How important is it to be located near your accountant?

Golden Tickets · Mar 8, 2009

I just wondered because at the moment I'm looking for a new accountant to help me move from Sole Trader to Ltd and manage my books from then on.

My current accountant is average I would say and very local but due to their large client list, I don't really tend to get the service I need.

I often have to wait quite some time to get answers and I feel that I'm not important enough to them, I know I'll never be a massive priority because I'm a low maintenance account for them but by that reckoning I don't take a lot of looking after so should be easy money for them.
As a result they don't instil me with confidence.

I know in this digital age a lot of things can be done online, but call me old fashioned (of which I'm not, I'm still pretty young

) I always like to talk to my suppliers and clients and when needed sit down face to face.

I'm not a massive account in terms of turnover but we're growing each year and are also VAT registered, we probably do around 15-20 transactions in the year and I know going to Ltd will cost me more in terms of fees but I believe a good accountant will easily pay for themselves let alone save the time and stress when dealing with returns etc.

My accounts were submitted for last year so I have a full copy of those, I maintain good records but now I just need to find a partner almost to grow and go on a journey with.

I'm based in North Wales (literally just past Chester) so i'd be keen to hear if being local is important and if any accountants can "handhold" me through the process of going Sole Trader to Ltd and then beyond.

Cheers

DFL · Mar 8, 2009

we work with lots of firms moving from sole trade to limited company some of which are local many of whom are not.

The location factor depends on your own preference. Personally, I ensure that I always meet face to face anyone whom I am entering into a long term business relationship with. I'd recommend you doing the same, even if choosing a remote accountant.

Once you have met, and get the right feel, everything can then be done remotely going forward.

dp0848 · Mar 8, 2009

We have clients all over the UK (and even in the US and France). There is nothing that cannot be done via phone / email / post although we do travel to see clients from time to time.

What is important is to find an accountant that you get on with and who understands your business and where you want to take it.

We offer clients a very hands on, hand holding services. If you'd like a chat or a quote then drop me a PM.

Regards.

David.

CassioAcc · Mar 8, 2009

You don't need to be local (my opinion - I have a number of clients who I deal with remotely).
I'm sure you would get the level of service you want from a smaller company so it really depends on how critical location is to you.

I'd be happy to help if location is not a factor.

Eagle · Mar 8, 2009

I don't even know where mine is! Some bloke I met on a forum once. He's done alright for me so far.

dp0848 · Mar 8, 2009

Eagle said:
I don't even know where mine is!

He's just avoiding you really.

Maslins · Mar 8, 2009

It's obviously not essential, but I for one think an accountant you can meet with face to face is a desirable thing. Yes it may add in a bit of travel time, but I think the benefit of being able to discuss a piece of paper in front of you and to see each other's facial expressions is of use.

A local accountant can also see your premises, and probably be aware of your competitors (sure, if you're an online business, then your comptetitors may not be local but I'm assuming that's not the case).

Also you can visit their premises which may provide more comfort that they won't disappear overnight. What will you do if your internet only accountant stops answering your calls/replying to your e-mails?

Having said all that, you'll probably find someone cheaper if you open up your accounts to the national market (or even international).

Tej · Mar 8, 2009

Eagle said:
I don't even know where mine is! Some bloke I met on a forum once. He's done alright for me so far.

For a well established, successful business thats a surprising admission. An accountant is, in my opinion, part of the hub of the business. I would not have an accountant that I had not seen, to get a feel for, wherther I could work with him.

If accounts are not right, there ain't a business worth diddly squat!

IMHO

David Griffiths · Mar 8, 2009

My view is that an early meeting is important, so that you know who you are dealing with, and can see if you think along the same lines, and get on.

We deal with businesses spread around the UK, but none that we haven't met first, and at least every couple of years. For me, it's a question of understanding needs and building relationships.

Sure, the day to day stuff can easily be done over the telephone, by email or on the net, but it's nice to know who you are talking to.

Golden Tickets · Mar 8, 2009

Thanks for the replies, as I thought.

I'm going to try and find someone local to start with if possible then branch out if not.

Cheers

Gillie · Mar 8, 2009

Its more important that you gel with your accountant and can talk to him/her and get referals as well from others.

Distance is not an issue if you can talk! Didn't someone once say, its good to talk!!

Matt1959 · Mar 8, 2009

find one thats local that you can actually meet in person. If you have a business problem that needs input from an accountant and that needs resolving, a physical meeting is tons better that one over the net imho. Also, having someone local makes dropping off and collecting urgent paperwork much easier...plus you can gain a rapport with staff, plus you can actually see what type of practice you are dealing with.... all helps with forming an ongoing relationship with who should be an important part of your business...

TaxAssist · Mar 9, 2009

Hi there, we've got 160 accountants across the UK and have locations in Chester and North Wales. Give us a call on 0800 0523 555 and we can put you in touch with them.

We request our accountants to meet with each client in order to satisfy the anti-money laundering requirements.

mikelaluz · Mar 9, 2009

Hi

I deal with many different accountants day by day. Some of whom I've met face to face and others I communicate with via phone and email.

In general I would say that good communicators are good across all mediums. And often a face to face meeting whilst very good from a 'getting to know' perspective can be very time consuming and as such costly.

My belief is that your Accountant (particularly in todays tough climate) should be in contact with you at least once per month filling the role proactively as a trusted advisor to your business. I would certainly recommend that this be done via the phone email and net meetings or a combination of each.

I think it's far more important to feel comfortable with them across all communication channels - as that is the age we live in
Kind Regards

Mike

DFL · Mar 9, 2009

mikelaluz said:
often a face to face meeting whilst very good from a 'getting to know' perspective can be very time consuming and as such costly.Mike

That depends which way you look at it. If you are looking for a lifetime relationship with your clients then the time incurred in face to face meetings is an investment not a cost. If that takes up even a day of time then so be it. I personally fail to see how you can appoint someone in such a trusted and important role whom you have never met.

Williams lester · Mar 9, 2009

DFL said:
That depends which way you look at it. If you are looking for a lifetime relationship with your clients then the time incurred in face to face meetings is an investment not a cost. If that takes up even a day of time then so be it. I personally fail to see how you can appoint someone in such a trusted and important role whom you have never met.

I trust all my computing requirements to Windows Vista but I have never met Bill Gates!

Maslins · Mar 9, 2009

Williams lester said:
I trust all my computing requirements to Windows Vista but I have never met Bill Gates!

That raises a key point I think. Bill Gates (or rather Microsoft) make a product which is bought by many people and is identical for each one.

Accountants can do that, and some do, but a lot of accountants will offer a much more tailormade service to each client, rather than a one size fits all. It is that part which (IMO) a long distance accountant is less able to offer.

mikelaluz · Mar 9, 2009

DFL said:
That depends which way you look at it. If you are looking for a lifetime relationship with your clients then the time incurred in face to face meetings is an investment not a cost. If that takes up even a day of time then so be it. I personally fail to see how you can appoint someone in such a trusted and important role whom you have never met.

It's always best for a face to face - Cannot disagree. However the main reason for choosing your accountant should certainly not be on the basis of locality.

For example an Accountant client of mine has developed a niche within the Hotel and Hospitality industry. He receives enquiries from all over the country and cannot feasibly meet with them all. However his conversion rate from enquiry to client is exceptionally high because of the clear added value he's able to offer in his chosen niche.

He works with them via email phone and web meetings (via webcam) and is able to offer a hugely improved service because of his clear expertise which certainly bestows the title of trusted advisor within his niche. We have a system in place which feeds back satisfaction levels from his client base and they are more than happy with both the service levels and expert advice - albeit received remotely in many cases.
Kind Regards
Mike

frauke · Mar 9, 2009

I don't think I have many local clients as my original client base was from when I lived in another part of the country, and they recommend new clients to me. Even clients who go overseas keep in touch.

My Clients are welcome to come and see me. But its not essential. To be honest I don't know why they bother as when they do, they seem to loose the notes they make when they get home! I usually have to remind them a couple of weeks later what we agreed and what I am still waiting for!

I have spent a lot of time trying to come up with different ways of keeping in touch, being proactive, "chatting to clients". It seems to work, as I get a lot of referrals. I don't charge extra for any of this, but then I'm also not the cheapest accountant out there either!

Clients are encouraged to keep their records/accounts up to date using different methods. Its important to quickly find the best way that suits them. I return any records/statements sent to me within 6 weeks. (It takes up too much room if I keep them). I point out that if they get behind it makes it difficult for me to be pro-active and generally it works pretty well.

I answer my own telephone, voice mail is e-mailed to me. I try to reply to every e-mail (or ring if its important) within a few days. I use Skype with a web cam (if clients want to).

It means I am able to spread my workload throughout the year and none of my clients feel I am too busy for them.

UKSEOAgency · Mar 10, 2009

After what seemed like a long and drawn out process, (about 3 days) i am with Farrant Frost (dp020229833823 on here)

I chose them because they seemed the most approachable from the conversation i had with them. they are not local to me - but the local guys did not instill me with trust, and gave me the idea they were brushing me off with my rather basic questions.

I asked how would they earn there fees in saving me tax - they said leave that to us and u go and worry about running your business!

At the end of the day, I am the director of my company and am therefore responsible for the decisions it makes! And also responsible for ensuring i get the best advice it can afford, be it around the corner in south manchester, or the other end of the country

Farrant Frost got my vote

dp0848 · Mar 10, 2009

Thanks Nathan. Your cheque is in the post.

David Griffiths · Mar 10, 2009

dp0848 said:
Thanks Nathan. Your cheque is in the post.

And if you believe that . . . . .

accountancyextra · Mar 10, 2009

In my view, it all comes down to the views of the individual client and the individual accountant. Personally, I don't see why the accountant needs to be local. If both parties are IT savvy, there are a lot of communication tools out there that can be used with clients all over the UK.

However, some clients and accountants prefer the local approach only. We have one firm in the town who recently purchased their first pc, together with a 19inch CRT monitor...ooooh. He's even hooked himself up to the "interweb" so that he can view train timetables!! Now, whilst I think this is a real dinosaur in the profession, he must be doing what his clients like, otherwise he'd be out of business. Those clients probably would'nt suit working with me though, as I use technology extensively in my business. Similarly, the clients who are with me would hate his approach, and some have moved across (which is why I know about the PC).

I guess what I'm saying is that there is no right or wrong approach, just differant approaches that suit different clients and accountants. Work out what you'd prefer and go with that option.

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How important is it to be located near your accountant?

Golden Tickets

DFL

dp0848

CassioAcc

Eagle

dp0848

Maslins

Tej

David Griffiths

Golden Tickets

Gillie

Matt1959

TaxAssist

mikelaluz

DFL

Williams lester

Maslins

mikelaluz

frauke

UKSEOAgency

dp0848

David Griffiths

accountancyextra

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