Do you know accountant who helps tiny sole traderships?

Horace

Having being stung by someone purporting to be an accountant - I found out much later after I had reported them to the ICAEW that the practice that was registered with them wasn't in this woman's name at all but someone elses on further investigation the person who did my books wasn't qualified. Her mistakes and bad advice cost me a lot of money and I am now trying to get myself out of that hole.

I asked people that I know in business who they used and who they would recommend, I then interviewed three of them before deciding on one but as the practice he worked for split into two, I stayed where I was rather than move to him (I was moving but as he was unreliable when it came to returning calls, I decided that it was better to stay where I was).

You tend to meet accountants at business networking events as well.

Acc72

Lets just relax a little re: accountingbod.

They have obviously learned a lot today, but don't be too harsh.

Also, lets not forget that the term "Accountant" is not protected in this country.

Anybody without any qualifications or experience can set themselves up as "Joe Bloggs Accountants".

suzie.saves

Thanks for all the advice. I have already asked around my friends & family; those of them who use accountants pay much more than I can currently afford.

Someone local sounds right. I confess I was slightly intimidated by the huge directory of accountants in my area.

Sammatty: I'm in Enfield, North London. If you can recommend a practice that'd be a great place for me to start! I'd like someone who's frank & down to earth if possible

I understand a great deal of it (the tax laws & limitations); I just want to make certain I'm not making any mistakes, & see if I can save any ££ anywhere.

I've booked myself on a free HMRC course that teaches about self assessment & capital costs too, now, so that should help.

Horace

There is one chap that I do know who is good, he is based in Devizes but has clients all over the country. He also isn't greedy with his fees either and that is PAH Accounting http://www.wiltshireaccountants.co.uk - he is a thoroughly decent chap.

If I hadn't already got an accountant, I would use him (he is not one of the three that I interviewed). I know people that do use his services and they have told me that he is great and really looks after his clients. He deals with sole traders, business start ups etc and works on a fixed fee basis.

HTH

Savvy_Sue

suzie.saves wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice. I have already asked around my friends & family; those of them who use accountants pay much more than I can currently afford.

but if they are much larger businesses than you, you'd expect that, wouldn't you? Even if there's an hourly rate, you shouldn't need as many hours.

Worth phoning any that are recommended to ask about YOUR situation. If you say "Fred recommended me, but my business is much smaller than his and I may just need some advice" could get you an introductory interview which tells you all you need to know.