Matthew
Buckham

Who I help

Owner-managed businesses. SMEs.

How I Help

Statutory accounts. Management accounts. VAT returns. Forecasting and cash flow planning. Financial reporting. System improvements and automation.

“It’s all about problem solving and providing clarity behind the numbers.”

Matthew Buckham is a Business Advisory Assistant Manager, based in our Aberdeen office. He supports owner-managed businesses and SMEs with their accounting, reporting and wider financial needs. His role includes preparing and reviewing statutory and management accounts, VAT returns and financial reporting, alongside helping clients with forecasting, system improvements and conversions and any additional ad-hoc support.

Matthew combines strong technical accounting knowledge with a practical, client-focused approach. Having worked with businesses across a variety of industries, he understands that financial information needs to be more than accurate, it needs to be useful. By simplifying financial matters, identifying practical solutions and providing clarity behind the numbers, he helps clients make more confident decisions.

Building genuine relationships

“For me, strong client relationships start with understanding the business beyond the numbers. I take the time to understand my clients’ goals, challenges and priorities so I can tailor my advice to what they actually need. The strongest relationships are built on understanding, communication and consistency.

I particularly enjoy helping clients gain confidence in their financial information. Whether I am solving a problem, helping them meet a challenging deadline or simply making their results easier to understand, it is rewarding to know that I’ve been able to take some of the weight off their shoulders.”

Turning challenges into solutions

“I have found that being open and clear with clients is particularly important when introducing change. I worked with a client who was initially hesitant about changes we recommended to improve the accuracy of their financial reporting. By taking the time to explain the rationale behind our recommendations, providing regular updates and maintaining open communication, we were able to build a strong relationship based on trust.”

Another client I recently supported was experiencing delays in their reporting process. By reviewing the process, taking some of the workload off their hands and introducing automated Excel solutions, I helped reduce processing time and improve the accuracy of their reporting. It meant they could receive their financial information more quickly and meet key deadlines.”

A culture of collaboration

“I really value the team ethos and bond within my team and the wider office. There is an environment where we can share ideas and knowledge and support each other through different challenges. I think that collaborative approach makes a real difference to both the quality of our work and the experience of working at AAB.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned in my career is the importance of adapting my approach to different clients and situations. During a secondment, I worked with an overseas finance team where staff turnover, time zone differences and varying levels of accounting knowledge created some challenges. By remaining patient, communicating clearly and working together, we were able to meet key deadlines. That experience reinforced to me how important flexibility, collaboration and a positive attitude are when facing challenges. I try to bring that same approach to my work with both clients and colleagues.”

More than just the numbers

“A misconception about accounting is that we only focus on historical numbers and compliance. Within business advisory, I see my role as much more than that. I want to help clients understand what their financial information actually means, how they can use it to make better decisions and where they can improve performance or plan for the future.

One of the biggest challenges in my area is balancing compliance requirements with meaningful commercial advice. Reporting requirements are constantly changing, but clients also need practical insights that can help them make decisions. I keep up to date with technical developments and focus on providing solutions that are both compliant and commercially relevant.”

Looking to the future

“I am particularly interested in the continued development of automation, data analytics, AI and digital advisory within the accounting profession. I think these technologies offer real opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce manual processes and give clients more timely and meaningful insights.

I am excited to continue developing my knowledge in these areas and look at how we can use technology to enhance the service we provide. For me, it is about combining strong technical knowledge with practical solutions that make a genuine difference to clients and their businesses.”