Jeremy Berman

Once an accountant, always an accountant; or so accountants say. That sums up Jeremy to a tee. He started early too; age 10, working in his father’s accountancy practice. The work ethic was strong back then.

By 11 he’d gained proficiency in bookkeeping and bank reconciliations. Luckily, this was completely unnoticed by other kids of his age. After all, all true superheroes have hidden powers, only in this case, just not what you’d expect.

Jeremy will tell you that he has really only worked for one other employer, where he gained great satisfaction in helping and advising the owners of family-controlled businesses.

Deep down Jeremy see things a little differently. To him, each client is like an employer. The dreams of an 11-year-old bookkeeper still burn bright and his desire to provide a level of service that matches the dreams of his clients, brighter still. You can only achieve that if you respect your clients as your employer, which of course, they really are.

After some time working in a well paid comfortable job, he felt something wasn’t right; perhaps that he should be doing more to help entrepreneurial businesses. A lunchtime meeting with like-minded and equally entrepreneurially spirited friend Mark Levy confirmed this and that they both wanted to build their own business. And so, in spite of both having young families, they took the plunge. He and Mark co-founded Berley; the rest is history.

Core Skills:

• Empathy with entrepreneurs and the risks they take, both business and personal
• Strong tax expertise
• General practice, well honed bookkeeping skills
• Successful business management
• Insolvency
• Probate

Style:

Jeremy’s a family man, something that’s reflected in his style towards clients. He understands the pressures entrepreneurial ventures place on their founders and families. He’s been through it and so he sees his role as one of councillor and guide, helping a fledgeling business through its early growing pains to maturity – ‘acorns to oak trees!’

Experience:

Most of Jeremy’s experience is derived from solid and pragmatic hands-on accounting and business financial management advice. Not just from his very early days as a ‘young’ bookkeeper, but also through working with family-controlled businesses. So he’s seen first hand how families handle the pressure of big business. For the last 30+ years, he’s spent a lot of time working with young companies and helping their founders achieve their business aspirations.

Hero Qualities:

Broad Shoulders: It’s no use just saying you understand the needs of your clients, you have to demonstrate that you do. Startup founders shoulder a heavy responsibility and may be accountable to many people. Having somebody on your team that is prepared to shoulder some of that responsibility is priceless.

Sharp Eyesight: Jeremy not only provides tactical financial assessments of running your business, but like a hawk, has a sharp high altitude view of it too. He’s able to look ahead, based on his own experiences, and point out dangers and opportunities ahead.

Resolute Heart: Plenty of businesses fail because their founders lose their way or become disenchanted due to the multitude of hurdles that may block any business’s path. Having the resolve to see things through is something Jeremy will inspire you to do. He’ll be there to motivate you to believe in your goal, relive the passion that gave it life and believe in your own courage to take on those challenges.

Solid Jaw: Like Mark, he’s not afraid to suggest unusual ideas and is prepared to mix things up a little if a change is needed. Don’t like it? He’s more than happy to take a few on the chin.

Fun Side:

From the pictures in his office you will see that Jeremy, with his wife Sharon, have three children and grandchildren which are a major part of their lives.

Jeremy’s hobbies include football and golf. He is often seen with a putter in his hand claiming to be thinking about a client’s tax issues as another ball misses the hole.

He still plays football but is not sure for how much longer!