# Author - Josh Clarke > Josh is Chief Operating Officer at LYA, helping growing businesses improve their finance functions through better processes, clearer reporting and practical financial support. Last updated: 2026-09-11 ![](https://loveyouraccountants.com/asset/2449/175-175-def/lya-team-josh.png) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-clarke-12949b182/)![](https://loveyouraccountants.com/asset/2403/24-24-def/linkedin.png) # Josh Clarke Josh is Chief Operating Officer at LYA, helping growing businesses improve their finance functions through better processes, clearer reporting and practical financial support. Alongside his client work, he oversees LYA’s internal operations, bringing hands-on experience of systems, technology and service delivery that informs the efficient, commercially focused support he provides to businesses. #### BLOGS AUTHORED BY JOSH - [How to Get Your VAT Repayment From HMRC (And How to Avoid the Fraud That Targets It)](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/vat-repayment-from-hmrc) — Here's how VAT repayments from HMRC actually work in 2026, how long they take, and how to avoid the bank details fraud that increasingly targets them. - [What the October 2026 Energy Price Cap Rise Means for Your Business](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/energy-price-cap-rise-business-2026) — Ofgem's household energy price cap is rising 4% from October 2026. Here's why business owners should still pay attention, and what to check. - [What to Do If HMRC Has Automatically Signed You Up for Making Tax Digital](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/what-to-do-if-hmrc-has-automatically-signed-you-up-for-making-tax-digital) - [Companies House Identity Verification: 2026 Director Guide](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/companies-house-identity-verification) — Understand Companies House identity verification for directors and PSCs, including personal codes, confirmation statements and separate filing deadlines. - [Can ChatGPT Do My Bookkeeping?](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/can-chatgpt-do-my-bookkeeping) — ChatGPT really do your bookkeeping? Discover what AI and can't do, how it works alongside Xero, and why the future isn't AI replacing accountants—it's accountants using AI to deliver better advice. - [How Much Do Accountants Cost in the UK? A 2026 Guide to Accountancy Fees](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/how-much-do-accountants-cost) — How much do accountants cost in 2026? A clear guide to UK accountancy fees, what drives the price, what should be included, and the hidden extras to watch for. - [Independent Accountants vs the Big Four: Which Is Right for Your Small Business?](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/independent-accountants-vs-big-four) — Big Four or independent accountants? A practical comparison for UK small businesses, covering cost, service, expertise and the right fit for owner-managed firms. - [Top 10 Reasons to Switch to Modern Accountants](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/top-10-reasons-to-switch-to-a-modern-accountant) — If your accountant feels slow or reactive, it may be costing you. Here are 10 signs it’s time to upgrade and what modern support should include. - [Tax Deadlines Every UK Business Must Know (2026 Calendar for Surrey SMEs)](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/surrey-business-tax-deadlines-must-knows) — Tax deadlines often cause problems not because business owners don’t want to comply, but because they arrive quietly while day-to-day work takes priority. This guide sets out the key UK tax deadlines every Surrey small business needs to know in 2026, covering VAT, payroll, corporation tax, self assessment and Companies House filings. It also explains why missing deadlines creates more than just penalties, and how building a simple, consistent compliance routine can remove stress, improve cashflow planning, and keep your business firmly in control throughout the year. - [How to Pay Yourself From a Limited Company Tax-Efficiently (2026 Guide for Surrey Directors)](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/pay-yourself-limited-company-tax-efficiently) — A practical guide for Surrey directors on paying yourself tax-efficiently from a limited company in 2026, covering salary vs dividends, planning ahead, and avoiding common tax and cashflow issues. - [Can I Change My Accountant Mid-Year? (Yes — and Here’s How It Works)](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/change-accountant-mid-year) — Changing your accountant mid-year is not only possible - it’s often far simpler than business owners expect. Whether you’re experiencing poor communication, missed deadlines, or your business has outgrown its current support, a new accountant can take over part way through the year with minimal disruption. This article explains how the handover process works, what information is transferred, and why cloud accounting systems like Xero make switching smoother. If you’re based in or near Epsom, working with a local, tech-savvy accountant can make the transition straightforward, stress-free, and better aligned with your business going forward. - [The Future of Accounting Jobs: Advice for Students & Trainees](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/the-future-of-accounting-jobs-advice-for-students) — Accounting is changing fast. Learn what skills employers actually want, where the best opportunities are and how to build a career that stays future-proof. - [The Psychology of Money in Small Business Owners](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/the-psychology-of-money-in-small-business-owners) — Money decisions aren’t always logical. Learn how mindset affects business finances and how to make better choices. - [How to Stay Financially Resilient During Uncertain Times](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/how-to-stay-financially-resilient-during-uncertain-times) — Uncertain times demand stronger planning. Learn how to protect cashflow, reduce risk, and keep your business stable, even when the economy changes. - [How Real-Time Data Transforms Decision Making for SMEs](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/how-real-time-data-transforms-decision-making-for-smes) — Stop relying on guesswork. Real-time reporting helps SMEs spot issues early, improve profitability and make faster, smarter decisions. - [Why Your Accountant Should Act Like a Business Partner - Not a Bookkeeper](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/why-your-accountant-should-act-like-a-business-partner) — Your accountant should do more than process numbers. Learn what proactive advice looks like—and how it helps you grow, plan, and save tax. - [The Ultimate Guide to Cloud Bookkeeping for Start-Ups](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/ultimate-guide-cloud-bookkeeping-for-startups) — Cloud bookkeeping makes start-up finances simpler and more accurate. Learn what tools to use, how to stay compliant, and how to stay in control from day one. - [How to Save Tax Efficiently as a Small Business Owner](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/how-to-save-tax-efficiently-small-business-owner) — Worried you’re paying too much tax? Explore practical, legal ways to reduce your bill, improve take-home pay, and plan ahead with confidence. - [New Appointment - Managing Director](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/new-appointment-managing-director) — We’re delighted to welcome Rob Young as Managing Director of Love Your Accountants. With experience at PwC, Menzies and Wellden Turnbull, Rob brings expert leadership, ICAEW qualification and registered audit experience to the firm. - [National Insurance Increase from April 2022](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/national-insurance-increase-from-april-2022) — National Insurance changes can affect both employers and employees. Here’s what the April 2022 increase means for take-home pay, payroll costs, and how to plan ahead. - [Are you in control of your business](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/are-you-in-control-of-your-business) — If you’re unsure where the money goes each month, you’re not alone. Learn how to gain control with better reporting, cashflow planning, and real-time financial visibility. - [The Seismic Shift in Accounting for SME’s](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/the-seismic-shift-in-accounting-for-SMEs) — Accounting for SMEs has changed dramatically—cloud software, automation and real-time insights are now the standard. Here’s what the shift means and how businesses can benefit. - [Job Furlough Scheme and Business Grant | Epsom](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/job-furlough-scheme-and-business-grant-epsom) — Need clarity on furlough support and business grants? This article breaks down what was available, who could claim, and what businesses in Epsom needed to prepare. - [Furlough Scheme Extension](https://loveyouraccountants.com/knowledge/furlough-scheme-extension) — Need clarity on furlough support and business grants? This article breaks down what was available, who could claim, and what businesses in Epsom needed to prepare.