Best value accountant?

[malvolio]

What is there to understand, 1-man contracting company is about as simple as a business gets isn't it? No employees, virtually no expenditure, etc.

Really. Whatever. The basic description can be found here :PCG Accredited Accountant | PCG It's just belt and braces, that's all

[TykeMerc]

I made a business decision to employ a professional accounting firm to maintain my accounts and advise me, I'm comfortable with the service they give.
I could save a few hundred quid and do much of it myself, but I get what I consider to be value for money from Nixon Williams.

[Wanderer]

What is there to understand, 1-man contracting company is about as simple as a business gets isn't it? No employees, virtually no expenditure, etc.

Agreed.

I'm with one of the PCG recommended accountants and I get the feeling that I'm just on a "one size fits all" conveyor where they process my tax affairs according to a standard template with little or no advice on efficient structuring of my tax affairs because they don't want to create work for themselves.

That's great for their business but no good for mine. I'll be looking to switch as soon as the year end accounts are done.

[kateh]

Intouch referral

I tried 3 and have found that Intouch are miles ahead of the other two. I deal via Clare.

Best value and cheapest definetly aren't the same thing. You can't really put a price on having good, proactive advice and a sense of security that someone has your affairs in order.

Hey Kanye, I know this is a really old post but I came across this thread while looking for a new accountant and it looks like I'm going to signup with Intouch. They have a referral programme but I need a name to give them. Someone might aswell benefit so if you PM me your name if you are still with them I'll give them your details as my referrer (it was this thread that got me looking at them in the first place). cheers, Kate

[northernladuk]

Give them TheFaqqers name. He normally refers people to InTouch and they know who he is.

Clare has actually left now bit the feedback from them is good and TheFaqqer is a respected member of the forum so that says something.

I wouldn't sit there watching you PM from a post 4 years ago.

[BolshieBastard]

I wouldnt touch these internet IT accountants thanks very much.

Ive been with my practice for 17 years now.

They arent the cheapest but their advice over those years has proved its worth.

[LucidDementia]

I wouldnt touch these internet IT accountants thanks very much.

Ive been with my practice for 17 years now.

They arent the cheapest but their advice over those years has proved its worth.

This. I've had the same FCA looking after me my entire business life.
Your accountant should be a collaborator and confidante IMHO

[psychocandy]

My vote would be for Nixon Williams, my reasons being:

• Very competitive fee of £75 per month
• They do the work for me, I do not have a spreadsheet to complete
• My invoices and expenses are checked over by someone who knows more about these things than I do
• Full explanation of annual accounts, they ask me about any odd transactions etc.

I have worked with a few people who used "spreadsheet" accountants and when they have seen the service I receive from nixon williams, they have all moved over, saved time and money.

How do you pay £75 a month with NW? Sure I pay more than that?

[psychocandy]

And my advice would be, if you do, try and find a PCG Accredited one, since he will understand your business. A lot of high street accountants don't, which is kind of important if you're looking for technical advice in what is a fairly complex field these days.

Not wanting to knock the PCG accredited scheme but are you sure about this?

I chose a local high street one who was PCG accredited and he was completely useless. Not just a little bit, absolutely and completely clueless to how contracting worked etc. In the end I cancelled after 3 months and he paid ALL the fees back because he knew he'd screwed up. Went to NW and it took them a little while to sort out his cock ups.

I remember him telling me I had to keep petrol receipts for all cars I owned (even though I never used my wifes car for buinsess) for VAT purposes. Even thought I was flat rate registered (initially he told me I couldnt do this until I argued!) and claiming buiness mileage. His explanation - not sure why but HMRC investigated one his clients recently and he didnt have petrol receipts.

It seems he'd just been on PCG course just so he could claim he was PCG accredited.

Sad thing was I did moan to PCG at the time. Not interested. They're attitude was nothing to do with us, if hes done something wrong contact his professional body. I tried to explain that no he was just clueless but he was making a mockery of PCG accreditation and they didnt give a rats ass.

Sorry malvy but I'll never trust "PCG Accreditation" for anything. Its just a chance for PCG to sell a course to accountants - it means nothing.

[pr1]

How do you pay £75 a month with NW? Sure I pay more than that?

time stamps!