New Accountant Needed

memark

Not sure if this is the best place to post this but here goes...

I run a small business and have had 2 accountants and they've both been pretty rubbish. They've missed essential things like getting payroll slips out on time, preparing accounts etc. Not rocket science for an accountant, is it?

Anyway, the latest one's worse than the one I sacked!

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good accountant in the Manchester area, preferably Sale? Hopefully one that can cope with Quickbooks rather than the usual Sage and isn't going to cost me an arm & a leg.

I need an audit, so they have to have an auditing certificate.

Thanks

WHA

Have a look on the Quickbooks website as you can search for accountants with QB experience. https://www.quickbooks.co.uk

However, I wonder if you are wanting too much from a single firm.

You have indicated you need an audit, which means you'll probably need a larger chartered/certified firm - unqualified or unregulated accountants can't do audits, and with the raising of the threshold, many smaller firms don't do audits anymore. Are you sure you need an audit? Have you checked that the recent changes don't affect you - now very few companies need an audit compared with a few years ago.

You also mention payslips which could probably be done cheaper and more effectively by a book-keeper or small firm of accountants.

Is having one firm performing top level and bottom level roles confusing the issue. There is nothing to stop you have a book-keeper for payroll and other basics, an accountant for accounts and tax preparation and tax planning and finally an auditor to do the audit - that is three separate people/firms for three separate roles. Then you can choose the most appropriate firm for each role.

This may sound complicated but it does work well in practice and needn't cost more as you'll get the basics done cheaper by a smaller firm.