DIY or Delegate? Why Creative Business Owners Shouldn’t Wing It with Their Finances

As a creative business owner, you're the ideas person. You’re the face of the brand, the visionary, and very often - the hands-on doer. But when it comes to your financial records - invoicing, expenses, tax returns and all that "grown-up" stuff - it’s tempting to shove it to the bottom of the to-do list or tackle it yourself after hours.

Let’s explore why that might not be the best move, and what your options are when it comes to keeping your finances in order.

Why Creatives Need Solid Financial Records

You're not just doing this for HMRC. Keeping clean, accurate financial records gives you:

• Clarity over what’s coming in and going out

• Confidence when pricing your services or planning your next big move

• Control over your cashflow so you can avoid the feast-or-famine rollercoaster

• Credibility when pitching to clients, applying for funding or getting a mortgage

Messy or missing records don’t just make tax time stressful, they hold your business back.

The DIY Route – Doing Your Own Bookkeeping

If your business is new, small or just a side hustle for now, you might be tempted to manage your finances yourself. After all, how hard can it be?

Pros:

• Cost-effective – No professional fees to pay

• Hands-on control – You see everything that’s happening with your money

• Learning curve – You’ll understand more about your business finances

Cons:

• Time-consuming – Admin eats into your creative hours

• Easy to get it wrong – Missed deadlines, incorrect tax claims, or lost receipts

• Lack of strategy – No one guiding you on how to save tax or plan ahead

Unless you have a natural flair for spreadsheets and HMRC guidance pages, DIY can quickly become overwhelming as your business grows.

Working with an Accountant – The Support Route

Hiring an accountant isn’t just about outsourcing paperwork. It’s about bringing in a financial partner who understands what you do and how to help you do it better.

Pros:

• Expertise – They know the rules, the reliefs, and the red flags to avoid

• Time-saving – Free yourself from number crunching and admin tasks

• Better decision-making – With up-to-date figures and regular insight

• Tax savings – An accountant can spot ways to keep more money in your pocket

• Support at every stage – From registering your business to scaling it up

Cons:

• Cost – Expect to pay a monthly or annual fee for ongoing support

• Not all accountants are created equal – You need someone who gets your industry

• You still need to stay engaged – It's not a case of "hand it over and forget it"

So, Should You DIY or Delegate?

It depends. If you’re just starting out, love spreadsheets, and have time to learn the basics, DIY might work for a while. But as soon as your income becomes more consistent, or you take on clients, staff, or VAT - the risks of getting it wrong start to outweigh the benefits of going it alone.

A good accountant should feel like an investment, not a cost. They’ll save you time, stress, and likely more money than they charge you - especially if they specialise in working with creatives.

Final Thought

You didn’t start your creative business to become a part-time bookkeeper. So whether you choose to do it yourself or bring in a professional, don’t ignore your finances. Because good creative work deserves a solid financial foundation.

Need help?

Why not book a meeting with us to discuss your circumstances and see how we can help.