Average Accountant Price/hour?

[lex]

Hello,

I am planning on starting a business soon so im considering on consulting an accountant when i have started to give me any advice they can offer when doing the accounts as i plan on doing them myself.

So im wondering what does the average accountant charge per hour? I have been told they do free initial consulting, what will they cover in that?

Thanks

 

[DuaneJackson]

Do you really only want an average accountant? : )

Rates can vary dramatically. Most do a free initial consultancy and again, what's included in this will vary a lot too. Give a few a call and see what they say.

If you want an above-average accountant try Alan at www.alphalimited.co.uk

Best of luck

Duane

 

[bwglaw]

Most accountants now charge a fixed fee based on the type of work you ask them to do and not by the hour. For a partnership which you have referred to setting up in another forum you would be looking at around £800 to do the accounts, tax return for 2 partners and the partnership and a few other things that need doing.

This is based on what I was paying in a partnership. I do recommend you use someone local to you. We have just changed accountants and ours is down the road from where I live and I have been to his office almost 4 times in a month!

Jonathan

 

[Toon]

I looked into the different types of accountants available and also chose a local one and I'm glad I did. I think the price above is about right depending on whether or not you are VAT registered as VAT accounts are probably around £50-80 per quarter.

 

[Rob Holmes]

Alan (member Alpha) does the accounts for us - he charges a sliding scale so if you're starting out the fees are less.

Not for me to quote his prices - when we contacted him a while back he went through a few basic questions and was able to give us a price over the phone.

Rob

 

[Gillie]

You need to get yourself on a set amount for set work rather than a hourly rate .... then you can budget for it accordingly .... most Accountants have 'packages' of what they do for a certain amount ....

 

[lex]

Thanks for the info!

 

[autolycus]

I'll add my name to the list of people recommending Alan at Alpha....

 

[ADP]

Hourly charges vary a lot, especially throughout the country, depending on the size of practice.

Most practices now, as stated before, charge on a fixed fee basis. Generally the info given in an initial consultation will be enough to cover the basics of the enquiry but thats about it.

I start small company account packages including tax etc at £700 (though obviously this may be lower if not many transactions!) and partnerships from £550.

If you're just looking for one off bespoke services then I would advise you get a quote before you enter into anything.

Pauline

ADP Accounting

 

[stevebrownlie]

Accountants are great. Definitely worth paying a bit more for a good one than just getting the best quote. Although I can't complain. I was referred to mine and he insisted on doing lots for free that I really thought I should pay him for!