Crunch

[IR35 Avoider]

I used to use a small accountant who had lots of contractor clients and offered good service.

Now working part-time, want to keep costs down and keep my (new) company very simple - invoice money goes in, accounting costs, salary, pension contributions and possibly child care vouchers go out. (And taxes of course.) No other expenses claimed. No/negligible need for dividends because I treat all income as IR35-caught.

I now use Crunch. Their web-site based approach is excellent. Flat rate scheme is more than paying their fee, so much better off financially than using an umbrella, which I did briefly. (Umbrella was also unable to smoothe salary, so cost me unnecessary NI)

For someone who knows exactly what they're doing Crunch must be optimal. I don't know what it's like for anyone who wants advice, or to be able to speak to their accountant, as that isn't me. Essentially I can do my accounts by logging on to their web-site once a quarter for a few minutes, loading my previously downloaded bank statement, and generating any missing transactions. Once done, I tick a box somewhere to confirm my accounts are up-to-date and they can submit my VAT return electronically. Nothing needs to go through the post in either direction.

[Waldorf]

Has anybody had any experience with Crunch? Do you find them proactive, or is it really just free agent with an accountant on the phone when you need one?

Seems to be many staffed by techies rather than accountants? I would rather have an accountant do my accounts, or perhaps I am old fashioned?

[Sockpuppet]

Their fees are very competitive £59.50 a month

Not if your paying £50 for a accountant I can walk down the road to see.

[cojak]

Yep, I'm sure 'Mike' didn't mind me modding his post....

[LisaContractorUmbrella]

Amazing the number of people who are new to this forum who only use it to "recommend" someone or something

[stek]

Over the last decade or so I've used JSA, SJD, Quay, ClearSky and now Crunch. Moved accountants when after around 3 years each of the first 4 upped their fees by more than 30% to over £100 a month inc VAT. Crunch charge just £59.50 ex VAT a month.

I would certainly recommend Crunch. Their web based software is very good, i.e. simple and clear to use and gets regular upgrades of new functionality. You can speak to your accountant without a problem and they are a real friendly bunch. Speak to Angelo if you have any questions, the transfer was painless for me.

Mike.

Interesting second post....

[mclare]

Over the last decade or so I've used JSA, SJD, Quay, ClearSky and now Crunch. Moved accountants when after around 3 years each of the first 4 upped their fees by more than 30% to over £100 a month inc VAT. Crunch charge just £59.50 ex VAT a month.

I would certainly recommend Crunch. Their web based software is very good, i.e. simple and clear to use and gets regular upgrades of new functionality. You can speak to your accountant without a problem and they are a real friendly bunch. Speak to Angelo if you have any questions, the transfer was painless for me.

Mike.

[mouseorgan]

From my perspective, the online visibility of invoices and things is appealing, but TBH since reading up about crunch it seems extremely clear that the level of knowledge and feedback I'd be getting from NW is significantly higher. I need to be nagged and prodded to get important money stuff done sometimes... Maybe I'd use Crunch when I feel like I know what I'm doing, but a shiny website and a cheaper (and different) service is hardly a good reason...

[Waldorf]

I use Nixon Williams and can fully recommend.

If you are considering crunch, do you know anyone who uses them? You have a personal recommendation for Nixon Williams, so why not go with that?

As for comparison sites, I would treat their league tables with a large pinch of salt!

[mouseorgan]

I'd be really interested in more responses here. I was looking at them, but often in life I seem to go for things that seem good and often end up wishing I'd followed a simpler strategy. I'm looking at moving from a rubbish local accountant to Nixon Williams (as a mate is using them just fine, but I thought I knew better...) but Crunch seem very appealing from the online services they also offer... But really don't want to regret using them compared to a "big" company like NW who seem very good. I did see Crunch coming top of a number of comparison sites. I think I'd like "permission" to use them too.

[ee61re]

What smudger said.

[smudger]

Has anybody had any experience with Crunch? Do you find them proactive, or is it really just free agent with an accountant on the phone when you need one?

Have used Crunch for one year now with no problems. I can't compare them with others as this is the only one I have used. The online accountancy system they provide is very good. Also they have answered all my and email/phone queries satisfactorily. Their fees are very competitive £59.50 a month

[ratewhore]

I don't know Crunch themselves but I have been through 3 'contractor specialist' accountants over the years.

I have to say that none of them were proactive...

[escapeUK]

Has anybody had any experience with Crunch? Do you find them proactive, or is it really just free agent with an accountant on the phone when you need one?