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More than just an accountant: Stephen Pell on accounting for rockstars

30th Jul 2018
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Award winning Digita Software from Thomson Reuters.

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Ever told someone you’re an accountant and been disappointed by their reaction?

Having worked closely with accountants for over 30 years, we know that your job title doesn’t truly reflect the vast spectrum of roles you play every day. So, to dispel the stereotypes and champion accountants, we’re bringing their stories to the fore – about what makes them more than just an accountant.

Watch Stephen’s full interview below:

Stephen Pell founded Pell Artists in 2015, an accountancy practice exclusively for musicians and those in the music industry, both up-and-coming artists and those already well known. Stephen’s role is to help musicians, not only with their finances, but with decisions to build their brand and generate global success.

Musicians contact him for a trusted advisor who can provide a link to others in the sector: “[My clients] come to me for career advice because, as an accountant, we’re in a position where we transcend so many different parts of the industry, and we have an understanding and connection to each of them. A lot of the time, clients come to me for referrals, or for introductions to other parts of the industry as well.”

Stephen also recognises his clients’ need for motivation: “The music industry is notoriously tough. It can really grind people down, and people that are not involved in the music industry often don’t quite understand the pressures,” he says, “So quite often, clients open up to me on whether they’ve made the right decision, should they get rid of this manager, or should they sign to this record label. It’s much more than just the numbers.”

When asked how much of his day is spent on his clients’ finances, Stephen says that only 5% to 10% of what the practice does relates to tax and accounting work. He comments, “The music industry is a much bigger beast. There’s so much going on; it’s as much about managing relationships, managing the team, coordinating, advising strategically... there’s a lot more than accounts.”

At Thomson Reuters, we recognise you are more than an accountant, and in the same way, we are more than software. Read this blog in full over on our website.

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