Reply to: Best value accountant?

[unixman]

I've just joined In Touch. Great so far. Their documentation is very good, explaining how the portal works so clearly I haven't had to ask any questions (okay one). Was also tempted by Nixon Williams, mainly cos they come on here and answer questions so clearly and patiently and correctly.

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

Best value accountant?

There's good arguments both for and against large contractor specialists and local omb firms. A decent local generalist will probably be able to handle your affairs but unlikely to be cheap. You'd likely get personal service if that's important. Their systems are unlikely to be geared toward the contractor though but to be fair the contractor requirements aren't that different to a "normal" small ltd co.

There are a lot of small contractor specialists which might be the best of both worlds. But equally it may be a compromise.

DISCLAIMER: My firm is one of those small contractor specialist so I'm biased.

[unixman]

For anyone who is local to Milton Keynes, here are those details in full. I have no personal experience of these people, just passing on a recommendation.

Www .mkaccountants.com/

Says my neighbour Keith, a contractor and expert in MFDs who ran his own Ltd for a few years,:

"Like you I had a bad experience with the first company I used but have had no issues with MK Tax. They provide all the necessary spreadsheets, communicate well and are happy for you to drop in if you are having problems. contact is Paul Rathore who is one of the Directors, nice guy. paulatmktax.co.uk"

That was 4 years ago. The "one man band" does indeed appear to have grown...

[LucidDementia]

They probably handed it out to Darren Upton and certainly to my last one man band who just wasn't interested in contractors and let me down badly.

Upton was ACCA not ACA, besides which he was a thief as opposed to an incompetent accountant. There's a big difference (although ACCA's would have you believe there isn't).

You seem to be a very unhappy guy.

[northernladuk]

It's also quite sad you think it automatically isn't.

It's based on a number of posts for him over time so I don't automatically think it. Its based on past history.

Most accountants in practice started out as one man bands and later might form a partnership. Messrs Peat, Marwick, Kerr and Pannell to name a few. If they're an ACA there's an excellent chance they'll know what they're doing. That is a qualification they don't just hand out to all and sundry.

They probably handed it out to Darren Upton and certainly to my last one man band who just wasn't interested in contractors and let me down badly.

Meantime remind me of your business model? Do you have a heavily-staffed consultancy....or are you in fact a one man band?

It's based on a model some guy down my road uses and he's quite happy with it.

[LucidDementia]

Sad thing is you actually believe that's solid advice

It's also quite sad you think it automatically isn't.
Most accountants in practice started out as one man bands and later might form a partnership. Messrs Peat, Marwick, Kerr and Pannell to name a few. If they're an ACA there's an excellent chance they'll know what they're doing. That is a qualification they don't just hand out to all and sundry.

Meantime remind me of your business model? Do you have a heavily-staffed consultancy....or are you in fact a one man band?

[unixman]

Sad thing is you actually believe that's solid advice

Lol. Exquisite.

NLUK is not keen on freedom of speech in CUK. I recall my first ever post here in 2006. One of the first replies came from NLUK, giving me an absolute rocket for daring to ask a question on the forum. He gives the same performance at regular intervals, grab some popcorn and watch him go. Yes really!!!!

[northernladuk]

Lol. You can troll NLUK like a boss by just saying your neighbour had a good local accountant. Okay, I lied. Keith actually lives 2 doors away.

Sad thing is you actually believe that's solid advice

[unixman]

Boy you post some utter crap. There is so much wrong with that post it's not true.

Lol. You can troll NLUK like a boss by just saying your neighbour had a good local accountant. Okay, I lied. Keith actually lives 2 doors away.

[northernladuk]

For best value perhaps go to somebody small and local. A one man band who you can meet face to face. A neighbour of mine went this route and was pleased with the service.

Boy you post some utter crap. There is so much wrong with that post it's not true.

[northernladuk]

That was in 2011, currently the fee is £95 + VAT.

Nice to see PC has a handle on his finances and running them as well as his contracting career.

[psychocandy]

/deletes stroppy email to NW asking them why I pay more

In all truth, NW are brill though - worth every penny.

[unixman]

For best value perhaps go to somebody small and local. A one man band who you can meet face to face. A neighbour of mine went this route and was pleased with the service.

[Waldorf]

How do you pay £75 a month with NW? Sure I pay more than that?

That was in 2011, currently the fee is £95 + VAT.

[pr1]

How do you pay £75 a month with NW? Sure I pay more than that?

time stamps!