Accountant recommendation threads inc local requests

[7specialgems]

Not sure what the criteria is to be *removed* from this list, but the guy that posts for Boox (Andrew @ Boox) hasn't posted since May 2013. The firm have been lamped a few times in posts on this forum, and not just by me.

My designated accountant completely ignores my emails and phone calls, and I have to do a lot of admin myself because their web tool is still in its infancy.

The irony of the radio silence is not lost on me since my accountant is actually the firm's Client Engagement manager.

Needless to say I am currently in the process of putting my affairs in order so that I can migrate elsewhere.

[northernladuk]

Not sure what the criteria is to be *removed* from this list, but the guy that posts for Boox (Andrew @ Boox) hasn't posted since May 2013. The firm have been lamped a few times in posts on this forum, and not just by me.

My designated accountant completely ignores my emails and phone calls, and I have to do a lot of admin myself because their web tool is still in its infancy.

The irony of the radio silence is not lost on me since my accountant is actually the firm's Client Engagement manager.

Needless to say I am currently in the process of putting my affairs in order so that I can migrate elsewhere.

Boox isn't on the list? It's just been recommended by other people. It's had some negative press so I think the representation is balanced. It wasn't supposed to be a god given list. Just posting of experience and this is great feedback.

[JohnCleverAccounts]

From Clever Accounts

Personally I would want a specialist to do my IR35 reviews not my accountant. I would also want my insurance from a reputable source. Might be ok that lot don't get me wrong but I pay for these services to stay safe so I want the best people on the job, not some freebies thrown in to what is already an option that looks too cheap. The prices the pros are charging are hardly sky high. Just my opinion.

I'm wary of this coming across as a marketing post but just replying (admittedly belatedly), since the question was asked. I'm hoping a brief right of reply is acceptable...

We've been around a while but only really started marketing ourselves last year. Accept that the pricing and the inclusion of insurance and IR35 advice might appear cheap - reasonable comment which we hear a lot when people call us - but we are "pros" just as much as some of the larger firms. We employ chartered and certified accountants to advise clients directly, we have PCG trained people to review contracts for IR35 (and indeed we would recommend referring them to a specialist lawyer/expert if we aren't sure) and our insurance is ultimately a reputable Qdos product.

The package price is certainly competitive but a lot of thought has gone into the service and the pricing and we're trying to offer real value, not just chuck in some freebies. We use a bespoke in-house online system, which is easy to use and provides up to date tax/div information but does also help us keep the price reasonable, plus I suspect our margin is lower than some!! Understand that using online bookkeeping not everyone's cup of tea though - that's just our model. We're certainly smaller than some but we've been advising contractors for years, have hundreds of clients and all of them have a contractor-knowledgeable accountant as their main contact.

It's certainly true, as highlighted on other threads, that whilst contractor accounting might not be rocket science/brain surgery, it does require a detailed knowledge of the specific issues and legislation, which are often not well known in the general accountancy world and a cheap accountant isn't 'cheap' if they don't know their stuff... we're aiming for the best of both worlds!!

Right to reply over... will stick to advice where I think it may be useful in future, though in reality everyone's circumstances are different and it's never perfect offering generic advice. I'd agree with all the comments that recommend people speak to different accountants directly to get a feel for their services until they find someone they feel they can trust and then use them for specific advice.

[nstreete]

Accountant costs

I'm new on here although I've been contracting for years now. There are some quite interesting views here on accountants. I have been using the same one for years and I'm only now starting to question how much I'm paying. I pay around £150 per month and I don't have an online portal to use. They are good guys and I've never had any issues with them but given what people are chatting about on here it feels as if I'm paying over the odds.

What are your thoughts on a reasonable price, either with or without an online portal/software package to use?

[Clare@InTouch]

I'm new on here although I've been contracting for years now. There are some quite interesting views here on accountants. I have been using the same one for years and I'm only now starting to question how much I'm paying. I pay around £150 per month and I don't have an online portal to use. They are good guys and I've never had any issues with them but given what people are chatting about on here it feels as if I'm paying over the odds.

What are your thoughts on a reasonable price, either with or without an online portal/software package to use?

There's a massive range of fees, from £50 to £200.

It's true that you're paying toward the higher end, but if you're happy and you trust your accountant then it's not a hideous price. A good accountant will save you more than they cost you anyway, and having peace of mind is worth a lot - as long as they do everything you need them to do, you understand it all, and they're happy to explain everything.

[Jeremiah@RHJAccountants]

There's a massive range of fees, from £50 to £200.

It's true that you're paying toward the higher end, but if you're happy and you trust your accountant then it's not a hideous price. A good accountant will save you more than they cost you anyway, and having peace of mind is worth a lot - as long as they do everything you need them to do, you understand it all, and they're happy to explain everything.

I would agree with this, if you are happy with your accountant and they are saving you money in terms of tax and giving good sound advice.

Then no reason to change.

Most people tend to change accountants if there has been a c--k up by the accountant or there advice or response times are not very good.

Or the accountant retires or gets lock up for fraud

Some accountants use accounts portals, spreadsheets or have all the invoices and receipts sent to them.

It all depends on what the client and accountant are comfortable with.

[Andrew@Wisteria]

There's a massive range of fees, from £50 to £200.

It's true that you're paying toward the higher end, but if you're happy and you trust your accountant then it's not a hideous price. A good accountant will save you more than they cost you anyway, and having peace of mind is worth a lot - as long as they do everything you need them to do, you understand it all, and they're happy to explain everything.

Agree, cheaper can often mean dearer!

[Waldorf]

Agree, cheaper can often mean dearer!

The expensive accountants always trot along with this quote, Andrew I suspect your fees are at the higher end?

[Nf1236]

Accountant prices

Hi,

I agree more expensive accountants can tend to say that cheaper ones end up costing more long term. To be honest I find this offensive. I don't think my firm is particularly expensive, and generally try to beat other accountants prices as I'm trying to build the practice. Does it mean there is less quality in my work? Hell no! I try to help my clients as best I can and not leave them feeling disgruntled or ripped off. But then we work from our homes to keep our costs down.....that makes a big difference.

[cojak]

Hi,

I agree more expensive accountants can tend to say that cheaper ones end up costing more long term. To be honest I find this offensive. I don't think my firm is particularly expensive, and generally try to beat other accountants prices as I'm trying to build the practice. Does it mean there is less quality in my work? Hell no! I try to help my clients as best I can and not leave them feeling disgruntled or ripped off. But then we work from our homes to keep our costs down.....that makes a big difference.

I'm sure it makes a difference Nf1236 - and don't think I'm not keeping an eye on you.

I'm sure that to help you out Admin would be happy to reset your login ID to MyName @ MyAccountancy.com. Of course if you have no intention of promoting your company, feel free to stay as you are...