SJD Accountancy - anyone use them?
Discussion
535dman said:
Time has come to change accountants and a lot of consultants I work with have high regards for Simon Dolan and his firm SJD accountancy.
Does anyone on here use them - what do you think?
I do - Liverpool Street Office. Been using them for over two years and I have no complaintsDoes anyone on here use them - what do you think?
I use SJD, the Reading office. Very efficient, all correspondance by email and will always answer within 24 hours.
The only thing I would say is that they are not too forthcoming with advice in terms of allowances and "ways to be clever" other than 'basic salary and dividends'. Maybe this is just down to my education rather than their service though.
The only thing I would say is that they are not too forthcoming with advice in terms of allowances and "ways to be clever" other than 'basic salary and dividends'. Maybe this is just down to my education rather than their service though.
_daveR said:
I use SJD, the Reading office. Very efficient, all correspondance by email and will always answer within 24 hours.
The only thing I would say is that they are not too forthcoming with advice in terms of allowances and "ways to be clever" other than 'basic salary and dividends'. Maybe this is just down to my education rather than their service though.
To be fair, there's not really much you can do tax wise (and legal) with consultants. Service would have to be high on the agenda, unless you have complicated tax affairs outside the consultancy work.The only thing I would say is that they are not too forthcoming with advice in terms of allowances and "ways to be clever" other than 'basic salary and dividends'. Maybe this is just down to my education rather than their service though.
Eric Mc said:
I had a quick look at their website and they appear to be pitching themselves squarely at "contractor" type businesses.
IMHO you are pretty much correct Eric. They aren't cheap either. But they do have a fairly good reputation (I should point out I use a different accountant!)Peace of mind
Confidence of advice received
Fee levels
Tax savings
Meeting of deadlines
Quick responses to queries
No bullshit
I also think that clients should feel comfortable in contacting their accountant for ad hoc one off queries without fear of being palmed off or being overcharged for the privilege.
I know that's rather more than five but I try to follow the above guidelines when dealing with my own clients..
Most clients appreciate straight talking backed up by affirmative action.
Confidence of advice received
Fee levels
Tax savings
Meeting of deadlines
Quick responses to queries
No bullshit
I also think that clients should feel comfortable in contacting their accountant for ad hoc one off queries without fear of being palmed off or being overcharged for the privilege.
I know that's rather more than five but I try to follow the above guidelines when dealing with my own clients..
Most clients appreciate straight talking backed up by affirmative action.
535dman said:
Time has come to change accountants and a lot of consultants I work with have high regards for Simon Dolan and his firm SJD accountancy.
Does anyone on here use them - what do you think?
I've been using them for about 4-5 years now, and have been happy with their service. I've not used any other accountants though, so have nothing to compare then with, but they've met all my expectations so they get the Does anyone on here use them - what do you think?
from me!thewave xmas ed' said:
535dman said:
Time has come to change accountants and a lot of consultants I work with have high regards for Simon Dolan and his firm SJD accountancy.
Does anyone on here use them - what do you think?
Do you mind me asking why you're changing accountants?Does anyone on here use them - what do you think?
1) Doesn't respond to queries in time
2) Tells me he's had a busy week thus has been unable to do my stuff - (too busy with the big fish clients)
3) Says he put something in the post on monday it doesnt arrive Tuesday Wednesday or Thursday - I call on Thursday - It arrives on Friday with a post office rubber stamp marking it was posted on Thursday
4)Says its not his fault must have been the post office
5) Tries asking for an additional one off fee at every available opportunity
I swear I could go on and on but I am going to bed now zzzzzzzzzz
535dman said:
thewave xmas ed' said:
535dman said:
Time has come to change accountants and a lot of consultants I work with have high regards for Simon Dolan and his firm SJD accountancy.
Does anyone on here use them - what do you think?
Do you mind me asking why you're changing accountants?Does anyone on here use them - what do you think?
1) Doesn't respond to queries in time
2) Tells me he's had a busy week thus has been unable to do my stuff - (too busy with the big fish clients)
3) Says he put something in the post on monday it doesnt arrive Tuesday Wednesday or Thursday - I call on Thursday - It arrives on Friday with a post office rubber stamp marking it was posted on Thursday
4)Says its not his fault must have been the post office
5) Tries asking for an additional one off fee at every available opportunity
I swear I could go on and on but I am going to bed now zzzzzzzzzz
December and January are mega busy for accountants (hence we're working today, and only having Christmas/Boxing day off
)No excuse for post, say whether you've sent it or not. However, we do have delays at this office between letters being dictated and actually leaving the office (especially this time of year)
I don't rack up a time sheet for odd queries, if it's substantial work, then I book it, just odds and sods (like phone calls) I don't bother with (unlike solicitors
)Have a good Christmas everybody
535dman said:
Time has come to change accountants and a lot of consultants I work with have high regards for Simon Dolan and his firm SJD accountancy.
Does anyone on here use them - what do you think?
They set up my ltd co for me. Wasn't exactly the most pleasant experience. Although it was done professionally, I decided to take my accounts elsewhere. Does anyone on here use them - what do you think?
I'm moving away from SJD having used them for a couple of years.. In my experience, they don't act as accountants, only bookkeepers (albeit relatively efficient ones). You won't generally be dealing with an accountant.
So don't expect any sort of advice and if you have any level of complexity in your setup (e.g. having a SIPP), ensure you check everything carefully. Some gems this year:
1. Didn't know what an EIS was
2. Didn't know an EIS contribution is tax deductable
3. Didn't spot that there was more than one shareholder in my company, so were declaring all dividends against the primary shareholder (I then had to restate three years of personal tax returns)
4. Tried to account for a pension transfer from my personal pension to my new SIPP as a loan from me to the company!
However I am yet to find a decent accountant for contractor / small companies (this is my third) so maybe they are no worse than the others....
UV
So don't expect any sort of advice and if you have any level of complexity in your setup (e.g. having a SIPP), ensure you check everything carefully. Some gems this year:
1. Didn't know what an EIS was
2. Didn't know an EIS contribution is tax deductable
3. Didn't spot that there was more than one shareholder in my company, so were declaring all dividends against the primary shareholder (I then had to restate three years of personal tax returns)
4. Tried to account for a pension transfer from my personal pension to my new SIPP as a loan from me to the company!
However I am yet to find a decent accountant for contractor / small companies (this is my third) so maybe they are no worse than the others....
UV
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