The why: Hi, I’m Cheryl. I am a DA Survivor now happily married with a blended family. For years I didn’t think I was good enough. I didn’t think people like me could be happy, and loved, and able to achieve anything. After hitting rock bottom in my life, I took a scary leap into becoming a business owner. As a mother I needed my work life to fit around my home life and so Pink Pig Financials was born with a dream of spending equal time doing what I love and being with the people I love. Starting a business was both the scariest thing I’ve ever done and the thing I’m most proud of (along with my Children, of course!). I’m deeply passionate about providing the support and confidence I needed to other business owners. If I can inspire just one person to take that step, set up their own business and believe in themselves, then I have achieved.

The who, what, where and, when: In January 2014 I started my own accountancy business after self-studying my way to becoming a fellow of the ACCA. I had tried working in a practice, but it just wasn’t working – I couldn’t work enough to earn what I needed to and I didn’t have the childcare support I needed. I decided to go it alone, set my own schedule around my boys, and earn enough money to cover the bills so I wasn’t reliant on anyone. There have been twists and turns along the way, lots of learnings, and many many tears. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve thought about giving up (spoiler alert – this is something all business owners think about at times!). But as my confidence grew, so did my business. I’m now incredibly proud to be enjoying life, running a successful business with a fabulous team of ladies.

The braggy bit: ACCA Fellow, Xero Advisor Certified, Xero Payroll Certified, Xero Migration Certified, Xero’s Most Valued Professional 2018.

Ask me about: My experiences, my journey, and my learnings. Running your business in pursuit of your life goals. Where to travel to. Or any episode of Friends (and I’ll probably quote it).

DiSC style: C (Read more about DiSC here!)

Connect with me: Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube & www.cherylsharp.co.uk

The why: It’s not an overstatement to say that I’m passionate about helping individuals with their tax needs. I love that what I do best can help all kinds of individuals from a diverse range of industries to thrive.

The who, what, where and, when: I was drawn to Pink Pig by the mutual support and camaraderie I saw in the team! As a mother of two, I find it incredibly refreshing to be part of a workplace that not only understands but also embraces the challenges and joys of balancing work and family life. I’m always looking to achieve harmony between professional success and personal fulfillment, and joining the Pink Pig team really provided that balance I crave.

The braggy bit: AATQB MAAT, BSC Personnel Management, MNIM & Xero Advisor Certified

Ask me about: Tax of course. But mostly… movies. I am a dedicated movie buff. I can talk for hours about films, dissecting plots, analyzing characters and exploring genres. It’s not a hobby – it’s a lifestyle!

The why: I love being part of a company that cares about their employees and clients in equal measure and treats everyone as individuals. It’s an added benefit that everyone on the team shares an understanding of what it’s like to be a working parent! That understanding helps us build long lasting relationships with our clients.

The who, what, where and, when: After studying a BComm and BComm Honours in Financial Accounting at the University of Pretoria, I took a scary and exciting leap and left South Africa to embark on an adventure around Europe. Eventually I settled in the UK where I spent the majority of my career in accounting for Transport for London, looking after the balance sheet for Docklands Light Railway, London River Services and the subsurface underground lines, compiling year end accounts and dealing with auditors. All the while, growing as a parent to two beautiful daughters! As someone who loves attention to detail and achieving balance, I’m in the right place to support business owners with all their bookkeeping needs.

The braggy bit: A fully qualified member of the ACCA for more than 10 years, Xero Advisor Certified.

Ask me about: The kind of life you can live when you don’t have to worry about your accounting, what it’s like to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, or what to bake this weekend.

DiSC style: SC (Read more about DiSC here!)

The why: I was looking for a company where I could expand my learning and experience as a bookkeeper, that really understood this ‘work-life balance’ thing. I was excited to find a company who understood my needs as much as they understood their clients. 

The who, what, where and, when: I built a solid foundation in Bookkeeping and Payroll in an accountancy practice in Cambridgeshire. Since joining PPF, I’ve developed my skills and I’m excited to continue learning new tech with the team as I take care of the Client Services team. Born in London, raised in Cambridgeshire and currently living in Buxton, it’s a bit of a tell-tale sign that I love to travel around. Working virtually, I have been able to take this little MacBook with me to some exciting places and hope to visit many more in the future, as travel is a huge part of my life.

The braggy bit: 10+ years bookkeeping and received a promotion to Head of Client Services at PPF.

Ask me about: Anything you don’t understand about daily bookkeeping – (I’ll put it in real human terms), how to say more than just swear words in Spanish, or my recommendation for your next adventure!

DiSC style: S (Read more about DiSC here!)

The why: I’ve always loved keeping things organised, finding solutions to problems, and helping others. Joining the PPF team as Operations Manager means I can really make a difference and be part of a company that lives by its values! I’ve never had such amazing flexibility and work-life balance.

The who, what, where and, when: I joined the PPF team in 2021. My role lets me work super closely with our CEO, Cheryl, and I handle all types of accountancy related admin and ad hoc projects. Having come from a different background to accountancy has allowed me to bring a new perspective to PPF while also enabling me to develop my knowledge and understanding within my career. 

The braggy bit: 12+ years of experience.  Also for those with a sweet tooth will be able to appreciate this – I once set myself a goal of going 6 whole months without any chocolate, and I did it! Naturally, I had to reward myself with some much deserved chocolate!

Ask me about:  Ways to keep on top of your business admin, tips for moving home or anything that’s going on in the world of Netball! 

DiSC style: S (Read more about DiSC here!)

The why: I’m all about those efficiencies! I love adding value to people’s businesses by providing an excellent service and helping owners to identify better, faster ways to do things. Hearing our clients’ success stories is the cherry on top of the cake. I was really excited to join PPF, to have an impact on smaller companies and entrepreneurs, helping them achieve their wildest life goals.

The who, what, where and when: I joined the PPF team in 2022 as Head of Accounting. I trained for my ACA in 2019 in the audit department of a Big 4 firm. I loved being able to work in a wide variety of audits, learning about different companies, meeting different clients and their teams. Thirsty for more knowledge, I seconded to corporate tax, never to look back. Later, I moved to a top 20 firm, where I was able to work in corporate tax for smaller owner-managed businesses. I found a real love for helping small businesses. My dad owned his own business, so I grew up with his entrepreneurial influence. I now look forward to working with entrepreneurial businesses at PPF and can’t wait to find out more about my new clients.

The braggy bit: ACA qualified, with previous experience in audit and corporate tax. I also built and designed my house, from planning to completion. If I wasn’t an accountant, I’d definitely be a builder (project manager/developer) because I love designing houses!

Ask me about: Corporate tax, how to build a house from scratch or what sweet thing to bake next.

The why: I won’t pretend my job is easy! Between the belly rubs, begging for treats, and of course watching out the window for strangers and deliveries, I’ve earned my nap on mumma’s desk every day! I’m not in it for the money, though – I work pro bone-o, because there’s nothing better than getting to stay by my mumma’s side, give her lots of sloppy kisses, and hear all her clients compliment me when I pop up on Zoom calls!

The who, what, where and, when: I graduated from puppy school in 2021 and moved immediately into my career as Head of Paw-fits at PPF. What you might not realize by looking at this adorable face is that I’m also in charge of security. Somebody’s gotta keep my mumma safe, and I’m just the pup for the job! If you want to see what I’m capable of, just check out all the new toys I turn into piles of fluff and fabric in three minutes flat!

The braggy bit: Puppy school graduate, CDITW certified (that stands for Cutest Dog In The World!) and I can give kisses on demand.

Ask me about: my wardrobe of harnesses – pink ones, of course – and my hair care routine. Just look at these fluffy white waves!

The why: I really love forward thinking companies that engage with a social media driven society. It comes as no surprise that when I was invited to apply for a role at PPF, I jumped at the opportunity! I am delighted to be part of a forward thinking company who truly value conscientious team players and have and live out a great work/life balance.

The who, what, where and, when: After working for over 10 years in the beauty industry, both employed and self employed, I decided to completely change my career. This was no easy task as at the age of 31, it meant going back to school! This is where my accounting journey began. I’ve come to realise that no matter your age or background, if you work hard and keep focused, you can achieve your goals. The thing I love most about my role at PPF is making our clients’ lives easier. I genuinely love interacting with people. It is a pleasure to be able to take a little stress away and put a smile on their face, allowing them to concentrate on other matters.

The braggy bit: AAT Foundation Certificate in Accounting (Level 2). Currently studying AAT Advanced Diploma in Accounting (Level 3). Xero Advisor certified and Xero Payroll Technician certified.

Ask me about: Daily bookkeeping, how to organise your workspace, and absolutely anything to do with food. The child of a Cypriot Greek Mum and a Dad who grew up in Africa, I could talk food and culture forever.

DiSC style: iD (Read more about DiSC here!)