Changing Accountants - How to Find a New One???

[rockuk]

We have just relocated and I need to change my accountant to someone local. For two reasons really - 1) so I am nearby for dropping off paperwork, meetings etc and 2) to try and save on the cost of my current accountant who is probably a bit high-flying for my simple needs!

Any advice out there on the questions to ask and what to look for in an accountant? My business is a relatively small Limited & VAT registered one with just one director and no complications. I do my VAT returns myself, there is no payroll and I use Quickbooks for everything accountancy related.

Any thoughts on what I should be paying for my annual accounts for Companies House each year? What I pay at the moment seems a lot for the work involved (considering I do a lot of it myself)!

All advice, comments and thoughts appreciated. If there are any accountants out there in the Littlehampton / Worthing area interested in taking on my accounts, feel free to get in touch!

 

[JOHNAF]

There is no reason for you to look specifically for a local accountant
Please contact Accounting Freedom who are based in Dartford and they will be more than happy to quote a reasonable price for you
The can be contacted on 01322 319 341

 

[Arcadian]

There are often times when you want to meet your accountant face to face- the kind of accountant who is a good business advisor not just someone who does your accountants. Another good reason for choosing a local accountant is that he will know others in business locally and will help you build your business network.

 

[Babylon]

Any advice out there on the questions to ask and what to look for in an accountant? My business is a relatively small Limited & VAT registered one with just one director and no complications. I do my VAT returns myself, there is no payroll and I use Quickbooks for everything accountancy related.

You already know what the drill is and what you want from your accountant. Ask around from people like the local bank manager for recomendations. Arrange a free initial meeting with your 'would be' accountant. Prepare a list of questions beforehand such as whether he/she can handle Quickbooks, how much the fees would be, time required to prepare accounts etc etc.

I have a feeling that a local accountant would be good for your business.

Kind regards,

 

[Kent Accountant]

QuickBooks maintain a searchable list of firms registered with them as QuickBooks Advisers. Whilst there is no test of membership other than payment of a fee, they will have the software and should be able to help. There are quite a few in your immediate area http://advisors.quickbooks.co.uk/?page=sr

 

[rockuk]

Thanks for all the input (keep it coming though)!

From past experience I would much prefer to go with a local accountant, they tend to be on the ball with regards to local initiatives, contacts, training, policy etc.

Quickbooks advisors link very useful, will look further into that.

 

[DIY Accounting]

A professional accountant is great to have for official advice but have you considered doing the bulk of work yourself to save costs? I find this helps keep an eye on profits.

Our product is DIY Accounting (a low cost Excel based system) there are several others on the market.

 

[Andrew @ PLA]

Anthony, have you seen the date of the OP and thread in general? (I do apologise for writing Terry)

 

[Andrew @ PLA]

what is OP

Original Post

 

[Truemanbrown]

He could have moved again!!! lol

 

[Jaydee]

There must be some significant UKBF subsidence!

Bob retired at 2,000 posts - but then about six months ago I noticed that it then showed a post count of 1,999.

Now in this thread dug up from the deepest archives of years gone by...he has slipped back a little more to 1,998...

 

[David Griffiths]

There must be some significant UKBF subsidence!

Bob retired at 2,000 posts - but then about six months ago I noticed that it then showed a post count of 1,999.

Now in this thread dug up from the deepest archives of years gone by...he has slipped back a little more to 1,998...

He'll have to make a comeback!

 

[elaine@cheapaccounting]

He'll have to make a comeback!

How do you know that he hasn't already and is still here :|

 

[Williams lester]

How do you know that he hasn't already and is still here :|

Did I not see something the other day about your 8,000th post...you seemed to have slipped back to 7,999!

 

[elaine@cheapaccounting]

Did I not see something the other day about your 8,000th post...you seemed to have slipped back to 7,999!

I know - how weird is that. Ground hog day

 

[Kent Accountant]

He'll have to make a comeback!

No chance. He's too busy taking his dogs around the hospital. Accountancy was his life until he discovered Pets as Therapy

 

[Kent Accountant]

There must be some significant UKBF subsidence!

Bob retired at 2,000 posts - but then about six months ago I noticed that it then showed a post count of 1,999.

Now in this thread dug up from the deepest archives of years gone by...he has slipped back a little more to 1,998...

He must be lurking somewhere Does that bring it up to 2,000 again

Bye again

 

[Alpha]

He must be lurking somewhere Does that bring it up to 2,000 again

Bye again

It does indeed Bob nice that you popped on for one more post

Of course I can always delete one to keep you coming back

 

[elaine@cheapaccounting]

He must be lurking somewhere Does that bring it up to 2,000 again

Bye again

It does indeed Bob nice that you popped on for one more post

Of course I can always delete one to keep you coming back

Let's play - go on delete a post.

Good work you are doing with Pets as Therapy Bob but do spare a second of a time to pop in now & again - you know you want to

 

[Kent Accountant]

It does indeed Bob nice that you popped on for one more post

Of course I can always delete one to keep you coming back

I better have one for luck. This is what I do now - much more fun than fighting with HMRC. Last two weeks we've also done dog phobia sessions with a young lady with learning disabilities led by her consultant psychologist. Very slow first week but second week ended up with her walking Katie on a second lead and hugging her

No wish to go back to work, but I still pop in here occasionally and still see Dawg at the odd dog show !!

 

[Rhodes100]

I source most of my suppliers via networking. That way you do business with people you know, like and trust.

So I would recommend that you go to a few networking events and meet a few accountants and talk to them.

 

[KM-Tiger]

Good on you Bob!

My sister also has a rescue Labrador and does therapy work mainly with old people with dementia. Both she and the dog seem to enjoy it enormously.

Good to see you back - do drop in when you feel like it.