The green ledger: How accountants can help SMEs, freelancers, and consultants go sustainable (and save money too!)
Let’s face it: sustainability can feel a bit overwhelming. Between carbon footprints, green tax breaks, and eco-friendly suppliers, it’s easy to think, “Where do I even start?” But here’s a secret: your accountant is your new best friend in the green revolution.
That’s right—accountants aren’t just for balancing the books. They’re also experts at helping you monitor the numbers that matter, whether it’s your bottom line or your environmental impact. So, if you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or consultant, here’s how your accountant can help you go green—and why it’s easier (and more fun) than you think.
Why sustainability matters for SMEs, freelancers, and consultants
- Client expectations:
More and more clients want to work with businesses that care about the environment. If you’re a freelancer, consultant, or small business owner, showing you’re sustainable can help you stand out. - Cost savings:
Being eco-friendly often means spending less money on things like energy and waste. - Rules and regulations:
Governments are making stricter rules about being green. If you start now, you won’t have to rush later. - Better reputation:
People like working with businesses that care about the planet. It can help you attract more clients.
Accountants: The unsung heroes of sustainability
Think accountants just crunch numbers? Think again! They’re also your go-to experts for monitoring the numbers that matter—whether it’s your finances or your carbon footprint. Here’s how they can help:
- Measuring your impact: Accountants can help you figure out your carbon footprint (how much pollution your business creates) and find ways to reduce it.
- Finding financial help: There are lots of tax breaks and grants for businesses that go green. Your accountant can help you find them.
- Sustainability reports: Accountants can help you create reports that show clients and investors how eco-friendly your business is.
- Giving advice: Accountants can guide you on things like choosing green suppliers or using renewable energy.
For example, firms like Accrue Accounting specialise in helping freelancers, contractors, and consultants manage their finances—and they can also proactively support you in making sustainable choices for your business, they can:
- Explain the numbers to reduce carbon emissions without any jargon, and help you set goals to reduce your impact.
- Check for green banking and investments if it’s a good idea for your business, and help you make the switch
- Recommend the best cloud accounting tools and go almost paperless.
- Check for tax breaks if these choices make sense for your budget.
Bonus tip: If you’re working towards becoming a B Corp (a certification for businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance), choosing a green bank can earn you extra points in the assessment. It’s a win-win: you’re supporting the planet and getting closer to that coveted B Corp status.
Your green journey starts here
Sustainability isn’t just for big companies—it’s for small businesses, freelancers, and consultants too. In fact, your accountant is there to help you monitor the numbers that matter, from your finances to your carbon footprint. Not only that, but they can also guide you in making eco-friendly choices that benefit both the planet and your bottom line.
Here at The Green Eight Agency, we’re all about helping businesses like yours go green. So, if you’re ready to start, get in touch with us—and don’t forget to ask your accountant how they can help too. By working together, we can create a greener, brighter future for your business.
- For SMEs, freelancers, and consultants: Start your sustainability journey today. Talk to your accountant about how you can go green—and how it can help your business thrive.
- For accountants: Work with us to help your clients go green. Together, we can make sustainability simple, fun, and rewarding for everyone.
Take the next step: Book our marketing strategy workshop
Ready to turn your sustainability efforts into authentic, successful ad campaigns? Book our marketing strategy workshop and learn how to incorporate sustainability into your operations and messaging. Let’s make your green journey unforgettable.