Hannah
Wildsmith

Who I help

Oil & gas. Renewable energy. Manufacturing. Technology & software development. Legal services. Pharmaceuticals. Public sector organisations. Not-for-profits.  Housing associations.

How I help

Management accounts. Financial statements. Outsourced finance function.

“Helping clients grow their business, not just balancing the books.”

Hannah Wildsmith is a Virtual Finance Function Assistant Manager, based in our Edinburgh office. She supports a wide variety of clients across sectors, including oil & gas, renewables, tech, legal, pharmaceuticals, government, housing and charities. No two weeks look the same for Hannah, a challenge she thrives on. Her day-to-day work includes bookkeeping and processing, preparing and reviewing management accounts and financial statements, as well as helping clients and colleagues make the most of cloud accounting software to improve efficiency and accuracy.

She works closely with internal teams to deliver high-quality, tailored support and plays an active part in mentoring junior team members. Hannah brings strong technical skills and a collaborative mindset to every engagement, working alongside other departments to ensure clients receive a seamless and responsive service. Known for her adaptability and attention to detail, she enjoys helping clients improve their finance function and gain the clarity they need to make confident decisions.

Variety in the role

“Maths was always my strongest subject at school, so choosing a numbers-based career felt like the natural next step. But what drew me into accounting was not just the technical side; it was the variety. Every client, every industry, every challenge is different. That variety keeps things interesting and pushes me to keep learning. It is the blend of analytical work and real-world impact that made me want to pursue this career in the first place.”

Audit and vff perspective

“I started in audit, which gave me a solid foundation in financial reporting, internal controls, and what auditors look for when reviewing a set of accounts. That experience has been invaluable since moving into the VFF team. It helps me support clients not only with their day-to-day financial needs but also preparing for audits and making sure their financial information is accurate and reliable. Whether I am producing management accounts, finalising year-end financial statements, or helping clients address challenges throughout the year, I bring both perspectives to the table, and that adds real value.”

Thriving under pressure

“Balancing full-time work while studying for my ICAS qualification was no small feat. Managing client expectations while keeping up with the demands of exams taught me a lot about resilience, time management, and staying focused under pressure. It was not easy, but it helped me develop a structured and efficient way of working. Now, even during the busiest periods, I can stay organised and keep quality on the front of my mind. That confidence has also helped me take on more responsibility and grow into new parts of the role.”

Real relationships make the difference

“For me, building strong relationships with clients starts with understanding them, not just their business, but also who they are and what matters to them. When you take that time to connect on a personal level, everything else becomes easier. Communication improves, trust builds, and the advice I give becomes more useful and more relevant. That kind of genuine relationship is at the heart of how I work.”

Communication is key

“One example that stands out was stepping in to support a client after their CFO left. Understandably, there was uncertainty. But by focusing on clear communication, listening carefully, and building trust, we created a partnership that worked. We have since refined their reporting to be more useful, timely, and tailored. Now, they have got the clarity and confidence they need to make informed decisions, and I have become a consistent part of their team.

I enjoy helping clients solve problems, especially when time is tight or the stakes are high. Whether it is unpicking an issue in their accounts or stepping in to meet a critical deadline, I like being someone they can count on. It is incredibly rewarding to know that my support can ease the pressure and make a real impact on their business.”

Teamwork that delivers more

“What I love most about being part of VFF, and AAB more broadly, is the way we work together to support clients at every level. We get closely involved in the details of a business, but we also collaborate with other teams across the firm. That means we can offer comprehensive, practical support that goes well beyond just the numbers. Seeing clients grow and knowing we have helped them get there is one of the best parts of the job.

I recently supported a client in transitioning financial data from an old system to a new one within a heavily regulated industry. Accuracy was critical. I worked closely with their team to understand the structure of the old system, map the data correctly, and carry out a smooth transfer. There were some tricky parts, but through detailed planning and regular communication, we got the job done, on time and in line with all the relevant regulations.”

Thinking beyond the numbers

“Accounting is not just about tracking income and expenses; it is about interpreting what the numbers mean. I enjoy using that insight to help clients make smarter decisions. I am also excited to keep learning, especially in areas like ESG reporting and AI automation. Whether it is helping businesses future-proof or make more efficient use of their data, I want to be part of the solutions that drive them forward.”