What's an accountant's reference?

[FIERCE TANK BATTLE]

For my background check I need a reference from my accountant.

Any idea what goes into this? Is it just a letter saying something like I've been employed as an accountant for fierce tank battle from x to y. Or do they need to put other details in?

[ladymuck]

Ask your accountant

Generally, they confirm how long you have been trading, how long they have been your accountant for, and your last year or two's turnover (that bit varies).

All I do when asked for one of them is email my accountant and cc whoever is asking and instruct my accountant to provide the asker with whatever information they need. Saves me then getting the request wrong and having to / fro with clarification questions.

[GhostofTarbera]

Say you don’t have an accountant - job done

Drone box ticking exercise by agent doing checks never asked for by end client


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[FIERCE TANK BATTLE]

Nah this is for security clearance so needed

Will ask accountant for the above, a letter confirming dates worked

[BlueSharp]

I was asked for this for my new gig. So I asked my accountant and he said OK, give them my details. What did your accountant say?

[Hobosapien]

If the check is related to finance then the reference may be to confirm your income claims as a look into any debt or solvency issues.

I just let my accountant know they may be asked for a reference (the paperwork I've filled in in the past asks for my accountant contact details rather than trusting me to provide a non-forged reference) and they are well used to giving such so no probs.

[CryingSheep]

Say you don’t have an accountant - job done

Drone box ticking exercise by agent doing checks never asked for by end client

This should definitely work.

[ladymuck]

Say you don’t have an accountant - job done

Drone box ticking exercise by agent doing checks never asked for by end client


Sent from my iPhone using Contractor UK Forum

Definitely needed one to get my airside pass last year. Not sure what they would have done if I said I didn't have an accountant.

[cloudcontractor]

I can offer some insight here, since my gf was my accountant the last time this was asked.

They literally just asked her to confirm I was director of said company, and that I'd been operating since my incorporation date. Nothing else.

Particularly pointless since this information would have been publicly verifiable on companies house. It might be an incitement for your accountant to volunteer something if you're a particularly bad risk, but doesn't seem to be asked explicitly.

[sal]

This should definitely work.

Or it can backfire spectacularly, given that's it's a bad idea to lie on a SC application form...