About Us

Behind every successful business is a clear understanding of its numbers. We provide reliable, straightforward bookkeeping and financial support designed to keep your records organised, your obligations met, and your business moving forward with confidence.

Who We Are

Your trusted finance partner

After many years working in finance roles across a variety of industries, including positions as a Finance Manager and running my own retail business, I saw first hand how many small businesses struggled to understand their numbers and make confident financial decisions. Books & Balance was created to bridge that gap, offering reliable bookkeeping alongside practical financial support that helps business owners stay organised, compliant and in control of their finances.

Today, Books & Balance works..

with a range of growing businesses across the UK, providing cloud based bookkeeping, management reporting, cash flow support and financial guidance. Our aim is to give business owners clarity and confidence in their finances so they can focus on running and growing their business. 

We pride ourselves on building long term relationships with our clients and becoming a trusted part of their team, offering a proactive and supportive approach that goes far beyond traditional bookkeeping.

Books & Balance Ltd was founded to support business owners who want more than just bookkeeping.

Why choose Books & Balance?

More than just bookkeeping

We go beyond simply recording transactions. We help business owners understand their numbers and what they mean for the future of their business.

Clarity and organisation

Using cloud based systems such as Xero, we create clear, organised financial records that give business owners real visibility over their finances.

Proactive support

Rather than waiting for problems to arise, we help clients stay ahead of deadlines, manage cash flow and plan for growth.

A finance partner, not just a service provider

We work alongside our clients as part of their team, providing ongoing support, insight and guidance to help them make confident financial decisions.

Experienced and approachable

With many years of experience in finance and business, we understand the challenges business owners face. Our approach is supportive, practical and always focused on helping our clients succeed.

MEET THE TEAM

I'm Steph Nicolson, founder of Books & Balance

With over 25 years experience in finance and business, I help small business owners feel confident and in control of their numbers. I’ve supported a wide range of businesses with bookkeeping, VAT, self-assessments, financial reporting, and cash flow management, always with a focus on making finances simple and manageable.

After being diagnosed with ADHD in 2022, I became passionate about designing stress-free financial systems that really work for busy business owners. I know how overwhelming numbers can feel when you are juggling so much, so my aim is to bring clarity and calm to the process.

In 2024, I was honoured to be named Bookkeeper of the Year at the 6 Figure Bookkeeper Awards, a recognition of my dedication to supporting clients with both expertise and empathy.

I’m a proud mum of 2, and my daughter Caitlin works alongside me in the business as our Assistant Bookkeeper. Nadia is our Payroll Expert at Books & Balance, bringing over 20 years of experience supporting business owners, we make a strong team, blending technical know-how with creativity and fresh ideas.

For me, finance management is not just about numbers. It is about giving you clarity, confidence, and the freedom to grow your business and enjoy life.

Caitlin’s mix of accuracy, creativity, and problem-solving makes her an invaluable part of the team.

Caitlin

Caitlin is our Assistant Bookkeeper at Books & Balance. She keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes, from processing invoices in Apron to reconciling bank transactions in Xero. She also manages project allocation in Xero and supports our reporting, helping ensure clients always have accurate and up-to-date information.

Alongside her role, Caitlin is studying for her AAT qualification, building on her practical skills with a strong accounting foundation. With a background in video editing, having completed college and two years at university in the subject, Caitlin brings a creative edge to the business. She helps shape our social media presence through graphics and video content, combining her technical skills with an eye for design.

Nadia

Nadia is our Payroll Expert at Books & Balance, bringing over 20 years of experience supporting business owners.

She specialises in managing payroll with accuracy and care, ensuring that employees are paid correctly and on time while keeping businesses compliant with HMRC requirements. As a business owner herself for more than two decades, Nadia understands the challenges and sleepless nights that can come with running a company.

Outside of work, Nadia is a married mum of three, with a lively Patterdale terrier and a very chatty African grey parrot keeping family life busy and full of fun.

Her goal is to take the stress out of payroll by providing a smooth, reliable service that gives clients peace of mind and time back to focus on their business.