Can you recommend an accountant?

[jamesbrown]

[....]
I guess the only change I would personally make would be to make it an individual qualification rather than a corporate one as a firm can say that they are accredited but the individual you are dealing with may not be.

Good post. That one must be irritating for the accountants too, having gone through a process and then moved firm...

[Nathan SJD Accountancy]

Not really much to add, but FWIW, I too found the course invaluable from an IR35 perspective!

[Clare@InTouch]

I guess the only change I would personally make would be to make it an individual qualification rather than a corporate one as a firm can say that they are accredited but the individual you are dealing with may not be.

Totally agree with that - speaking as someone who has passed the course but now has to do it all over again due to a change in firm.

[psychocandy]

The other point is that the Accrediatation is to do with their knowldge of IR35 and related matters and getting the best protection for their members which, whan all's said and done, is primarily what the PCG is about. It's nothing to do with their general capabilities as an accountant and PCG isn't in a position to measure that anyway.

And no, it is no less onerous now.

Buggered if I know how my previous accountant managed to pass then!

[Jessica@WhiteFieldTax]

Well, as I said YMMV, to be honest at least part of my indifference to the scheme comes from having been looking after PSCs from long before IR35 days and having seen PCG spring up and muscle in - having contributed to Andy Whites original fighting fund, and sat in the Barbican meetings which Flemings/JSA sponsored and which lead to PCG being formed - the attitude of having to go though an accreditation process sticks in the throat a bit.

I'll just sit in the corner and sulk by myself.

Anyway, suspect this is OT now...

[malvolio]

Well, as I said YMMV, to be honest at least part of my indifference to the scheme comes from having been looking after PSCs from long before IR35 days and having seen PCG spring up and muscle in - having contributed to Andy Whites original fighting fund, and sat in the Barbican meetings which Flemings/JSA sponsored and which lead to PCG being formed - the attitude of having to go though an accreditation process sticks in the throat a bit.

I'll just sit in the corner and sulk by myself.

Anyway, suspect this is OT now...

Be fair, it was originally as much about PR on both sides as it is about certifying people. With your history you could always become an Affiliate, which adds the same kudos as Accreditation without having to sit exams.

I did raise the thing about people rather than practices a while back, albeit more on concerns of a practice retaining the accrediatation when the accredited guru has moved on. I tend to agree with you, it's the person that should get the badge; but then the bigger players would kick up abut having to pay for multiple people...

However, I'll try again; it's one service I don't think they don't make enough use of.

[Precept]

Knowing enough about your business to make a difference

For most prospective Contractors/Freelancers contemplating a PSC entity the primary aim is to minimise HMRC’s tax take. Their desire has either been shaped by hearsay (including what the agencies tell them) or they’ve done a bit of research and can appreciate the logic. However, since the bookkeeping requirements that are needed are enough to defeat the most resilient enthusiast this task is usually given to an outside organisation. Hopefully, this organisation is familiar with the type of question that Contractors ask and will be able promptly and accurately to offer guidance. If they are particularly astute their expertise provides a leading edge in the Contractor’s quest to develop his/her own business.

This latter point is crucial in my view to the eventual outcome of how the government views businesses like PSC’s and the eventual resolution of IR35 issues. After all, one of the main aims of governments of whatever complexion is to provide a framework for businesses to be created and nurtured. The limited company is a marvellous force for achieving this aim but it has always involved risks and sacrifices for entrepreneurs willing to explore the extent of their drive, skill and instinct; that is reason enough for incentives like tax efficient dividend payments coupled with minimum salary arrangements and the opportunity to avoid employer NIC outgoings.

So, to those who wish to explore this route I would say find someone to look after your accounts who knows the ropes and your trading format. If it is your intention to build a real business in the sense that you want to push it and yourself to the limits of what is achievable, be prepared to learn more about the management and deployment of resources – you will ultimately need an accountant that tells you more than how to dodge the taxman. Good luck in your quest, for you will be contributing to employment, taxation and prosperity, and in the process adding something to the prefix in that entity called Great Britain.

[captainham]

Good luck in your quest, for you will be contributing to employment, taxation and prosperity, and in the process adding something to the prefix in that entity called Great Britain.

I feel the need to stand at this point and sing God Save The Queen

[northernladuk]

I feel the need to stand at this point and sing God Save The Queen

ROFL!!!!

V Good!

[psychocandy]

Dont even get me started on having God Save the Queen as the national anthem. Its the English one.

We need a separate one to represent the UK.