Local vs. online accounting

**fridge** · 2 October 2007, 20:30

Hi Neil, Go for a regular high street accountant as some of those online accountants are nothing short of managed service providers.get proffessional advice on this before you sign up with them.

**~Craig~** · 2 October 2007, 20:58

Go with Nixon Williams, job done!

Top notch accountants: all done by post and email but always someone to speak to when you phone. I'd much rather pay my money to someone who knows about IT contractors than some high street jobbie that knows naff all.

**Gonzo** · 2 October 2007, 21:39

I have to agree, it is better to pick one that is familiar with IT contracting. I am sure there are local ones that are perfectly good but if most of their customers are local shops or the personal tax affairs of wealthy people then they may not be in a position to look after a contractor so well.

The accountant of one guy on the current site had told him that he didn't think that he could claim his travel. Since he was travelling from Scotland to London weekly this added up. After pursuing it the accountant did in the end agree.

That said, I would steer clear of the "previously and MSC provider now an accountant" brigade, they are very likely to be at the top of Hector's hit list.

**r0bly0ns** · 2 October 2007, 22:12

Upton Accountants are based in Wakefield, not that far from Leeds.

We've been with them for about 18 months now, they specialise in IT Contractors and really seem to know their stuff, but they are still quite a small practice so retain that personal touch.

We have only been in to see them twice in the last year, but on both occasions have been more than happy to meat us.

**Moscow Mule** · 3 October 2007, 06:00

Originally posted by r0bly0ns View Post

We have only been in to see them twice in the last year, but on both occasions have been more than happy to meat us.

Beef, Lamb or pork?

I'll get my coat.

**TheFaQQer** · 3 October 2007, 08:06

Originally posted by r0bly0ns View Post

On both occasions have been more than happy to meat us.

Now there's a personal service that most don't offer.

Ouch.

**TheFaQQer** · 3 October 2007, 08:10

Originally posted by neilh View Post

Hi,
I've been contracting for about a year, and initially set up under an umbrella - basically to minimise the pain of the change from permiedom.
I have reconsidered this and now feel a ltd company might be best for me.

So, I'm looking for an accountant who can form the company for me, deal with tax returns and minimise the tax I pay.

What are the relative benefits of a local vs.an online accountanting firm? I'm supposing it might be nice to have a local accountant so I can go and speak to them in person....but then again there are larger online accounting firms who specialise in this who I can be reasonably sure will do a decent job.

Any thoughts?

Cheers

Neil

PS - can anyone recommend a good online outfit, and also any in the North Leeds area.

The general opinion on the boards (this has been asked a number of times) is to question why you need to have someone that you can go in and see, and therefore go with someone who does it online.

I would go with whatever company seems the best to you - I found a local firm who deals with a whole range of clients, ranging from one-man-band up to multi-million pound companies. I have a guy there who I deal with all the time, and so get good service.

I looked at Danbro and SJD who were both recommended to me by colleagues at the time. If I was choosing between the two, it would have been SJD. If I was choosing now, it would probably be Nixon Williams - I don't need the advice and guidance that I have been getting from my current accountants, so if I was to move, it would be to someone recommended on here.

**Bright Spark** · 3 October 2007, 08:41

most of the work involved in running the accounts of the Ltd company are
standard processing of returns and forms, and don't really require you
to visit an accountant. Using an IT specialist accountant means they are
more likely to be up to date with changing rules that affect IT contractors.

**Alan @ BroomeAffinity** · 3 October 2007, 09:10

You've got to be vigilant. I think that SJD / NW clients will attract the attention of Hector because they know what they specialise in.

Having said that their advice and service seems to be pretty good according to all their clients on this site.

Consider a local or smaller firm who has extensive experience in the freelancer industry. Like (and here comes the spam) ME.

Local vs. online accounting