SJD: Yay or Nay?

[scarter1]

Hi all,

Just come back from being abroad for a number of years, and was just offered a short term contract position (possibly going perm after 3/4 months, possibly not).

I realise i'm on the border between using an Limited Company and an umbrella company, but am opting for Limited for the flexibility (if contract gets extended, or I get a contract elsewhere, I'll save the hassle and tax by setting it up now).

However, the recruitment company put me in touch with SJD. They seem on the pricey side. Any alternatives I should consider?

I guess i'm on deadline as I need to set the company up asap so I can get the contracts started, but would be good to know about alternatives.

Regards,

[Louisa@InTouch]

Nay!

There are a lot of alternative Contractor Accountants. Better service and a better price!

There's some great threads on CUK already to get you started on who you should call...

Plus with an incorporation done within 24 hours, you'll have the company ready to go ASAP.

[LondonManc]

Hi all,

Just come back from being abroad for a number of years, and was just offered a short term contract position (possibly going perm after 3/4 months, possibly not).

I realise i'm on the border between using an Limited Company and an umbrella company, but am opting for Limited for the flexibility (if contract gets extended, or I get a contract elsewhere, I'll save the hassle and tax by setting it up now).

However, the recruitment company put me in touch with SJD. They seem on the pricey side. Any alternatives I should consider?

I guess i'm on deadline as I need to set the company up asap so I can get the contracts started, but would be good to know about alternatives.

Regards,

Pricey but I've never had a problem with them in the six years I've been with them.
Depends what you want from an accountant though - it's more important to get this decision right as others have found out that it can be a PITA to change.

[mudskipper]

I was with SJD for a couple of years and was very happy with the service.

I switched because of price.

SJD have a spreadsheet solution - I quite liked this, but others prefer a portal or freeagent.

Going with SJD because the agency recommend them is not the way to make your decision. Ring them, and a couple of others, and see what you think.

[mudskipper]

Nay!

There are a lot of alternative Contractor Accountants. Better service and a better price!

In what way do cheaper accountants provide a better service? Most SJD customers are very happy with the service.

[Fred Bloggs]

Definitely NO. Look for a much less costly FreeAgent accountant. Plenty to choose from on here.

[MrMarkyMark]

Funny thing is, my personal experience with SJD has been very good, however, I have used them for a very long time.
I usually get detailed personal mails, in less than 5 hours, after query / request.

Yes, I could get cheaper, however the service, I have personally received is very good, YMMV.
Others experiences have been different, though, it depends which accountant you get allocated, physical SJD location seems to pay a factor too.

The other thing to remember is your accountant can only be as good as the info supplied, by yourself, also.

[VillageContractor]

Nay - my first year of contracting but I don't think they've done enough to justify the price. I'll be moving once yrs accounts have been completed

[AJ1982]

possibly going perm after 3/4 months, possibly not

Umbrella? (ContractorUmbrella specifically?)

[Waldorf]

SJD are at the expensive end of the spectrum now, you can get a better service for a lower price. Remember the agency have a £ incentive to push you to SJD, reason enough to look elsewhere.

Ask what experience and qualifications the person who will be looking after you had. Smaller accountants will probably look after you better, but I would suggest going with a specialist contractor accountant, not a local one.

Lastly, don't be fooled into going for the 'free face to face meetings' - you'll never have to do this and I bet even SJD have never met more than 1% of their clients.