changing accountants

[northernmonkey]

Hi all, im new to the forum so go easy on me please

I had been a sole trader for the last couple of years, stupidly without an accountant. I hadnt registered for VAT and my accounts were 'rough' to say the least. In february. i met with a local accountant who advised me to go limited. He registered me with companies house and also for VAT. I have since had a few phone calls with them, each time resulting in them not really knowing the answer to my questions, nor acting very proffesionally in my opinion.

I wish to change accountants or sombody who understands my very simple business (dealing in used electronic goods) and avdise me accordingley.

How much should my current accountant roughly want for the work he has done for me so far, bearing in mind i have paid him £395 for dealing with eth registration of the company. As i say, aside from this we have had one meeting of around 15 mins and maybe 5 x 5 min phone calls.

Thanks in advance

 

[Williams lester]

You should have received a letter of engagement detailing the fees you would be charged.

 

[northernmonkey]

hi, i did receive a letter of engagement, but it just stated 'fees as discussed' or something of that nature, which he said would be around £1000 per year. I have however only used his services for 2 months.

 

[elaine@cheapaccounting]

I think you will have to ask the current accountant this then.

It really is down to what has been agreed at the out set but IMO it is best to change now and get it sorted asap.

 

[julian_shaw]

Elaine is right, sounds like you've not had the best service.

The amount you owe now depends on the agreed fee level. It's all a bit vague. When you change, get your new accountant to give you a clear breakdown of what it's going to cost you.

 

[northernmonkey]

Thanks for the replies, yes, everything has been a bit vague, right from poor advice to fees to me telling them about the VAT margin scheme!

I am meeting a new accountant next week and will probably see 2 or 3 before making my mind up.

I think i jumped in too quicly last time as i was keen to get an accountant asap to get me doing things correctly.

K

 

[elaine@cheapaccounting]

Have a read of the sticky on how to select an accountants. They are so many around! We are really common!!!