Large accountants vs. smaller ones?

[zazou]

Like I said in the other thread mentioned I chose a small one (PaperRocket) when I started out exactly because of the personal touch and have had nothing but good experience.
All my queries have been answered very timely and the information been of quality. To add to that Sarah is very proactive when it comes to all things related to accounting - which is important when you're still 'wet behind your ears' ;-)

Home - PaperRocket Accounting

[philip@wellwoodhoyle]

You can't generalise. Some big firms are good, some are poor. Some one man bands are good, some are poor. Either may or may not know enough about the contractor/freelancer market and IR35.

I've taken on clients from big and small firms. Accounts/returns prepared by some of the larger firms were truly shocking. Likewise those provided by other large firms were absolutely spot on.

At the end of the day, you have to take recommendations from people you actually know and who already use a particular firm. Don't take advice from strangers on an internet forum and don't take advice from people who get a kick-back or referral discount as they'll be biased.

What matters are people - The person who'll be doing the work and your point of contact. Doesn't matter how good the firm is if you get given the hopeless "client manager" who hasn't a clue.

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

You pays your money you takes your choice. After doing a bit of research obviously.

There are a lot of accountants (my firm included and many others who post in here) who are contractor specialists and therefore have the expertise you need, but are small enough to be able to provide the extremely personal service you crave.

[Dan@OrangeGenie]

Surely an accountant is as expensive as you make them?

You need to ensure you can have regular communication (at no extra charge) with your accountant and that you have a good understanding of the decisions you make.

[Forbes Young]

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?

Two main things to look for in my view are:
1. how much net income do you have after using the accountant (eg if you pay an accountant £500 more a year than a competitor but by taking their advice you save £1000 more than you would have done with the competitor then its worthwhile paying more).
2. the method of operation eg online software vs spreadsheet vs accountant doing all of the bookkeeping: some clients prefer one to the other and find one easier to operate than the other - an accountant who gives you regular advice and can communicate effectively will make whichever method better.
Its best to go on recommendation if you are able to do so - many contractors make the wrong choice and need to switch accountants sooner or later. We have many clients coming across to us from other firms who are dissatisfied with how the previous accountancy firm operates.
So long as the service is consistently top class and reliable then going with a smaller accountancy firm or a main market player shouldn't make any difference.