Finding an accountant

Whitetiger · 11 February 2019 at 4:28PM

Hey all, I have a small business that I have been running since the end of last year. I would like to have an accountant to sort out taxes ect. I have been in touch with the theaccountancy.co.uk but their sales responses are so slow and I have had to chase them for replies, which has put me off so I was wondering if there are any other accountants that you would recommend that are for small businesses.

Pennywise · 11 February 2019 at 5:39PM

When looking and taking recommendations, be aware that "accountancy" isn't a protected profession, so literally anyone can call themselves an accountant and run an accountancy practice. There are also a number of "lesser" accountancy bodies that don't have the same level of examinations, regulation, & insurance.

For peace of mind, look for the word "chartered" in their letterhead. The "chartered" bodies are the ones with more robust entry qualifications and supervision/control over their members.

Of course, some "chartereds" will be sub-standard and some non-qualifieds will be brilliant, but it's something to be aware of if you're taking recommendations from people you don't know!

DCFC79 · 12 February 2019 at 12:01AM

Find 1 local to you, google your area + accountant.

bengalknights · 12 February 2019 at 10:09AM

Go local it might cost more but the support and face to face discussions you can have will be worth it.

Pennywise · 12 February 2019 at 10:25AM

bengalknights wrote: »

Go local it might cost more but the support and face to face discussions you can have will be worth it.

That depends on the OP's needs, which he's not been specific, hence why no recommendations. Some local accountants are cheaper than online firms, particularly, small "one man band" types of qualified accountants. A lot of the online firms are actually quite expensive, and many aren't qualified/regulated by the chartered bodies.

Local or online is surely a matter of personal choice for the OP. Many accountants work both ways. A local accountant who also does online is obviously the best of all worlds. If the OP is the kind of person who prefers face to face, then they need to have a few free consultations with local accountants - I'd suggest to start with a one man band, a small-medium firm and a larger firm, just to get a feel for what services they can offer and the different charges etc.

The OP also hasn't given any indication of size or status of the business, industry type, etc. Again, different accountants specialise in different types of client and trade.

Finding an accountant

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