Business Leader Spotlight: Rachael Marshall, Finance Director & Managing Director of Magic Digits Ltd

Rachael Marshall, Finance Director and Managing Director at Magic Digits Ltd, is not your typical accountant. With a remote team of seven, this Bournemouth-based firm offers bookkeeping, payroll management, management accounting services, year-end accounts, and taxation advice. Magic Digits is about more than just balancing books—it’s about helping businesses unlock financial clarity and growth. And at the helm of it all is Rachael, whose approach combines a sharp financial acumen with a strong emphasis on people.

Building a Business with Heart

Rachael’s journey into leadership is rooted in teamwork and empathy. One of the best pieces of advice she’s received is, “Don’t be a boss, be a leader.” And she’s lived by that mantra, fostering a company culture that’s more about collaboration than hierarchy. “Your employees are your team, work together,” she says, and it’s clear that this philosophy has shaped the way Magic Digits operates. Mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, not moments for blame. For Rachael, it’s about supporting her team to grow stronger together—an approach that no doubt contributes to the company’s success.

Staying the Course in Uncertain Times

As with any business, the first year for Magic Digits was, in Rachael’s words, “the hardest, the messiest, and the most challenging.” But she learned to roll with the punches. Her advice for anyone starting in the same field? “Don’t be too hard on yourself—everyone’s just trying to figure it out.” This grounded, realistic outlook has helped her navigate the ups and downs of running a business and, more importantly, has positioned Magic Digits as a lifeline for companies grappling with cash flow and growth challenges.

The Next Big Leap

The future for Magic Digits looks bright. Rachael has big plans to increase visibility, particularly through more speaking engagements, where she hopes to share her insights on how businesses can better manage their finances. “There’s so much support out there for companies struggling with growth or dealing with cash flow issues,” she explains. By spreading the word, she aims to help more businesses get on top of their finances — and by extension, grow and thrive.

With a firm foundation in place, Magic Digits is also gearing up to expand its team and boost revenue in the next 12 months, ensuring it can continue delivering top-tier service to a growing client base.

Levity Amidst the Numbers

Though Magic Digits is serious about finances, Rachael brings a down-to-earth levity to her leadership. When asked about the worst advice she’s ever received, she laughs and admits she’s been lucky: “Thankfully, not much bad advice. I seem to be surrounded by very helpful and intelligent people!” It’s clear that her approach to business is rooted in pragmatism—after all, as she wisely points out, “Is anything ever really that bad? There’s a solution to everything.”

Final Words of Wisdom

For those just starting their journey in accountancy, Rachael’s advice is simple yet profound: “Figure out what your business is good at. Why are you different? Believe in that and make it the thing you focus on.” In a world full of cookie-cutter services, Rachael has managed to carve out a niche by staying true to what makes Magic Digits unique — her commitment to people, patience, and problem-solving.

As she continues to lead Magic Digits into its next chapter, Rachael’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that even in the numbers game, it’s the human element that truly counts.

To learn more about Rachael Marshall and Magic Digits Ltd, visit Magic Digits. Connect with Rachael on LinkedIn or follow her on X/Twitter.