Everything You’re Too Scared To Ask Your Accountant

If you’re building a business, freelancing, starting a side hustle, or feel anxious about managing money, this episode is for you.This week on Reclaiming Bossy, I’m joined by accountant, founder and creator Emily Vass to ungatekeep the financial side of running a business and answer all the questions you are too scared to ask.  This is the conversation I wish someone had sat me down and explained earlier as it would have saved me so much money, time energy and unnecessary stress.Today We talk about:● How to financially prepare before starting a business● Creating personal and business runways● Budgeting when your income changes every month● Taxes, VAT, dividends and paying yourself properly● Revenue vs profit (and why they’re not the same thing)● How to confidently price your services● Managing money anxiety as a founder● Knowing when to hire an accountant● Building a profitable business sustainably● The emotional side of money and self-worth● Why founders often underchargeTIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction01:05 Meet accountant & founder Emily Vass01:28 Finance jargon explained simply02:34 Leaving corporate to start a business03:40 Creating a financial runway before quitting your job05:16 Business runways, money pots & burn rate explained06:59 Overcoming money anxiety as a founder07:38 How to budget when your income changes every month09:43 Revenue vs actual profit10:24 When should founders start paying themselves?11:40 When to hire an accountant13:24 How to organise your business finances properly14:24 Taxes every founder needs to understand15:26 Corporation tax, VAT & dividends explained17:07 Capital gains tax & long-term planning17:47 Salary vs dividends explained18:59 Pension contributions & tax efficiency21:49 Managing salary + dividends while living in London25:39 Why founders undercharge27:33 How to price your services properly29:38 Calculating your freelance day rate35:21 Money shame, confidence & founder anxiety39:42 Reclaiming the word “bossy” as a founderConnect with Emily:Instagram & TikTok: @emilyvassWebsite: nourishedaccounting.comBUILD YOUR BOLDEST + BOSSIEST LIFE/ CAREERBossy Behind the Scenes: Essays, reflections, resources and all the behind-the-scenes of building a bold, bossy life.⁠https://substack.com/@bossybehindthescenes⁠WORK WITH MECreator/Founder Office Hours: Bring me your ideas, questions or whatever you’re stuck on, and we’ll turn it into a plan.⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/mentoring?back=1⁠Founders + brands: Work with me on storytelling, personal branding, content and strategy through Empower Sounds Media.Book a Strategy Session : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/branding-strategy-session?back=1&month=2026-07⁠Book a discovery call : ⁠https://calendly.com/maahika/discovery-call?back=1⁠Join the next personal branding sprint : ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNPFNgdt02CyvYsb6n9i8kmvEJRxQDmTwOVusTxII_tMoJ7Q/viewform?usp=header⁠Follow The Podcast/ Connect With MePodcast Instagram: @reclaimingbossyPodcast TikTok: @reclaimingbossyMy Instagram: @maahika.sMy TikTok: @maahika.sCollaborations + enquiries: [email protected]