Choosing an accountant is one of the most useful decisions you'll make for your business or your personal finances. The right one saves you time, keeps you clear of penalties and helps you keep more of what you earn. The wrong one leaves you chasing answers in January. Here's what to look for.

1. Check they're qualified and regulated

Anyone in the UK can call themselves an accountant. Look for a firm whose accountants belong to a professional body such as ACCA or ICAEW. Members have to keep their knowledge up to date, follow a code of ethics and hold professional indemnity insurance, and the firm has to be supervised for anti-money laundering.

2. Make sure they know your kind of work

A landlord, a building subcontractor and a limited company with ten staff all need different things. Ask whether they already look after people like you, and which of these they can handle:

One firm that does all of it means fewer handovers and nothing falling between the gaps.

3. Ask how they'll keep you ahead of deadlines

A good accountant tells you what's coming before it arrives: filing dates, payments on account, VAT quarters and the move to Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. Ask how they'll remind you and what they need from you, and when.

4. Get the fees agreed up front

You should know what's included and what it costs before any work starts. A clear engagement letter avoids surprises on both sides.

5. Look for plain English and a real person

You shouldn't need a dictionary to understand your own accounts. Notice whether they explain things clearly in your first conversation, and whether you'll speak to the same person each time or a different one every call.

6. Think about software

Most bookkeeping is now done in cloud software, and Making Tax Digital makes it essential for many businesses. Ask which packages they support and whether they'll help you set up and learn yours.

7. Being local still helps

Plenty can be done online, but it's reassuring to be able to sit down with someone when things get complicated, whether you're starting a company, selling a property or dealing with an estate.

Questions to ask in a first meeting

  • Who will actually do my work, and who do I call with questions?
  • What do you need from me, and by when?
  • What's included in the fee, and what would cost extra?
  • How do you keep me up to date with tax changes?
  • What happens if HMRC opens an enquiry?

Talk to us

We're accountants based at Dukes Court on Wellington Street in Luton, working with individuals and businesses across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London. Your first consultation is free, with no obligation.

Book your free consultation or call 01582 720206.