Looking for a new Accountant

[beano500]

I see there's a load of firms out there offering what I need. But which one's going to be the best?

I'm just a lowly contractor running under a limited company. I currently have a firm doing everything from invoicing/credit control/IR35 checking through to tax/VAT calculations/payroll et cetera. Whilst I could probably, at a push, do just about all that's required for myself I prefer to have someone else doing it for me, and I don't mind paying the typical £60-£100 per month that seems the norm.

But how do I distinguish one firm's service from another? I am already finding it painful when a firm gets it all wrong!

Or any recommendations?

[dirty boy]

beano500 said:

I am already finding it painful when a firm gets it all wrong!

Care to elaborate on this?


With respect to getting an accountant, go on word of mouth. And, to a certain degree, you get what you pay for. Don't discount one man bands, as some of them are very knowledgeable.

[crossle]

Phone all your local accountants.

Ask them the simple question, "How much is 2 plus 2?"

Choose the one who says, "What sort of figure did you have in mind?"

[dcb]

beano500 said:

Or any recommendations?

A mate of mine seems to be happy with http://www.mpsaunders.com/

According to their website, they have been at it over 15 years,
have more than 1,000 contractors on their books and charge 57 quid
+ VAT a month.

Dunno if they might be suitable for you.

[anonymous-user]

crossle said:

Phone all your local accountants.

Ask them the simple question, "How much is 2 plus 2?"

Choose the one who says, "What sort of figure did you have in mind?"

I like it!!!

[beano500]

Thanks for all who have replied

dirty boy said:

beano500 said:

I am already finding it painful when a firm gets it all wrong!

Care to elaborate on this?

Well:

- they have failed to chase for payment on a number of occasions recently, despite me specifically paying for a service which should include credit control
- when I have provided them with all the necessary paperwork to invoice my client, they took 12 days in March to raise the invoice.
- they sent the invoice (and breached client confidentiality) to a client, three clients ago and about a year old, instead of the current one
- despite the client's clear request for one invoice including time and expenses, they issued separate invoices, which means that (42 days into a 45 day terms) the client has rejected my invoice until I submit a correct one. So I calculate that I am going to be paid for February in about June - if I am lucky, and I have to do the work myself anyway.


That's just a sample - painful enough!?

Thank goodness I have a sense of humour and it doesn't depend upon me being fed!

[dirty boy]

Ouch.

As i've said, speak to other people in you industry and ask them who they deal with, what their experiences are, recommendations are the best way to pick up a decent agent.

[geoffd]

I can recommend Justin at Baxter Smith-Milne. He's saved a lot of my money from the tax people over the years. His phone number is 01923 832303.

Geoff