Find the Right Accountant

Professional Qualifications

The UK tax system is complex, with numerous rules and intricacies. Qualified accountants have demonstrated the knowledge and ability to navigate this system effectively. Achieving professional accounting qualifications takes years of rigorous training, and members of professional bodies are required to keep their knowledge up-to-date through mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

A common misconception is that some accounting functions are straightforward and can be performed by anyone. However, these tasks are often more complex than they appear, and mistakes can easily go unnoticed. Choosing a qualified accountant ensures accuracy and expertise, helping you avoid costly errors and optimize your financial outcomes.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Check that the accountant has professional indemnity insurance. This protects you and your business in the unlikely event of an error or omission by the accountant that leads to financial loss.
Choosing an accountant without adequate insurance leaves you without any coverage when things go wrong.

Transparent Pricing

Nobody wants unexpected bills. When you choose a service with transparent pricing, you know what you will pay and can budget accordingly.

A good example of this is per-payslip pricing. Unexpected costs can arise when losing a team member, such as paying for their P45, onboarding their replacement, additional administrative fees, and overlap costs for extra payslips. Transparent pricing helps you manage these expenses without surprises.

While there will always be cases where a set price may increase due to unexpected complexity or additional work, knowing the costs upfront allows you to plan your business expenses properly.

Avoid the shock of receiving your Self Assessment Preparation bill only to find extra charges for every query you made. Be clear about what services are included in your fees, ensuring no surprises and better financial planning.

Who is Really Doing Your Accounts

It might be important to you that the person handling your accounts and personal information is based in the UK.

• You want them to be held to UK standards and regulation

• You want them to have a first-hand knowledge of the UK tax system

• You want to know that your sensitive information and personal details aren't being sent around the world

Even where some companies are UK based, they may actually outsource work on your accounts to third parties all over the world.

If it's important for you to keep everything UK based, it might be worth checking if your prospective accountant outsources their work, and where to.