FUSE Accountants: Becoming Trusted Advisors with Silverfin

"Silverfin really helped us to digitalise our processes and make them consistent across the firm." — Matt Boon, Accountant

Location: London, England
Employees: 11-15
Product used: Silverfin: cloud accounting software for clients

Matt Boon, senior accountant at FUSE Accountants, discusses why they selected Silverfin, the impact it’s had on their firm, and recommendations for others beginning their digital transformation journey.

Tell us about FUSE Accountants

FUSE is a two-partner practice based in North London, primarily specialising in the hospitality, property, and technology sectors. The firm is client-focused, assisting clients with services ranging from corporation tax, VAT, and management accounts to forecasting cash flow, counselling processes, and advisory services.

FUSE prioritises excellent client feedback over simply focusing on the bottom line. This approach has led to strong, long-lasting client relationships and numerous referrals.

How have you seen the profession change?

There have been significant changes, including the growing importance of advisory services, the shift to cloud-based solutions, and the need for real-time data and analytics. The challenges of 2020 accelerated the profession’s move into the 21st century.

Previously, FUSE had to convince clients of the benefits of advisory services. When COVID-19 hit, clients actively sought advice, particularly on cash flow planning and government initiatives. This required FUSE to extend beyond compliance services and become trusted business advisors, conducting what-if scenarios, financial forecasts, and contingency planning. Silverfin was implemented at just the right time to support this transition.

What was life like before Silverfin?

Before Silverfin, FUSE prepared everything in Excel, leading to inconsistencies in how working papers and year-end accounts were prepared. Although everyone used the same tool, each person used it differently. The firm realised the need for consistent workflows to improve professionalism and work quality, requiring a repeatable process for accuracy.

Why did you pick Silverfin?

FUSE had three main goals: improve process efficiency, save time, and standardise internal processes. After evaluating various software, they found that Silverfin integrated best with client bookkeeping software, such as QuickBooks and Xero. Silverfin’s intuitive interface and collaborative features, like notes, comments, and action assignments, made reviewing accounts easier.

The alert function was particularly valuable, enabling the team to set up threshold alerts (e.g., when a client’s turnover exceeds the VAT registration threshold). This allowed for quick and easy communication with clients.

Looking ahead, FUSE plans to use Silverfin’s client-facing dashboard to present information directly to clients and explain their accounts. Internally, Silverfin has already halved turnaround time. The firm aims to maximise the tool’s value by integrating it into all client-facing activities.

Did everybody jump on board immediately when you decided to use Silverfin?

As a small, flexible practice, FUSE was able to adapt quickly. The partners were receptive to improvements, leading the willingness to experiment and support the adoption of Silverfin.

What was the onboarding process like?

The onboarding process was simple and straightforward. The Silverfin team provided in-person training and ongoing support. Regular catch-ups with the Account Manager ensured that any questions or queries were addressed promptly.

What advice would you give to other firms looking to transform how they work?

• ​Don’t be caught off guard by change; proactively seek improvements.
• ​Recognise that all industries are being transformed by technology.
• ​Objectively assess what could be improved within your practice and take action.
• ​If technology can help you reach the next level, take the leap of faith to build a successful future.