Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Accountancy Services in Dorset
Ward Goodman is a leading Dorset-based accountancy and financial services firm with over four decades of experience supporting businesses and individuals across the UK. Our team of chartered financial planners, tax advisers, and accountants delivers tailored solutions to help clients achieve their financial goals through integrated services spanning audit, wealth management, and business advisory. We prioritise proactive client relationships, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of individual and corporate financial needs.Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through industry accreditations including Xero Certification, ACCA membership, and recognition at the Accounting Excellence Awards. With offices in Ferndown and Shaftesbury, we provide both face-to-face and cloud-based services to accommodate modern business requirements. Client testimonials consistently highlight our professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to simplify complex financial matters while maintaining compliance with HMRC and regulatory standards.
Services
Statutory Financial Statements
Payroll Services
Business Tax Planning
Pension Scheme Audits
Xero Implementation
Business Valuations
Corporate Tax Compliance
Financial Planning
Audit Services
Tax Return Preparation
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined experience in accountancy and financial planning
- Our team holds multiple industry accreditations including ACCA and ICAEW memberships
- We provide integrated services combining accounting, tax, and wealth management expertise
- Our proactive approach includes regular client reviews and compliance monitoring
- We maintain transparent fee structures with no hidden charges
Associations and certifications
- Xero Certified
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales
- Accounting Excellence Award
What people say
Exceptional professionalism
Highly recommend
Superb service
Exemplary support
Proactive communication
Services
Statutory Financial Statements
We prepare statutory financial statements for limited companies of all sizes, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements. Our service includes preparation of balance sheets, profit and loss accounts, and cash flow statements. Clients benefit from accurate reporting that supports informed business decisions while meeting Companies House and HMRC obligations.
Payroll Services
Our comprehensive payroll service covers all aspects of payroll administration including salary processing, tax deductions, and statutory reporting. We ensure compliance with real-time information requirements while providing payslip generation and pension auto-enrolment support. Businesses benefit from accurate, timely processing that reduces administrative burdens and maintains employment law compliance.
Business Tax Services
We provide specialist business tax services covering corporation tax, VAT, and PAYE compliance. Our approach combines regulatory adherence with strategic planning opportunities to optimise tax positions. Clients receive proactive advice on tax-efficient structures and HMRC reporting requirements while maintaining full compliance with statutory deadlines.
Xero Implementation
As Xero Certified advisors, we implement cloud accounting solutions tailored to business requirements. Our service includes software setup, data migration, and staff training to ensure effective financial management. Clients benefit from real-time financial visibility and streamlined processes while maintaining secure, accessible accounting systems.
Financial Planning
Our chartered financial planners create tailored wealth management strategies for individuals and businesses. Services include investment planning, retirement strategies, and tax-efficient asset structuring. Clients receive holistic advice aligned with long-term objectives while benefiting from ongoing portfolio reviews and market expertise.
People
Alex Foster
Group Managing Director & Chartered Financial Planner
With over 25 years in financial services, Alex leads Ward Goodman's strategic direction while maintaining client advisory responsibilities. He specialises in complex financial planning solutions for business owners and high-net-worth individuals.
Gareth Simon
Group Director & Head of Financial Services
Gareth oversees financial services operations with expertise in investment strategy and pension planning. He ensures compliance with FCA regulations while developing innovative wealth management solutions for corporate and private clients.
Bill Muammar
Chartered Financial Planner
Bill specialises in tax-efficient investment structures and retirement planning. With 18 years' experience, he provides tailored financial advice to professionals and business owners seeking to optimise their wealth management strategies.
Davina Seymour
Bookkeeper
Davina manages accounting processes for SME clients, specialising in statutory reporting and financial statement preparation. Her 15 years of experience ensure accurate compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
Torie Freestone
Trainee Client Services Manager
Torie supports business clients with accounting and tax compliance matters. As a trainee manager, she focuses on delivering responsive client service while developing expertise in corporate tax and business advisory services.
Questions
What accounting standards do you follow for statutory financial statements?
We adhere to UK GAAP and IFRS standards while ensuring compliance with Companies House and HMRC requirements for all statutory financial statements.
How do you ensure payroll compliance with changing regulations?
Our payroll team maintains real-time updates on employment law changes and uses automated systems to ensure accurate tax calculations and reporting.
What tax planning strategies do you offer for businesses?
We provide corporation tax optimisation, capital allowances claims, and VAT efficiency strategies tailored to each business's operational structure.
How does your Xero implementation service benefit businesses?
We deliver customised cloud accounting solutions that improve financial visibility, streamline reporting processes, and enable real-time business performance tracking.
What qualifications do your financial planners hold?
Our advisers hold Chartered Financial Planner status with the CII and maintain ongoing professional development to ensure technical excellence.
How do you handle client communication and service reviews?
We operate structured quarterly reviews combined with responsive communication channels to ensure continuous service improvement and proactive issue resolution.
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