accountants in grtr. Man.

Cheers for all the responses. I've worked so little, there's little income...there's not much for the accountant to do really. I'm not even VAT registered. I'd need to earn £30K more to acheive that requirement.

As for PAYE...I need something to do on Sundays anyway. while my wife is out spending what little I earn. :b

Time to pick up the phone...cheers.

I certainly hope things pickup up here, else I'll have to move.

Sal.

erm dunno if Altrincham counts...but try Hoban, Nelson , Lang , Tel 0161 928 5343. Been with them for 6 years ( original recommendation came from another contractor when I was still permie) .

Who am I to argue - try it and find out.

Make sure that they will do all your PAYE and VAT work too though - many expect you to do that and still charge the same or more than a specialist will to do the lot.

Go see three local acctnts - they will normally offer half hour session for free so you can suss them out. Ask them how many contractors on their books, what they reccommend for IR35 and how much they charge, how they like the way you keep your accts, etc, etc.

Choose one you can TRUST to represent YOUR best interests. A good local one will be cheaper than the big boys, will deal with you face to face whenever you want, and will generally get you to keep more of your money.

basically you are recommending yourselves. I should let you know that I ain't got a lot of cash and my records are in a notebook...in a lets say...cavalier manner.

That's why I figure the accountant will cry.

Sal.

> basically you are recommending yourselves

you cut us to the quick

You've already got SJD's contact info download ours from ************ (link at top of CUK forum pages or from my user profile).

Just to be fair to all concerned Darren who posts here sometimes is an accountant and as usual I can't recall his url but it shoudn't be hard to find. There is a great big Quay banner at the top.

Ask the lot then pick whoever offers you the best deal. As it happens ours are up north and may be near to you anyway but there really should be no need to go in.

They'll all be able to cope with a tatty spreadsheet and some invoices - find out what they'll charge to do your first year end and what the next year will cost (when they should be doing the lot - vat paye etc.).

*edit*
Ooops - just to clarify - ************ is not an accountancy company - it is a website run by Rhino (who was posting at the same time as me under the ************ id) & myself which amongst some other bits and bobs introduces contractors to the accountant we use ourselves for a (sadly modest) referral fee. The reason we are confident for you to look at any others you want to is because we are certain that ours offers excellent value.

We recommend the accountant we use as IT contractors.

I don't think that would be a problem - best suggestion is to download the application form off the linked website above and contact them direct. I suspect they will want a summary of figures to date and receipts for all expenses claimed.

Good luck !!

Don't your people do face to face then??!!

They will do face to face Simon as you know and they are particularly well known for charging somewhat lesser fees than other accountants - I can think of one that charges 60% more. Furthermore our accountants fees are guaranteed for 2 years and have remained the same over the last six years whilst others have risen substantially.

Apparently the cost of a face to face encounter can be quite high ??!!??

Don't your people do face to face then??!!

We do - call Graeme Bennett on 0161-935-8261 ,

Hi Sal

Most of the specialist IT contractor accountants do not. in practice, deal with clients on a face to face basis and this seems to work well in what is ostensibly a very simple set of accounts.
Assuming you are an IT contractor, I would advise you to choose an accountant on the basis of service received, cost and reputation rather than old fashioned values associated with high street accountants who are not well versed at dealing with IT contractor accounts.

Anyone know a good and reasonable accountant in the greater manchester area. its my end-of -year (my first year) and I've been looking around but no success so far.

I prefer face-to-face communication (so when he looks at my books I can see him cry). which is why they need to be nearby.

Sal.