Pisces Returns

[the_rangdo]

Looked at the free spreadsheet from their website and the tax estimated and calculated is incorrect. Dividend is taxed at effective rate of 32.5% or 42.5%, even though, some dividend would fall in basic rate tax band.

It also assumes a ~5k salary, and if you change that figure the dividend calculations look a bit suspect.

[the_rangdo]

Glad to see you completely ignored my poor (attempt at a) joke

I agree, probably perfectly sound but not being an expert in the area I had to sound out opinions 'cos I had the nagging 'you get what you pay for' doubt.

[Vallah]

I'm sure they're perfectly legitimate, I've just never heard of them before now.

If I advertised for a job that needed somebody with an accountancy qualification, I'd expect to see ACA/ACCA/CIMA for a reasonably senior position, CAT for somebody a bit lower level, or ATT/CTA for tax. My first question for somebody who said they were "IFA" (which is a tulip designation in itself as it obviously sounds like financial advisors) would be "why haven't you studied for something recognised by the majority of employers?"

That's not to say that the person at Pisces doesn't offer a good service, but I'd be wary unless I'd received a personal recommendation.

[rmmc]

Looked at the free spreadsheet from their website and the tax estimated and calculated is incorrect. Dividend is taxed at effective rate of 32.5% or 42.5%, even though, some dividend would fall in basic rate tax band.

[Clare@InTouch]

Hmmm, something sounds a bit fishy then.

IGMC

It seems a perfectly legit body, just obviously not as well known as the usual ones like ICAEW and ACCA.

Institute of Financial Accountants

[the_rangdo]

Same here, I've certainly never come across anyone studying for their exams or even mentioning them as a body.

Hmmm, something sounds a bit fishy then.

IGMC

[Clare@InTouch]

As someone who sat these exams many years ago, I find it strange that if, after all that hard work you did not apply for membership, it does seem a strange approach.

I have to say I have never heard of an Incorporated Financial Accountant until today!

Same here, I've certainly never come across anyone studying for their exams or even mentioning them as a body.

[Nixon Williams]

When the site states 'passing the final stage in November 1997' how does that translate into failing?

As someone who sat these exams many years ago, I find it strange that if, after all that hard work you did not apply for membership, it does seem a strange approach.

I have to say I have never heard of an Incorporated Financial Accountant until today!

[the_rangdo]

That's not to say this bloke doesn't know what he's doing, but a BTEC, and failing the CIMA exams 13 years ago doesn't strike me as the highest standards.

When the site states 'passing the final stage in November 1997' how does that translate into failing?

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

A quick google of "incorporated financial accountant" pulls up the IFA.org.uk website which proves the bona fides but I agree with Vallah to a certain extent as I have only heard of a couple of members in my 20 years.

[Vallah]

To be fair Waldorf, he's also an Incorporated Financial Acountant, which isn't one of the biggies but still recognised as a professional qualification. Dunno why he put in about the BTEC though - about as relevant as putting a Cycling Proficiency badge on your CV.

I've worked in accountancy for nearly 20 years now, and I've never heard of that body. I've worked for small practices, one of the Big 4, and have never come across a single person in that institute before. That's not to say this bloke doesn't know what he's doing, but a BTEC, and failing the CIMA exams 13 years ago doesn't strike me as the highest standards. Even if you didn't have the time/inclination to obtain one of the major bodies' qualifications (ie ICAEW, ACCA or CIMA) why wouldn't you at least start with CAT?

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

To be fair Waldorf, he's also an Incorporated Financial Acountant, which isn't one of the biggies but still recognised as a professional qualification. Dunno why he put in about the BTEC though - about as relevant as putting a Cycling Proficiency badge on your CV.

[Waldorf]

I would stick to using a qualified accountant, the guy running this has a BTEC in accounts, fab eh!

Sounds like a one man operation who sat some exams but was never admitted as a member of any accounting body worth mentioning.

Remember anyone can call themselves an accountant.

The website is a bit limited just a few pages, probably off the shelf.

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

I reckon you'd be struggling to provide a decent service for that fee.

[the_rangdo]

Contractor accountants. Pisces Accounts - Accountancy Services for contractors - Home

Seems pretty cheap, certainly compared to my SJD.

Anyone any experience/thoughts?