Xero is the core foundation for all your bookkeeping, accounting, invoicing and reporting.
Connect your business with your financial data on the go, saving you time and providing you with real time access to your important numbers.
Whatever the needs of your business, Xero is optimised to put you in complete control of your finances and reporting.
“We love Xero. It’s fast, efficient and intuitive to use and it saves us so much time. In fact, we have two businesses, and we now spend less time doing the accounts for both businesses than we used to spend on just one.
In short, it demystifies the whole accounting process.”
– Michael Webster, Ye Olde Friars
These are the main functions that make Xero such an excellent way to manage your finances in the cloud:
Ally first joined the firm in 1982 after being attracted by the interesting work when she used to come into the office during her school holidays. She rejoined the firm in 2007 after a 7 year career break.
As Office Manager, her role is busy and extremely varied; Ally enjoys the variety of work – she says it’s never boring - and the environment of the Wigton Office – where everyone works as a team and pulls together on the good days and the occasional bad day! Ally particularly enjoys preparing farm accounts.
Outside of work, Ally is extremely proud of her family.
What I'd like to be doing if I wasn't in Accounting: A farm worker / farmer.
Most likely to find me: Spending time with my grand daughter, providing an extra pair of hand helping my son on the farm or walking with my partner or friends.
Clients most often say: .Knowing the vast major of the clients personally means I’m more than just a voice on the other end of the telephone to them.
“Think ahead and try to think about how your revenue streams will change in the future.”
Clare joined Saint & Co in January 2009. She works with Charities, Academies and Industrial Companies around Cumbria and South West Scotland. Her role involves helping organisations fulfill their statutory audit requirements and ensure they have the internal controls relevant for their business.
Clare says: “Our goal is to help our clients succeed. We do this by helping clients understand their financial situation so they can make better informed decisions about their future.”
Clare is a keen walker, and is often found walking the Lake District fells with her partner and dog.
“I’m passionate about using Xero to make a real difference to our clients’ day-to-day running of their business.”
Helen has been with Saint and Co. since 2009. She’s our resident Xero Hero, regularly visiting clients to help with their bookkeeping and management account requirements.
Says Helen: “It’s easy to see why Saint’s clients stick around. We provide a friendly, down to earth, approachable service across all aspects of accounting.”
When Helen’s not working, she can often be found watching Formula One and rooting for Lewis Hamilton.
Katie joined the firm in 2018 after graduating from university and after completing some work experience (of which she says “she loved every minute!”), she was asked to stay full time. Now, she cannot imagine working anywhere else.
As Accounts Clerk, Katie enjoys speaking to clients, preparing their accounts and VAT returns, along with the occasional admin work. Katie loves working with numbers so being an accountant is the ideal job for her. Every day in the office is different and the variety of jobs makes her work very exciting for her.
Outside of work, Katie is passionate about walking in the Lake District and having a good relationship with her friends and family.
What I'd like to be if I wasn't in Accounting: A maths teacher.
Most likely to find me: Out walking with my puppy, Seb.
One thing people don’t know about me: I have a joint honours degree from Newcastle University in Maths and Psychology.
Clients most often say: We are a friendly and approachable team that are happy to help with any queries they have.
Katy joined Saint & Co in 2021 after hearing all about her Mum’s positive dealings with the firm that she could not fault.
As a personal tax trainee, she undertakes a large range of tasks relating to personal tax, including preparing personal tax returns, calculating inheritance tax and registering Trusts to name a few.
She is from a customer service background and enjoys helping clients. She says, “Even if I am not helping resolve a client’s query, knowing that I am helping clients in other ways (such as preparing their tax return) is just as rewarding. I love that every client is different along with the work that I undertake for them. No two days are the same and the variety and range of work I do has helped support my learning that I do at college alongside my work”.
Katy loves that everyone at Saint and Co are really friendly and colleagues are always available for support if you need it. Some of her training has been a massive learning curve and really appreciates the support she has gained from her colleagues.
What I’d be like to be doing if I wasn’t in Accounting: I was a budding Ballerina when I was younger having received training at The Royal Academy of Dance in London. I also performed with English Youth Ballet when I was 16 or 17. I always wanted to be a ballet teacher then I realised at the age of 18 I am not a patient person with other people’s children!
When I’m not at work I’m mostly ………….. Making things with Lego (I am obsessed). I also love food… so I am probably eating whilst doing the above.
Something interesting about me I won the world’s most unique marmalade in 2007 (at Dalemain) with my entry featuring heart shaped peel suspended in orange jelly. Some of my friends still refer to me as ‘POPAP’ (Princess of Peel and Preserve) which I was referred to as in the local paper.
“I love the variety in my job here at Saint and Co. No two days are ever the same, and that keeps me on my toes!”
Krissie has been with us since 2005. As an Accounting Technician, she is responsible for preparing Sole Trader, Partnership, and Limited Company accounts.
Says Krissie: “Where Saint stands apart for me is in its ability to provide a personal, tailored service across a range of diverse industries.”
Krissie is a Carlisle United season ticket holder, and when she’s not watching her beloved Cumbrians, she enjoys spending time with family.
“Good client relationships are very important to us here at Saint. After all, people do business with people they like.”
Lisa has been with Saint and Co. since 2001. As an Accounts Clerk, she is responsible for the preparation of accounts for Sole Traders, Partnerships, and Limited Companies.
Says Lisa: “You don’t stick around for as long as I have if you don’t enjoy where you work! I love the variety my job brings, and the opportunities to meet new people.”
Lisa enjoys reading in her downtime, and spending time with her family.
“My favourite thing about our clients is how friendly they are.”
Lorraine joined Saint & Co in 2000. With over two decades of experience under her belt, she’s our expert for everything VAT-related.
She has a passion for working with numbers and uses her analytical skills to process our clients’ VAT returns to the highest standard. With a wealth of specialist knowledge, Lorraine is the go-to person for all VAT queries.
When not at work, you can find Lorraine volunteering at her local youth club or working on her farm. She loves anything to do with the outdoors and says she would be a florist if she weren’t in the world of accounting.
“The partners here at Saint and Co. value close working relationships with their clients. This allows us to deliver relevant and specific advice.”
Michelle has been with Saint and Co. since 2000. As a Senior Manager, she is responsible for managing office workflow, reviewing company accounts, calculating and submitting Corporation Tax returns, and training clients and staff on Xero.
Says Michelle: “Like me, many of my colleagues have worked here for a long time. I think this shows that Saint and Co look after their staff very well.”
If Michelle isn’t watching Manchester United, then she’s learning Spanish to help with her next trip to Spain – her favourite sunny destination.
“Efficiency is key. Know your costs, know your margins and the rest will fall into place.”
Will is the firm’s agricultural adviser and has been working for Saint & Co since 1997. He works with agricultural and rural businesses of all sizes and offers advice on growth, efficiency and profitability.
Will says: “The agricultural sector has a special way of working. It’s important that our clients feel they can get access to partners who really speak their language and understand the problems and issues they face.”
In his spare time, Will is a keen and proficient darts player, participating in local leagues and playing against darts professionals.
We offer different Xero packages, all customised to deliver the maximum value for your particular business.
Find out more about how cloud accounting could benefit your business.
