UniAdmissions

Case Study

Uni Admissions is the worldโ€™s first Oxbridge Prep school. We work with talented & ambitious students that have aspirations of studying at Oxford and Cambridge. We help them with their entire university application journey, from personal statements, admissions tests & interview. As a result of our tech powered teaching and unrivaled resources, we get more than 50% of our students into Oxbridge (more than any other school in the country including Eton!).

Where it started

Before engaging with SAS, our journey with accounting services was marked by considerable stress. Initially, we worked with multiple small-scale, one-man-band firms. The experience was fraught with challenges, particularly in obtaining critical paperwork like VAT returns and confirmation statements in a timely manner. This persistent struggle motivated us to look for a more reliable and professional accounting service.

Our introduction to SAS came through a highly esteemed recommendation from our business coach Simon, who has guided us through various strategic decisions, spoke highly of SAS’s capabilities and service quality. His endorsement was backed by his history of directing other clients to them as well. This recommendation was instrumental in our decision to engage SAS, as it came from a trusted source whose insights we value deeply in our business operations.

In mid-2020, we spoke to several new accounting firms including SAS. We switched to another accounting firm as we felt that whilst SAS were good, they were more expensive than other options. However, the decision turned out to be counterproductive, as the quality of service declined significantly, failing to meet our expectations within just four months. Realizing the importance of performance and reliability, we reached out to SAS late in 2020, seeking a partnership that could provide the professionalism and meticulous attention to detail our business requires.

Why they chose SAS

We chose SAS for their pragmatic and problem-solving-driven approach, which stood out distinctly from other firms we had encountered. One of the decisive factors was their responsivenessโ€”SAS provided answers to all our queries within 24 hours, a significant improvement over the week-long waits we experienced with previous firms.

Additionally, SAS demonstrated their commitment to rectifying our situation through regular meetings during the initial months. These sessions were crucial for addressing and clearing the backlog and the complications left by our former accountants. This hands-on and attentive service approach reassured us that we were not just another account, but a valued client whose business health was a priority.

The challenge

When searching for an accounting service, our requirements were specific and driven by our companyโ€™s rapid growth. We needed a partner capable of delivering complete monthly management accounts tailored to our unique format. Timeliness was also crucial; we sought a firm that could complete VAT returns within two weeks of each quarterโ€™s end.

Moreover, our complex tax planning requirements necessitated a service with deep understanding and expertise in this area. It was essential for us to collaborate with someone who not only grasped the intricacies of tax laws but could also seamlessly manage the financial dynamics of multiple companies. Our goal was to find an accounting firm that was not just a service provider, but a growth partner attuned to the pace and scale of our business operations.

The SAS approach

SAS played a pivotal role in overcoming significant challenges that were critical to our business’s success. One of the immediate benefits of partnering with SAS was their ability to complete our management accounts promptly, which was vital for maintaining our financial health and operational efficiency.

More significantly, SAS was instrumental during a crucial phase of our business when we were preparing for an investment process that ultimately led to a successful exit for our shareholders. They adeptly handled several rounds of complex due diligence queries, showcasing their expertise and thorough understanding of what it takes to support a business through significant financial transactions. Their guidance during this period was invaluable, ensuring that every financial detail was meticulously managed and aligned with our strategic goals

Our decision to stay with SAS for over four years has been driven by the invaluable relationship we’ve built, particularly with Finlay, who has been instrumental in fostering a deep understanding and trust between our teams. The consistency with which SAS understands our business needs and delivers results reliably and on time has reinforced our confidence in their capabilities.

This enduring partnership is not merely transactional but is based on mutual respect and a profound grasp of our strategic objectives. SASโ€™s commitment to our success and their unwavering support have been key reasons why we continue to rely on their expertise year after year.

The results

Reflecting on our journey and the outcomes we’ve achieved, it is clear that the results we attained would not have been possible without SAS. The specific expertise, timely service, and strategic support provided by SAS were crucial in navigating complex financial landscapes and achieving critical milestones. Their involvement brought not only precision and efficiency but also strategic insights that were vital for our success. The value added by SAS’s services is unmistakable and irreplaceable, underscoring that our achievements were directly tied to their exceptional support. We wholeheartedly recommend Will, Finlay and the SAS team.

We have not only continued our partnership with SAS but have actively recommended their services to others. In fact, we’ve already directed three separate clients to SAS, all of whom have benefited from the same high level of service and expertise that we have come to expect. Our recommendations are a testament to our trust and satisfaction with SAS’s consistent performance and dedication to their clients’ success. We wholeheartedly endorse their services to anyone looking for a reliable and proficient accounting partner.

Finlay & the SAS team were instrumental in securing this deal; they went above and beyond, frequently working well into the night and on weekends whilst providing a top-tier financial service with a keen commercial mindset. I'm immensely grateful for their hard work and look forward to working with them for many years to come.



โ€“ Rohan Agarwal
Founder of UniAdmissions

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