Contractor Accountant
Choosing a contractor accountant can seem like an impossible task. It’s so hard to know what and who to believe, companies make such claims and of course they all position their company’s strengths as the most important things to look for. For example, a company with only one office in the South of the country isn’t likely to suggest to a prospect client in the North that being able to meet with your accountant is a major benefit. Or a company that uses a call centre instead of dedicated accountants isn't likely to say 'well of course it's best for you to have your own accountant rather than speak to somebody in a call centre who has no idea about you or your business goals'.
To help you through the often bewildering array of USP’s, service differentiators and marketing claims, find below handy hints and tips on how to choose a contractor accountant.
Can you meet your contractor accountant?
Tax is complicated, sure you could manage your tax affairs both personal and corporate over the telephone or online but, and it is a big but, what happens if you need to discuss something sensitive or complicated face to face? About 50% of SJD's 11,000 contractor clients meet up with their accountant at least once during the time they are with us - you can meet your accountant face to face in all major UK cities.
Do you get your own dedicated accountant?
You want a dedicated accountant not an account manager, a support team or even a partner. You want somebody who you can speak to, email, meet and who has the time to learn all about you and understand what your business and personal goals are and you will only get this from a dedicated accountant. The same goes for using an online system only, which we cover a little later on, online systems can be great but you still ideally need your own accountant to discuss your business plans with.
Is the company established and are they contractor accountant specialists?
Obviously the longer and more experienced the better.
How much do they charge?
Most charge fixed fees and charge similar prices, give or take a few pounds, it is worth making sure there are no entry or exit fees and that their fees aren’t linked to how much you earn, also make sure they will cover your personal taxation as well, if not how much do they charge extra for this? SJD Accountancy offer an all inclusive monthly package for contractors, for more information visit our fees page .
Are they IR35 experts?
Tax is a very broad subject with a multitude of disciplines, so it makes sense to appoint a contractor accountant with a long history of IR35 experience.
SJD are one of a few firms in the UK who advise the Professional Contractors Group on IR35 and so are well qualified to give you the correct advice. For more information on IR35 download SJD’s Plain English Guide to IR35.
Small or large company?
Nobody wants to discuss their personal and business tax affairs with a large faceless organisation. However, most people would like the backing, credibility, reputation and a general secure feeling of a large reputable company. You can get the personal 1-2-1 service of a small company simply by choosing a large company where you get your own dedicated accountant, this way you get the best of both worlds.
Online or offline bookkeeping?
Actually it makes little difference. The most important part is the delivery and support you receive.
It’s doubtful that you’ll be completing your bookkeeping whilst on the train or grabbing a coffee in the local coffee shop, you’ll probably end up doing it at home where you can spread your receipts out, so it doesn’t really matter if it’s on or offline. The most important things are that it’s simple to complete and you can ask your accountant to check it for you.
Third party references - are their awards worth anything or did they just buy them?
There is a growing trend for companies to have an array of meaningless awards and accreditations on their website to help add credibility. However, it is always best to do your research and actually establish what the award is for and who has provided it. Is it a professional body or highly regarded third party source? Or is it yet another website that simply sells awards to the highest bidder with the UK’s top, UK’s Best, UK’s leading XXX company changing hands each week? SJD have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market.
There are lots of other questions you could ask to establish the credentials of your accountant however these are a few key ones.
You may find the following guides useful:
To appoint SJD Accountancy as your accountants, the quickest and easiest way to do so is by accessing our Client Agreement Form.
If you would like to know more about how contracting works, forming a limited company or just want to have a chat about tax or going limited, please don't hesitate to contact a member of our New Enquiries Team on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or email: michelle.turbutt@sjdaccountancy.com
SJD Accountancy
SJD Accountancy are the UK's largest specialist provider of fixed fee, limited company accountancy services to contractors; we've been acting for contractors across the UK since 1992 and have more than 11,000 clients.
We are the only National specialist firm of accountants with offices in all major UK cities so you’ll never be far from your accountant. SJD also have more qualified staff than any other firm in our market with qualifications from the following major tax and accountancy bodies - ATII, ATT, ACCA, CA, ACA, FCCA, ACMA. You’ll also be pleased to know that we are one of the lowest priced as well.
Free face-to-face meetings. This is another unique service, only SJD offers free face to face meetings - tax is complicated and sometimes only a meeting will do.
Unlimited access to your own dedicated accountant. No call centres, no outsourcing, no automated call handling. Simply telephone, e-mail or meet your own dedicated accountant face to face.
Money back service guarantee. All your telephone calls and e-mails will be answered the same day or we will refund your monthly fee's.
Outstanding reputation. We have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market.
All inclusive low cost monthly package which includes completion of accounts, payroll bureau, dividends and corporation tax computations, personal taxation, free bookkeeping software, unlimited access to your accountant and all company returns. All this for a fixed monthly fee of £110 plus VAT, which is one of the lowest prices in the market.
If you have any questions about contracting or would like any further advice please either contact your SJD Accountant or call our new client services helpdesk on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or email: nikki.hanlon@sjdaccountancy.com.
Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!
You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:
Take home pay calculator - How much could you be taking home
Contractor FAQ - All your frequently asked questions and their answers
First time Contracting or Freelancing? - A summary of the alternatives along with pros and cons
Choosing an accountant - For a full review
Step-by-step Guide to Contracting - Download a FREE copy of our guide
Limited or Umbrella? Can't decide? - We help you decide which is best for you
Guide to Contracting - All the best guides to contracting in one place
Expenses Guide - Know exactly what you can claim
Umbrella company guide - Everything you ever wanted to know about umbrella company services
IR35 Guide - A great plain English guide to IR35
