firm’s position as a leading provider of audit and advisory services to the education sector in the East Midlands. I work closely with and provide assurance and advisory services to academies, training providers and other education-based organisations, helping them meet their governance, compliance and reporting responsibilities. Our service includes external and internal scrutiny/audit, as well as a range of non-audit services, including employment tax and VAT.

Deeper knowledge

I have extensive knowledge of statutory reporting and financial compliance, advising owner-managed and family-run businesses, as well as UK companies that are part of international groups, PE backed groups and including those who report under international financial reporting standards (IFRS).

I have also gained specialisms in manufacturing, engineering, training and education, and charities and other not-for-profit organisations.

 

Personally speaking

My interests outside work revolve around my family, friends sport and travel. I have two boys and a much-loved dog who keep me very busy, but I 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. But my sporting passion is running and most Saturday mornings you will find me at a Parkrun event with friends.

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Sarah and the team at PKF Smith Cooper have provided us with an exceptional level of support, drawing on their own expertise and their extensive network to provide pragmatic and workable solutions to any issues that arise.

The South Nottingham Catholic Academy