Accountant recommendation threads inc local requests

[Kenny@MyAccountantFriend]

Hi, I'm new to contracting and currently trying to choose an accountancy firm.

I feel the ideal firm will use Xero, be mainly online based, and be prepared to answer a lot of basic questions from me!

A contractor friend of mine (who uses a local accountant) knows someone who uses a firm called PDS Accountancy.

From their website they seem to be a perfect fit, but I trawled through this entire thread, and searched the forums, and can’f find any mention of them. Has anyone ever used or know someone who’s used PDS Accountancy? Or is it perceived as better to choose larger firms?

Many thanks for your advice!

If you are a contractor I personally feel Xero would be a bit overkill for your requirements as it is more suited to small businesses and those that carry stock.

Freeagent would be more suitable for a contractor.

Regarding the accountants you mentioned I have not heard of them before, what I would recommend is going with a company that specialises in contractors.

[Contreras]

Hi, I'm new to contracting and currently trying to choose an accountancy firm.

I feel the ideal firm will use Xero, be mainly online based, and be prepared to answer a lot of basic questions from me!

A contractor friend of mine (who uses a local accountant) knows someone who uses a firm called PDS Accountancy.

From their website they seem to be a perfect fit, but I trawled through this entire thread, and searched the forums, and can’f find any mention of them. Has anyone ever used or know someone who’s used PDS Accountancy? Or is it perceived as better to choose larger firms?

Many thanks for your advice!

Different people have different needs and wants. There is no right or wrong answer so simply trusting in recommendations from the internet won't necessarily get you to a good place. A better question would be "what questions should I ask?".

Make an appointment for a face-to-face chat with the accountant recommended by your friend. Use this to ask the questions you currently have.

Make a shortlist of the firms mentioned in this thread. Contact them and ask similar questions.

The fallout is likely to be further areas to research. I would suggest speak to at least 3.

This puts you in a good position to decide depending on how you want to run your business.

[Michael at BI Accountancy]

If you are a contractor I personally feel Xero would be a bit overkill...Freeagent would be more suitable for a contractor.

100%.

If you are a one man band then FreeAgent is the way to go.

If you are thinking of expanding your company to have multiple employees and a heavy amount of transactions, then Xero could be a good choice.

[TheNewGuy]

Thanks for your advice, Kenny, Contreras & Michael.

I'll start by making a list of questions I want to ask them (there are lots!), and probably pick a more well known firm who specialise in contractors.

I do want to start a small business in the future, but for now I'm just contracting. So based on your advice and the majority of advice in this thread, it looks like FreeAgent is the way to go - if the business ever outgrows it I can always switch to Xero I suppose.

I'll post again in a few months to let people know who I chose and how I got on with them

[Wijay@WISAccountancy]

Check the accountants who offer free online Portal without additional charge!

Thanks for your advice, Kenny, Contreras & Michael.

I'll start by making a list of questions I want to ask them (there are lots!), and probably pick a more well known firm who specialise in contractors.

I do want to start a small business in the future, but for now I'm just contracting. So based on your advice and the majority of advice in this thread, it looks like FreeAgent is the way to go - if the business ever outgrows it I can always switch to Xero I suppose.

I'll post again in a few months to let people know who I chose and how I got on with them

Some contractor specialised accountants offer online portals without additional charge. Best to speak to some of them too!

[Felix22]

Binning Brookson's - any recommendations for a London accountant?

I've had enough with these clowns.

This is what I want, and I think it's reasonable:
• A named and knowledgeable contact/account manager, not a call centre operative.
• An intelligent response to my email queries within 24 hrs (No I don’t count the auto-triggered “thanks for your email” response).
• IR35 review that is independent and fair (not an entrapment process to justify the existance of sister company “Brookson Legal”)
• An online portal that is updated and functions correctly (on pointing out clear errors on it was told “doesn’t look like it’s updated”, not much flipping use then is it!)

Currently paying £125+vat pcm and not happy. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced contractor-friendly Ltd company accountant?
I don’t need a fancy-pants portal, just a robust and accurate system with a decent level of customer service. Ideally London based so I can meet them occasionally...

Thanks

[Fred Bloggs]

Good move IMO, binning Brookson. Plenty of choices here.

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

I've had enough with these clowns.

This is what I want, and I think it's reasonable:
•A named and knowledgeable contact/account manager, not a call centre operative.
•An intelligent response to my email queries within 24 hrs (No I don’t count the auto-triggered “thanks for your email” response).
•IR35 review that is independent and fair (not an entrapment process to justify the existance of sister company “Brookson Legal”)
•An online portal that is updated and functions correctly (on pointing out clear errors on it was told “doesn’t look like it’s updated”, not much flipping use then is it!)

Currently paying £125+vat pcm and not happy. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced contractor-friendly Ltd company accountant?
I don’t need a fancy-pants portal, just a robust and accurate system with a decent level of customer service. Ideally London based so I can meet them occasionally...

Thanks

Have a look at Freeagent. It's not a portal as such but an online accounting system. Perfect for contractors and freelancers. Then get a Freeagent accountant who can both get you a discount on your fee and help you with your problems. There's an online directory of accredited partners on the website. The top one in Scotland is very good I hear. :-)

[Michael at BI Accountancy]

The top one in Scotland is very good I hear. :-)

And if that's a little too high up he can always try Manchester

I wouldn't however let location put you off, the vast majority of contractor clients never meet there accountant and still receive an excellent accountancy service.

As for your expectations I would say that they are reasonable, many of us accountants will gurantee a response to your queries on the same day. Granted there are occasions which need further investigation and thus the reply may take a little longer.

[Felix22]

And if that's a little too high up he can always try Manchester

I wouldn't however let location put you off, the vast majority of contractor clients never meet there accountant and still receive an excellent accountancy service.

As for your expectations I would say that they are reasonable, many of us accountants will gurantee a response to your queries on the same day. Granted there are occasions which need further investigation and thus the reply may take a little longer.

I thought I would never need to meet my accountant, and if they are qualified and competent this is likely the case. I suppose the current overwhelming desire to visit Warrington with a baseball bat clouded this requirement for me!

In terms of customer service, just a human response eg. 'That's a complex query and we're looking into it and will get back to you tomorrow' is fine and reasonable.

What is feeding my rage is the automated response followed by total lack of communication for up to a week. Then when I finally do get a response, it's from a different person each time so there is absolutely no continuity of service, and sometimes inconsistency in the advice given between various customer service agents.

Anyway, will check out some options. Mainly those who can actually spell "Accountant".