Given there’s no shortage of online accountants – something you’ll no doubt know having perhaps stumbled across this article – it’s important that you’re able to recognise a good one from a bad one.
So, without further ado, what is it that you should be looking out for when finding a new accountant?
In other words, what are the qualities that all fantastic accountants have?
1. A range of accountancy services
If you’re considering engaging an online accountant, like QAccounting, it’s worth keeping an eye out for ‘accounting packages’. In short, an accounting package is made up of any number of accounting services (from bookkeeping to company and personal tax returns). They are designed to provide you with most (if not all) of everything you need for one simple, fixed monthly price. Good accountants will usually offer a handful of accountancy packages, which may include extras like business insurance and legal services.
2. Value for money and competitively priced
Some accountants are cheaper than others, naturally. And while price should always be a consideration, you’re perhaps better off focusing on value – by this we mean what you get for your money.
When perusing online accountants, you’ll notice that many prices start off around the £100 per month + VAT mark (QAccounting is slightly cheaper). However, not all of these packages are full service accounting solutions like the ones QAccounting offers. Some accountants might expect you to pay for add ons throughout the course of the year – typically self-assessment tax returns – that increase the cost of your overall accounting spend.
Join The Industry Experts
Over the years we have spoken with numerous clients that have grown dissatisfied with their accounting provider. There are many reasons why people decide to switch away from their accountant, and we aim to help anyone who is looking for a more pro-active approach to managing their company accounts.
3. Respected and rated by others
Reputation matters, regardless of the business, industry or product. With an abundance of accountants to choose from, do your homework and only engage them if they come recommended. It’s worth checking out any online trust scores and reviews from customers, which will help you gauge if an accountant is as good as they say they are.
Referrals are another way of telling how highly rated accountants are. For example, at QAccounting, more than half of our new customers are referred to us by existing clients, which we think speaks volumes of the services we provide.
To learn more about referring someone to us, please click here.
4. Excellent customer service
Before engaging an accountant, ask them how much of their time you can expect for the price you’re about to pay. Can you phone them as and when to pick their brains or will you be charged for the privilege? Will you have an Account Manager – a point of contact – who you can lean on for support and who will get to know you, your business, your goals and plans? The level and type of customer service you’ll receive is important and could play a role in helping you grow a successful business.
QAccounting offers a range of leading accountancy services and is rated 92% by customers. To learn more about referring a friend or switching to QAccounting please request a callback – one of our friendly and knowledgeable accountants will be in1 touch.
More Blogs
How Much Should You Set Aside for Tax as a Sole Trader?
Unlike employees, sole traders do not have tax deducted at source. There is no employer calculating PAYE, no automatic deduction for National Insurance, and no reminder each month that part of your income is not really yours. Instead, tax builds up quietly in the background until a large bill arrives – the tax year AFTER the income was earned. This article therefore explains why it is essential for sole traders to set aside sufficient funds for tax, and how you can estimate a “safe” amount to put aside during the year. It is written for UK sole traders and focuses on Income Tax, National Insurance, Payments on Account, and the upcoming changes under Making Tax Digital.
How will the 2025 Autumn Budget Impact My Business?
This article examines how the recent 2025 Budget announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will impact small owner managed businesses.
How Do Pensions Work and What Tax Relief is Available?
This article briefly explains how pensions work, the main types of schemes available, and the tax advantages that accompany them.