Gorilla Accounting vs BI Accountcy

[Bodger]

Potentially moving into contracting shortly and wanted to get some opinions on Gorilla Accounting and BI Accountancy.

Cost wise, looking very similar, although BI Accountancy offers included company formation whereas Gorilla charge £50. Both include FreeAgent.

Any thoughts from forum users on where to hang my hat?

[Craig@Clarity]

We assume you've had a nosey at the sticky and contacted both companies to compare?

[Bodger]

We assume you've had a nosey at the sticky and contacted both companies to compare?

Had a look at the sticky, both seem to be well regarded, and Free Agent seems to be software solution most loved.

I haven't contacted them yet, waiting to hear back about the contract, although a call to each would probably be a safe bet.

I'm currently leaning more towards the mid-tier package from BI Accounting, as that covers second director / shareholder as well as 2 IR35 reviews per year. That being said, I wouldn't want my decision to be based on money value alone.

[WordIsBond]

If you make a decision on an accountant based on a one-time £50 start-up fee, you are doing it wrong.

[Bodger]

If you make a decision on an accountant based on a one-time £50 start-up fee, you are doing it wrong.

Which is why I'm asking on a forum full of contractors who can offer sage advice

Apart from the general good feelings for both on the forums, and the cost, what else would you suggest I consider?

[northernladuk]

I'm with Gorilla and happy but I've also met Michael from BI a few times and he's a thoroughly capable chap and committed to his outfit so I very much doubt there is any difference in quality between the two. I'd think the only differentiator would be give them a buzz and see who gives you the warm fuzzy feeling. Either that or a coin toss.

I wouldn't take the IR35 checks as a bonus IMO. I'm not a fan of using accountants for contract checks. I'd rather pick a specialist to do it for me. Maybe completely unfounded as the accountant will farm it out.. it's just something I don't like doing. You'll also get free reviews with certain products you purchase from QDOS as well.

Remember the free reviews will be cut down ones from fully paid ones and sometimes aren't the best choice either.

[WordIsBond]

1. Read:
Choosing a Limited Company Accountant
https://www.contractoruk.com/forums/...countants.html
Maybe look for other similar threads.

2. Put together a list of questions you want to ask.

3. Figure out whether there is one right answer to your questions, or multiple approaches that could work.

4. Call each accountant, tell them you have put a list of questions together to help you assess whether they'd be a good fit for you, and ask if they are willing to take some time to answer them.

5. Choose the accountant whose answers match with what you know to be true and who you think best fits with you.

You don't have to go through all your questions if you get half way through and have decided this one knows what they are about and is the right one for you. But the process should give you a pretty good idea as to whether this accountant will answer your questions clearly and isn't an idiot.

[Maslins]

My personal opinion, of the two, go for BI Accountancy.

[WordIsBond]

My personal opinion, of the two, go for BI Accountancy.

Would you have any other preferences if it was expanded beyond just those two?

[Maslins]

Would you have any other preferences if it was expanded beyond just those two?

I could add a few other big firms as a third option, and still recommend BI

I've had a couple of slapped wrists on this forum for being a bit too opinionated/unprofessional recently, so I'd better wind my neck in