Deal Advisor Spotlight: Helen Holman
With over 20 years of experience, Helen Holman is an Associate Director working in Fiander Tovell’s Deal Advisory team. Her expertise lies in the world of corporate finance, advising business owners on business acquisitions, business disposals, valuations, restructuring and other advisory projects.
Known for her energy and commercial and financial insights, Helen’s strength lies in turning information and data into actionable decisions.
Laying the Groundwork
“I have always been interested in business having had parents who were both business owners,” Helen says
This early interest sparked her desire to pursue a career that offered a broad understanding of business, and Chartered Accountancy provided that.
Helen grew up in Yorkshire and spent the early part of her career at Ernst & Young in Leeds, working in audit before moving to corporate finance. Helen’s role at EY gave her plenty of opportunities to work with a wide range of businesses.
After working at EY’s Leeds and Reading offices, Helen moved to a top health insurance business, supporting the directors with the business’ Change Programme and Strategy Development.
Returning to Her Roots
After working in larger businesses for many years, she decided to join Fiander Tovell in 2023. “I wanted to work with smaller owner managed businesses and help them navigate their way through corporate transactions.”
Helen enjoys supporting business owners at especially challenging times when they’re looking to make big changes in their businesses, whether that be selling, buying or restructuring.
She likes the challenge that Deal Advisory work brings:
“Every deal is different, and all business owners have different motivations and considerations.”
AI in Accounting
“AI will shape how we do things massively. We are already seeing change within the profession.”
Over the last decade, AI has cemented its position in the world of work. “Undoubtedly, AI will change the way we do things, and we have to embrace this change,” Helen confidently states.
To prepare for this, she looks at ways to adapt and leverage technology in their work. “I think that overall, it’s exciting as it will free up time to spend on the value enhancing end of deals, but we do need to be mindful of some of AI’s limitations.”
Other than AI shaping the accounting profession’s future, Helen also believes that government tax strategy will influence the nature of transactions going forward: “It has certainly been front of mind for business owners in the last 12-18 months.”
Additionally, Helen adds, “We will continue to have greater access to data, such as MarktoMarket, and clients will have greater expectations that deals can be done quicker and with greater transparency.”
Success Stories
Often, acquisitions can be deceivingly complex. Helen worked on an acquisition that initially seemed straightforward with both parties keen to make it happen. However, when commencing the financial and tax due diligence work, issues (which had seemed inconsequential at the outset), became more significant and potentially became ‘deal breakers’ as time went by.
“We needed to understand the situation and make suggestions as to how these potential deal breakers could be overcome.” The deal proceeded and the business has been successfully integrated into her client’s business, highlighting her efforts as instrumental to success.
Advice for Aspiring Accountants
Helen’s advice to aspiring accountants is to start by learning the solid foundations of accountancy and tax. These core competencies underpin many roles in the practice of accounting and tax, providing them with the knowledge to navigate financial landscapes.
Once an aspiring accountant has built foundational knowledge, actively seeking out practical experience in the deal advisory specialism. No deal is the same, so you benefit from getting involved in as many deals as you can.
“I also think it’s good to work with colleagues that are prepared to challenge you and take you out of your comfort zone. You learn most about yourself when you are challenged.”
A memorable lesson that Helen has learnt in her career is the importance of addressing issues early: “Get the issues out on the table at the start of the process. If you start to find issues towards the end of a process, this can erode confidence and cause great problems.”
“It’s always good seeing younger members of the team growing and developing in confidence. I’ve been fortunate to work with some talented people over the years.”
Specialists Stand Out
Helen believes in the art of listening and that it’s an underrated skill. She establishes that her clients should never be afraid to ask any questions, proving her dedication to taking time to understand businesses, listen to their goals and what they’re trying to achieve.
Helen remains approachable and flexible, providing straightforward and practical advice through working collaboratively with clients and other advisors. Cooperation and openness between parties and working in a motivated, goal-oriented environment is something she enjoys the most.
When asked how she stays up to date with the latest developments, Helen finds that the UK200 Group’s Corporate Finance Conference is a really good way of staying in the know. “At these events we get updates from the Bank of England, funders, lawyers and fellow advisors working in the deal environment, which is really helpful.
Helen adds that the ICAEW’s Corporate Finance faculty shares best practice through regular webinars, “and we also refer to a variety of industry updates on valuation multiples.”
Personal Life
Outside the office, Helen enjoys being outside, exploring and spending time in the countryside. She enjoys walking, travelling and all things horticultural: “I especially like to grow my own plants. You’re constantly learning and adapting but it’s worth it when you see your tomatoes ripening or a plant you’ve grown from seed flowering!”
Known for her excellent project management, organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, Helen is a highly experienced Chartered Accountant backed by a wealth of expertise with a strong reputation to achieve success for her clients.
If you would like to contact Helen with any queries, email helenholman@fiandertovell.co.uk for more information.
