Natalie
Kelly

WHO I HELP

SMEs. Owner-managed businesses. Family-owned businesses.

HOW I HELP

VAT returns. Preparation of year-end accounts. Independent examination. Bookkeeping support. System training and reviewing.

SECTORS

Not for profit. Tourism. Leisure & hospitality. Professional services.

“HELPING CLIENTS MOVE FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE.”

Based in our Stirling office, Natalie Kelly is a Business Advisory Assistant Manager who works closely with businesses to provide practical financial guidance, compliance support, and day-to-day advisory services. Acting as a key point of contact for clients, she focuses on building strong relationships, understanding each organisation’s unique challenges, and helping clients feel supported and confident in their decision-making.

Natalie supports clients with everything from year-end accounts and VAT returns to management reporting, bookkeeping support, and digital systems advice. Alongside supporting clients, she also plays an active role in coaching and developing junior team members, helping to create a collaborative and supportive environment within the wider AAB team.

BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

“For me, strong client relationships start with listening. Every business is different, and I think it’s important to understand not just the figures, but also the people behind them, the challenges they face, and what they are trying to achieve.

I know that many clients can feel overwhelmed by financial reporting, compliance deadlines, or changing regulations, so I always aim to provide advice in a way that feels clear, straightforward, and practical. Taking the time to explain things properly helps build trust and ensures clients feel supported from the outset.

One of the strongest client relationships I’ve built developed through open communication, consistency, and simply being approachable when challenges arose. The client was dealing with several complex issues and initially lacked confidence in understanding the financial side of the business.”

TRUSTED ADVISOR

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is becoming a trusted point of contact for clients over time. I enjoy building long-term relationships where clients feel comfortable asking questions, discussing challenges openly, and knowing they have someone they can rely on when they need support.”

CLEAR COMMUNICATION MATTERS

“What I enjoy most is helping clients feel more confident and in control. Financial information can sometimes feel technical or difficult to interpret, particularly for businesses without an in-house finance team, so I focus on simplifying complex issues and breaking challenges down into manageable steps.

A recent example involved supporting a client who was struggling to present financial information clearly to their board of trustees. Over several meetings, we worked together to create a more structured management accounts pack that made the information easier to understand and discuss. By improving the reporting process and talking through key points ahead of meetings, the client became much more confident presenting information and responding to questions from the board.

Seeing that growth in confidence and knowing we’ve helped make a process less stressful is one of the most satisfying parts of the role for me.”

CONFIDENCE THROUGH EXPERIENCE

“One of the biggest challenges I’ve overcome in my career has been developing confidence in client communication. Early on, speaking with clients and leading conversations felt quite daunting, particularly when discussing technical or complex issues.

I overcame this by actively putting myself forward for client meetings and conversations, preparing thoroughly, and learning from more experienced colleagues around me. Over time, that experience helped me develop a communication style that is calm, professional, and focused on clarity.

That experience also shaped how I now approach supporting others within the team. I understand how important encouragement, guidance, and practical experience can be when developing confidence, and I really enjoy helping junior colleagues grow in their own roles and abilities.”

STRENGTHS THAT MATTER

“I bring a clear and direct communication style that helps clients feel at ease and builds trust from the outset. I focus on making advice practical, straightforward, and easy to understand.

Attention to detail is another key strength of mine, ensuring work is delivered accurately and to a consistently high standard while identifying potential risks or opportunities early.

Clients value that I am reliable, approachable, and someone they can depend on for clear, practical advice. I’m also committed to continuous development, always looking for ways to improve how we work and support the growth of those around me.”

LOOKING BEYOND THE NUMBERS

“One misconception about my role is that accountants only focus on year-end compliance and historical figures.

In reality, there’s far more opportunity to support clients with forward-looking advice, planning, and decision-making throughout the year. That advisory side of the role is something I really enjoy.

Technology is also changing how businesses manage financial information. Developments such as Making Tax Digital and automation can feel overwhelming for some clients, so I focus on explaining changes clearly and helping businesses adopt systems that genuinely work for them.

I’m also very keen to continue developing my skills in designing and working with increasingly automated finance systems. These tools can significantly improve the quality and timeliness of financial information, enabling clearer insight and better‑informed decision‑making for clients.”

GROWING WITH AAB

“One of the things I value most about working at AAB is the supportive and collaborative culture across the business.

I’m fortunate to work within a friendly team where people genuinely support each other and share knowledge to help deliver the best outcomes for clients.

I also enjoy helping junior team members develop in their own careers and seeing their confidence grow over time.”