Reply to: Accountant Reccomendation

[Epiphone]

I've been with SJD for about 3 years, and unfortunately for the last year or so I've had mistake after mistake from them. I've ended up checking everything they do: I want to move as soon as possible, but I just wanted to get third year's accounts out of the way.

They were very good when I started, and I seemed to get more attention from apparently qualified people: I suspect it's all just juniors following instruction sheets now.

D

Why not drop Simon Dolan a note. Never worked with SJD but if you've exhausted their complaints procedure I'm sure he'll be delighted to pick up any worries you have.

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

I get the impression that with SJD quality varies greatly from office-to-office. Possibly because they are independently owned and operated businesses. They do seem to have a good rep overall though.

[Old Greg]

I've been with SJD for about 3 years, and unfortunately for the last year or so I've had mistake after mistake from them. I've ended up checking everything they do: I want to move as soon as possible, but I just wanted to get third year's accounts out of the way.

They were very good when I started, and I seemed to get more attention from apparently qualified people: I suspect it's all just juniors following instruction sheets now.

D

That sounds most peculiar. I have been using the Birmingham branch of SJD for 3+ years and they are excellent. They are always responsive, never get anything wrong, and save me more than their fees each year with sound advice.

[dweezil]

I did the small local accountant and failed badly. He got too busy, wasn't proactive etc etc so ended up swapping to SJD and I can't fault them.

I've been with SJD for about 3 years, and unfortunately for the last year or so I've had mistake after mistake from them. I've ended up checking everything they do: I want to move as soon as possible, but I just wanted to get third year's accounts out of the way.

They were very good when I started, and I seemed to get more attention from apparently qualified people: I suspect it's all just juniors following instruction sheets now.

D

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

From the other side of the coin: I've been running accountancy practices for about 20 years and currently 90% of my clients are contractors. Generally, what I would say you concentrate on when selecting an accountant is the personality and the relationship you are going to have with them. You need to be able to speak with someone when you have important issues and you need to be able to feel comfortable doing so. Most (not all) accountants are clued up and able to deliver the same services as the next so thats not as important as how they deliver them. From what I can tell, the big boys aren't able to provide the personal touch but a lot of the High Street guys lack the specialist knowledge. Sure, they'll be able to prepared your accounts and tax return but the advice may be lacking.

Importantly, seek recommendations from colleagues (about 90% of my business comes from this) and ask them about how things work. Speak to two or three accountants to find someone you are comfortable dealing with.

Don't get too hung up on price or location. None of them matter too much: a good accountant will save you thousands a year so cribbing about £10 a month is pointless. Most accountants can deliver services online and by email so location is unimportant. If the can't do that, then maybe they aren't the guys for you.

Like I say, just my opinion. Feel free to ignore it.

[Troll]

Never used NW or SJD so cannot comment but have been with quite a few accountants over the years- some good some bad - I found the bigger the company the less service I recieved

Currently using CKS (CKS Accountancy Limited - Chartered Accountants, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex) who seem quite clued up, have chartered status and appear willing to push the envelope i.e. minimise what hector gets

As I have over 17 years of contracting exp, I pretty well know what's expected and needed; so they may not be suitable for bed wetting noobs who any need hand holding.
But that's a purely a personal thaaang & I may be wrong & would be interested in hearing any noobs experience with them

HTH

[Lewis]

You need to look how the accountancy firm works and what they expect you to do. I looked at swapping to NW a couple of years back but when I looked at how they operated and what they expected me to do, I decided to stay with the present accountants. My present accountants expect a monthly spreadsheet from me and nothing else. It suits me fine. NW wanted me to provide much more in the way of documentation to them, too much like hard work.

That's a valid point, when I first joined NW I was put off by the lack of spreadsheets as I had come from IAS/GIANT and used to just putting everything in a spreadsheet and emailing it off each month. Emailing scanned receipts/invoices etc. seemed like too much hard work to me too, but they were half the price of SJD (my next choice) so I thought I'd give it a go anyway. Now, years later, I am in a routine that takes me 30 mins a month at most to scan and send it all off. And I have realised it adds an extra layer of security and professionalism; in that they check the amounts are accurate and the expense is genuine and allowable and they have a record of everything. I feel very comfortable that they do everything the proper way. But yes you need to consider what works best for you.

[monobrow]

another happy customer with NW. only been with them a couple of months, but when contracting before I was with K&B.

K&B were top of my list, called them up eager to give them business and they couldn't even be arsed to return my call.

I also tried SJD, they didn't "appear" to be interested in me personally, just making sure they could squash me into their templates to maximise their profits.

tried a couple others, who were even worse.....

just my 2 pence, NW seem like the real deal.

[Fred Bloggs]

You need to look how the accountancy firm works and what they expect you to do. I looked at swapping to NW a couple of years back but when I looked at how they operated and what they expected me to do, I decided to stay with the present accountants. My present accountants expect a monthly spreadsheet from me and nothing else. It suits me fine. NW wanted me to provide much more in the way of documentation to them, too much like hard work.

[Sausage Surprise]

Nixon Williams have been great with me and a lot cheaper than SJD and their spreadsheets.

[richy]

Another vote for Nixon Williams from me.

I've been with them for 3 years now and fully recommend them, answer my simple questions and keep me on the straight and narrow.

Double plus good eh?

I'd give them a nixon--;

They added me to their marketing spam list after I sent an email (there were not "substantial negotiations" as required by EC Electronic Comms regs!). Sending junk mail is one great way to avoid getting new customers!

[Waldorf]

Another vote for Nixon Williams from me.

I've been with them for 3 years now and fully recommend them, answer my simple questions and keep me on the straight and narrow.

[ads1980]

I can recommend a great accountant. I use Sally at PlanIt. She has been fantastic and I cant reommend here highly enough. I can give you her details if you want to PM me?

[northernladuk]

I did the small local accountant and failed badly. He got too busy, wasn't proactive etc etc so ended up swapping to SJD and I can't fault them. Provided everything I needed (granted I have to do a lot more leg work on the spreadsheets than with my other accountant but its not painful). They even send out regular bulletins with tips on what I can claim, reminders, warnings etc which are great. Nothing ground breaking as I have done my homework but still, can't knock it.

I would be very hard pressed to consider going back to small non specialist firms again.

[Lewis]

Personally, I use Nixon Williams and am very satisfied. They are not London based but I find them very quick to respond and have built up a good relationship with them. Contractor Accountancy and Accountant - Nixon Williams.