Large accountants vs. smaller ones?

[tl97]

Hi all,

I am looking for an accountant as I start IT contracting. A lot of the recommendations on here seem to be for larger accountant firms. Looking at these, they seem to be heavier on having "client managers" rather than accountants. Also, although they provide an online portal, these seem to be proprietary, so I'd be locked in if I ever wanted to switch.

I've come across Freeagent but there don't really seem to be many recommendations on here for smaller accountants who use Freeagent. Does anyone have any recommendations for accountants who use Freeagent? Also, is there really an advantage to using these bigger firms?

[jamesbrown]

I assume you've seen this thread?

The most important thing is that they're familiar with contractors (very important). Otherwise, just call a few and see what vibe you get. Generally speaking, you want to avoid a generalist in the local area. There's very little advantage in your accountant being local, as you can do everything online or via phone/e-mail.

[Jeremiah@RHJAccountants]

Speak to a few accountants and see who you get on with best and don't just go on price alone. You want a service that is tailored towards your business and make sure there are no extra fees for things like payroll, self assessment or even reference letters.

Remember a good accountant will more than justify there fee in terms of you being tax efficient and the service they offer.

Welcome to contracting.

[cojak]

I've spoken to one and used the old 'P35' trick question on him.

He passed the test.

[tractor]

.....

I've spoken to one and used the old 'P35' trick question on him.

He passed the test.

That won't work soon when you file your FLC accounts - it will be obvious

[Maslins]

Hi all,

I am looking for an accountant as I start IT contracting. A lot of the recommendations on here seem to be for larger accountant firms. Looking at these, they seem to be heavier on having "client managers" rather than accountants. Also, although they provide an online portal, these seem to be proprietary, so I'd be locked in if I ever wanted to switch.

I've come across Freeagent but there don't really seem to be many recommendations on here for smaller accountants who use Freeagent. Does anyone have any recommendations for accountants who use Freeagent? Also, is there really an advantage to using these bigger firms?

It makes sense that a firm with 10k+ clients gets more recommendations than one with 100...they'll also likely have more unsatisfied clients. Hard to tell whether they're better or worse from this in isolation.

At the risk of getting a slapped wrist for self promotion, we seem to fit the bill for you. We pretty much exclusively use FreeAgent. Relative the SJDs of this world we're a mere peon, but we're in the process of recruiting our 5th staff member so hardly a risky start up. Have been on CUK a while but tend to get recommended more for our sister company MVLO than Maslins.

[Dan@OrangeGenie]

Hi all,

I am looking for an accountant as I start IT contracting. A lot of the recommendations on here seem to be for larger accountant firms. Looking at these, they seem to be heavier on having "client managers" rather than accountants. Also, although they provide an online portal, these seem to be proprietary, so I'd be locked in if I ever wanted to switch.

I've come across Freeagent but there don't really seem to be many recommendations on here for smaller accountants who use Freeagent. Does anyone have any recommendations for accountants who use Freeagent? Also, is there really an advantage to using these bigger firms?

We use FreeAgent

[BolshieBastard]

Hi all,

I am looking for an accountant as I start IT contracting. A lot of the recommendations on here seem to be for larger accountant firms. Looking at these, they seem to be heavier on having "client managers" rather than accountants. Also, although they provide an online portal, these seem to be proprietary, so I'd be locked in if I ever wanted to switch.

I've come across Freeagent but there don't really seem to be many recommendations on here for smaller accountants who use Freeagent. Does anyone have any recommendations for accountants who use Freeagent? Also, is there really an advantage to using these bigger firms?

No disrespect to the 'big' accountancy firms on here but I wouldnt touch them. Its a fallacy that only these know the contractor market.

Im still using the same accountant as when I was contracting. They are a relatively small firm, not cheap (but I did negotiate a 10% reduction of costs this year). Ive always been happy with the services they provide.

[JoeyD]

No disrespect to the 'big' accountancy firms on here but I wouldnt touch them. Its a fallacy that only these know the contractor market.

Im still using the same accountant as when I was contracting. They are a relatively small firm, not cheap (but I did negotiate a 10% reduction of costs this year). Ive always been happy with the services they provide.

^^ This.

I've used a 'small' family firm of accountants for 20 years. They were doing one or two man Ltd's long before IT contracting was popular. 'Specialist' contracting accountants seem, from the fees I've seen, to be a right royal rip off.

[northernladuk]

No disrespect to the 'big' accountancy firms on here but I wouldnt touch them. Its a fallacy that only these know the contractor market.

Im still using the same accountant as when I was contracting. They are a relatively small firm, not cheap (but I did negotiate a 10% reduction of costs this year). Ive always been happy with the services they provide.

It maybe be a fallacy that ONLY these guys know the contractor market but it's certainly not completely true as a lot of small one man bands don't have a clue so that comment is only true up to a certain point. I had a one man local band and he left me in a right royal mess. I switched to a large company (SJD) and haven't had one complaint in over 7 years.

There are big companies with a few crap individuals and smalls one with amazing people running them. You have to do your homework. You might get a more personal service from a small company but a big one does have SLA's on call backs etc where small one could be a bit frustrating.

I'm pretty confident about my knowledge of my accounts so am happy to be churned as part of a big company but saying that they get back to me in a day on any issue I have.

Up to you to think about what's important to you and make a decision based on that IMO.