How to Choose the Right Accountant for Your Business

Choosing the right accountant is one of the most important decisions you can make as a business owner. A good accountant does more than just file your taxes—they become a valuable advisor who helps you manage your finances, stay compliant, and grow your business.

Here’s how to find the right accountant for your business needs.

1. Identify Your Business Needs

Start by understanding what kind of help your business needs.

🔹 Do you need help with basic bookkeeping, or full accounting and tax planning?
🔹 Are you looking for someone to help with payroll, VAT, or self-assessment?
🔹 Do you run a limited company, are you self-employed, or part of a partnership?

💡 Tip: If you’re just starting out, you may only need bookkeeping and tax return support. As you grow, you might need advice on tax efficiency, business structure, and expansion.

2. Look for Qualifications & Credentials

In the UK, you should look for accountants who are certified or chartered with a professional body, such as:
✔️ ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
✔️ ICAEW – Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
✔️ CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

💡 Tip: A chartered accountant is usually more qualified to provide strategic business advice and handle complex financial matters.

3. Choose Someone With Relevant Experience

Find an accountant who has experience working with businesses like yours—in your industry, and with similar size and structure.

✅ If you run a cleaning service, choose someone who understands field service businesses.
✅ If you’re self-employed or a sole trader, look for an accountant familiar with freelance tax rules.

💡 Ask: “Have you worked with businesses in my sector before?”

4. Decide Between a Local or Online Accountant

You can choose a local accountant you can meet in person, or an online accountant who handles everything digitally.

Local Accountants

✔️ Face-to-face meetings
✔️ Personalised service
✔️ Helpful for in-depth financial planning

Online Accountants

✔️ Convenient and often cheaper
✔️ Use cloud-based software (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks)
✔️ Ideal for smaller businesses or tech-savvy owners

5. Ask About Their Services & Software

Make sure their services match your needs. Some accountants include:
✔️ Bookkeeping and payroll
✔️ VAT registration and returns
✔️ Corporation tax and self-assessment
✔️ Financial reporting and budgeting
✔️ Business setup and growth advice

Also ask what accounting software they use:
✔️ Xero
✔️ QuickBooks
✔️ FreeAgent
✔️ Sage

💡 Make sure they are comfortable using cloud accounting software if you plan to manage things online.

6. Compare Pricing & Billing Structure

Accountants charge differently:

🔸 Fixed monthly fees (most common for small businesses)
🔸 Hourly rates
🔸 Annual package fees

✅ Get quotes from 2–3 accountants and compare what’s included.
✅ Ask if they charge extra for submitting tax returns or giving business advice.

7. Check Reviews & Get Referrals

Ask other business owners for recommendations. You can also check:
✔️ Google Reviews
✔️ LinkedIn recommendations
✔️ Professional directories (e.g., ACCA directory)

💡 Tip: A reliable accountant should have good reviews and clear communication from the start.

8. Evaluate Their Communication & Approach

Choose someone who:
✅ Explains things clearly
✅ Responds promptly to emails or calls
✅ Proactively offers advice, not just crunch numbers

📌 You want a partner, not just a processor. The best accountants help you make smarter financial decisions.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right accountant can save you time, money, and stress. Take your time to find someone who understands your industry, meets your needs, and offers solid support throughout your business journey.

🚀 Pro Tip: Don’t just hire the cheapest—hire the one that offers the most value for your specific goals.

Need help choosing between two options? Feel free to share their details—I’ll help you compare!