Accountant recommendation threads inc local requests

[northernladuk]

You will find a lot of CK and Boox clients arguing the same thing. I'm afraid there are too many contractor-specialist accountants with their heads buried in the sand over this and/or clueless about the risks as understood now versus 10 years ago. In the first instance, it doesn't really matter whether you leveraged a particular service or not, it's more about how that practice presents itself to the outside world, including HMRC.

Yup can't argue with that.

[jamesbrown]

It's not but you need to check what that actually means. If they review your contract then yeah, not good. If they are partnered with someone like QDOS et al and they give it then fair enough. I don't personally see it as a red flag, just a service I wouldn't take up. It's not enough to be an MSC worry for me either. Just part of an offering I don't need.

You will find a lot of CK and Boox clients arguing the same thing. I'm afraid there are too many contractor-specialist accountants with their heads buried in the sand over this and/or clueless about the risks as understood now versus 10 years ago. In the first instance, it doesn't really matter whether you leveraged a particular service or not, it's more about how that practice presents itself to the outside world, including HMRC.

[northernladuk]

Thanks for the tip with Paper Rocket, had a look at them. Miles better although did raise an eyebrow over the line item for unliited IR35 reviews as part of their product. Is it really appropriate that your bean counter helps you with your engagement paperwork?

It's not but you need to check what that actually means. If they review your contract then yeah, not good. If they are partnered with someone like QDOS et al and they give it then fair enough. I don't personally see it as a red flag, just a service I wouldn't take up. It's not enough to be an MSC worry for me either. Just part of an offering I don't need.

[jamesbrown]

Thanks for the tip with Paper Rocket, had a look at them. Miles better although did raise an eyebrow over the line item for unliited IR35 reviews as part of their product. Is it really appropriate that your bean counter helps you with your engagement paperwork?

Nope, massive red flag.

[7specialgems]

If you do get cold feet and want a smallish personal set up have a word with Paper Rocket.

Absolutely got cold feet after that weird response.

After a second review of their website, I think maybe that e-mail was meant to be and it may have helped me dodge an MSC bullet.

Being a contractor specialist is no crime but Aardvark's website is full of promo about knowing all about IR35, coaching clients about IR35, selling IR35 insurance (which stood out like a sore thumb after reading https://www.contractoruk.com/news/00...ual_chain.html)

"The Contracing Awards Winner 2023". Yeah Hector's going to have them on his radar. Too rich for my blood.

Thanks for the tip with Paper Rocket, had a look at them. Miles better although did raise an eyebrow over the line item for unliited IR35 reviews as part of their product. Is it really appropriate that your bean counter helps you with your engagement paperwork?

[northernladuk]

Strange position from Aardvark accounting these last couple of weeks.

Have been interested in their £76 per month product.

Asked (twice) to see a contract for me to sign.

Told (twice) that they will only send me the Terms and Conditions of my agreement after I send termination notice to my current accountant and sign a new starter form to instruct them.

"Money laundering reasons" they say.

Wtf? Do you want me to sign a service agreement with you not?!

Seems very weird that. Not sure why a copy of their terms and conditions is a problem. It's not a binding agreement or anything. You just want to check what you are paying for.

If you do get cold feet and want a smallish personal set up have a word with Paper Rocket.

[7specialgems]

Strange position from Aardvark accounting these last couple of weeks.

Have been interested in their £76 per month product.

Asked (twice) to see a contract for me to sign.

Told (twice) that they will only send me the Terms and Conditions of my agreement after I send termination notice to my current accountant and sign a new starter form to instruct them.

"Money laundering reasons" they say.

Wtf? Do you want me to sign a service agreement with you not?!

[ladymuck]

How much do you pay for the pleasure, may I ask?

It varies according to turnover but usually about £500 +VAT, only payable once I've signed off the accounts

[BigLadFromBeeston666]

If you're comfortable doing DIY accounts then maybe consider a small local firm who are happy to take bank statements and a trial balance at year end and just do final accounts prep and CoHo/CT submission? That's all I use my accountant for; gives a veneer of respectability

How much do you pay for the pleasure, may I ask?

[ladymuck]

Any alternatives to Gorilla? Tempted to grab a Mettle bank account and do DIY accounts again :-)

If you're comfortable doing DIY accounts then maybe consider a small local firm who are happy to take bank statements and a trial balance at year end and just do final accounts prep and CoHo/CT submission? That's all I use my accountant for; gives a veneer of respectability