Whether you’re a new contractor or you’ve been contracting for years, choosing a contractor accountant can seem quite daunting. With the needs of each limited company being unique, there’s no one-size-fits-all checklist of requirements, so it makes sound business sense to appoint a good accountant who is right for you. Not only will they be able to help with initial set-up steps such as forming your limited company, they will also be able to advise you on a myriad of complex financial issues, and ultimately to make sure that you keep as much of your hard earned turnover as you can.
You’ll have enough on your plate with running your business, and the last thing you need to worry about is missing a tax deadline, making sure that your tax submission is accurate, or missing out on any opportunity to maximise your tax allowances.
Just how do you make sure you choose an accountant that’s right for you? Below, we’ve listed a few things you may want to keep in mind.
Can you meet your contractor accountant?
We may live in a digital world where many of our conversations happen online, but what about when only face to face will do? Tax can be complicated, and sometimes delicate issues are best discussed in person.
If this kind of personal service is important to you then look out for a contractor accountancy firm who offer face to face meetings with your accountant.
We give our clients that choice. Meet up with your own dedicated accountant whenever you need to in a number offices across the UK.
Do you get your own dedicated accountant?
Being passed from person to person is never a good experience, so ensuring you have a dedicated accountant who understands you and your business is important. If you want someone who you can get to know and who can get to know you – and your business – then make sure you choose an accountancy firm where you are assigned a dedicated accountant.
How much do they charge?
When you work for yourself, keeping an eye on your outgoings is paramount, so choosing an accountant with fixed fees can be a great way of ensuring you don’t have any nasty surprises when tax return time comes around. Take a look at what their packages include and what extras you would need to pay for in advance. At SJD Accountancy we offer three fixed fee accountancy packages for contractors. Take a look at our accountancy package page for more information.
What time are they available?
It’s unlikely, as a contractor, that you’ll be working the traditional 9-5 so it makes sense to appoint an accountant who doesn’t either.
Are they IR35 experts?
As a contractor, it makes sense to appoint a specialist contractor accountant with a history of IR35 experience. The IR35 legislation considers a number of factors when looking at your contract so the accountant you choose needs to be well versed in navigating this legislation. For more information visit our IR35 Resources section.
Should I choose a small or large accounting company?
It’s entirely up to you what kind of accountancy firm you choose. Opting for a large firm where you are assigned a dedicated accountant means that you can get the best of both worlds; a personal 1-2-1 service from your dedicated accountant with the reputation of a large accounting firm.
Choose SJD Accountancy
We’ve been providing expert accountancy advice and helping contractors to focus on doing what they do best since 1992.
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Check reviews and references
You wouldn’t eat at a restaurant without checking reviews first, and we’re sure that you wouldn’t appoint an accountant either. It’s always worth looking at the Trustpilot or Google reviews of any potential accountant to see what existing clients have to say about the service they offer. It’s also worth asking any contractor connections you have in your network for any recommendations or if they have any experience working with any of the accountancy firms on your shortlist.
Supporting contractors across the UK since 1992.
We are deemed IPSE Accredited Accountants, are fully MSC compliant and are the only national specialist firm of accountants with offices across the UK. SJD also have more qualified staff than any other firm in our market with qualifications from the following major tax and accountancy bodies ATT, AAT, CTA, ACCA, CA, ACA and FCCA, so you know you’re in good hands when you appoint us.
EXCELLENT
Based on 507 Reviews
Good and prompt service for over 3…
Good and prompt service for over 3 years, I would recommend SJD Accountancy
Just want to say thank you to Lydia…
Just want to say thank you to Lydia Alexander, who has shown unending patience on my accounts this year – very responsive and professional at all times.
SJD Have always provided an excellent…
SJD Have always provided an excellent and reliable service to support my personal and contractor company accounting need.
Three simple steps to appointing SJD Accountancy
