Experience with Accountancy Partnership or Crunch?

[JamesMarketing]

Hello!

Does anybody have experience with either theaccountancy.co.uk or crunch.co.uk?

I'd love to hear from someone that has used or is currently using either of these specific companies.

Thanks very much!

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

http://forums.contractoruk.com/accounting-legal/86283-crunch-accountant-personal-one.html

 

[JamesMarketing]

link

Thanks for that. I see it's a couple of years old but still relevant, cheers!

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

And this guys rant...

http://www.papaface.com/blog/2014/0...e-accountancy-partnership-my-negative-review/

 

[JamesMarketing]

link

Thanks for that too

I'm really having a tough time deciding on what's best. My accounts are really quite simple, there is nothing complicated going on. But I know my first years net profit isn't going to be very high, so mentally can't seem to justify paying the £1200+ that I have been quoted from local accountants.

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

Is it just year end accounts you are after or the whole package - payroll, vat, personal tax returns etc

 

[JamesMarketing]

Just end of year currently, I won't be registering for VAT in the first year, and it's just me. Potentially personal tax return...will need to read up on that a bit more!

I'm keeping bookkeeping records online with Wave.

 

[kevin.doran]

Was with a firm yesterday who are picking up plenty of clients leaving Crunch.

I'm presuming you're limited @JamesMarketing?

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

Well it is the Credit Crunch!

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

I would mention that a few of the online accountancy practices are affiliated to a particular cloud based bookkeeping software where the monthly fees include access to that book-keeping software.

Crunch I believe have there own book-keeping sofware included in the package.

TAP use something called Pandle.

If you are not using their own software - they will try and convert you!

 

[JamesMarketing]

Was with a firm yesterday who are picking up plenty of clients leaving Crunch.

I'm presuming you're limited @JamesMarketing?

Correct, I'm Limited. I have been quoted £1200 for company compliance by a local chartered accountant, and £600 by one that I don't feel too confident in for some reason...
So just trying to find out what's best for what I need. Should be simple accounts, revenue coming in and expenses going out are only from a couple of channels. Having someone to talk to regarding tax efficiency and knowing they are doing saving as much as possible would be ideal.

I would mention that a few of the online accountancy practices are affiliated to a particular cloud based bookkeeping software where the monthly fees include access to that book-keeping software.

Crunch I believe have there own book-keeping sofware included in the package.

TAP use something called Pandle.

If you are not using their own software - they will try and convert you!

Yeah I've seen this, everybody seems to own cloud bookkeeping software. I'm not too bothered about what I use as its all very simple records. It's just trying to work out the best option and find the right person/company!

 

[kevin.doran]

Correct, I'm Limited. I have been quoted £1200 for company compliance by a local chartered accountant, and £600 by one that I don't feel too confident in for some reason...
So just trying to find out what's best for what I need. Should be simple accounts, revenue coming in and expenses going out are only from a couple of channels. Having someone to talk to regarding tax efficiency and knowing they are doing saving as much as possible would be ideal.


Yeah I've seen this, everybody seems to own cloud bookkeeping software. I'm not too bothered about what I use as its all very simple records. It's just trying to work out the best option and find the right person/company!

I can appreciate the comment re fees but at the same time I'm a big believer in the ability to afford them if LTD is going to be right for you.

A smaller firm might well be your best bet, some are even happy to work with startups at a discounted rate in year 1 with the prospect of an ongoing relationship.

 

[JamesMarketing]

I can appreciate the comment re fees but at the same time I'm a big believer in the ability to afford them if LTD is going to be right for you.

A smaller firm might well be your best bet, some are even happy to work with startups at a discounted rate in year 1 with the prospect of an ongoing relationship.

I can certainly appreciate that point Kevin. The only reason that I haven't gone with the local accountant charging £1200 straight away is because people that I have spoken to in the same business (who have been doing this for many more years!) are only paying £500-£650/year. I was slightly put off by the accountant that quoted £600 because looking at their own accounts they have a net worth of about £10 and hardly any cash. They also don't seem to be as qualified. I guess they could be complete accounting wizards and make their own money invisible to the untrained eye, but at first glance they're a small family accounting company with not a lot of clients and less qualifications.

Hence...I am stuck in a loop of Googling accountants and exploring online options. None the wiser or closer to knowing what's best.

 

[kevin.doran]

I can certainly appreciate that point Kevin. The only reason that I haven't gone with the local accountant charging £1200 straight away is because people that I have spoken to in the same business (who have been doing this for many more years!) are only paying £500-£650/year. I was slightly put off by the accountant that quoted £600 because looking at their own accounts they have a net worth of about £10 and hardly any cash. They also don't seem to be as qualified. I guess they could be complete accounting wizards and make their own money invisible to the untrained eye, but at first glance they're a small family accounting company with not a lot of clients and less qualifications.

Hence...I am stuck in a loop of Googling accountants and exploring online options. None the wiser or closer to knowing what's best.

Go on recommendation in my opinion, what's better than knowing they've already done a good job elsewhere. What have the people you've spoken to suggested?

The low net worth/cash figure could be easily explainable.

 

[JamesMarketing]

Go on recommendation in my opinion, what's better than knowing they've already done a good job elsewhere. What have the people you've spoken to suggested?

The low net worth/cash figure could be easily explainable.

The people I have spoken to are at the other end of the country to me, and use small local accountants I believe.

The low net worth/cash for the one accountant seems VERY low compared to others I've looked at. But clearly as I'm in need of an accountant this isn't a strong point of mine...

 

[kevin.doran]

The people I have spoken to are at the other end of the country to me, and use small local accountants I believe.

The low net worth/cash for the one accountant seems VERY low compared to others I've looked at. But clearly as I'm in need of an accountant this isn't a strong point of mine...

You'd probably class me as a small local accountant (Coventry) but I've got clients in all corners (literally - Brighton, Glasgow, Cardiff, Norwich, even a new one in France) so it can definitely be done.

Maybe speak to one of the smaller ones you've been recommended to, you might be pleasantly surprised. With the tech available these days pretty much anything's do'able.

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

They can all do company compliance- some more efficiently than others!

The ones that can provide that bit extra in terms of tax planning & advisory services who can help you to structure your business to minimise your tax liabilties are the ones to look for.

Have you read through the thread on how to choose your Accountant on here- all 17 pages. That should give you some good pointers.

 

[JamesMarketing]

They can all do company compliance- some more efficiently than others!

The ones that can provide that bit extra in terms of tax planning & advisory services who can help you to structure your business to minimise your tax liabilties are the ones to look for.

Have you read through the thread on how to choose your Accountant on here- all 17 pages. That should give you some good pointers.

I haven't read all 17 pages, I'll have to return to the thread later and make my way through it, thanks.

 

[john1989]

Have you read through the thread on how to choose your Accountant on here- all 17 pages. That should give you some good pointers.

15 pages of rubbish though!

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

The first 15 or tbe last 15- haven't read it!

 

[JamesMarketing]

15 pages of rubbish though!

The first 15 or tbe last 15- haven't read it!

Haha well I'll take a good look this evening and hopefully get nearer to a decision this weekend.

The prices and services offered by The Accountancy Practice don't seem too bad. For reference, this is what would be included and the price:

You have been quoted £49.50+VAT per month

This price includes:

• Your own dedicated accountant
• A full set of accounts
• Completion of abbreviated accounts for Companies House
• Submission of the corporation tax return (CT600) to HMRC
• Submission of Annual Return to Companies House
• Up to 2 directors self assessments (if required)
• Regular recommendations to ensure your business is well-structured and tax efficient
• Free representation in the event of an HMRC investigation
• Free business guides specific to your type of business which outline what you need to know about how the tax system works, the relevant deadlines and much more
• Unlimited help and assistance throughout the year
• Free use of our cloud accounting software
• Automatic reminders for all of your important deadlines
• We also offer financial advice on pensions, mortgages, investments, life assurance, inheritance tax planning and business insurance. Please ask a member of staff for further details.

Why choose The Accountancy Partnership?

• We operate nationwide and specialise in small and medium sized businesses. We currently represent over 1,500 businesses throughout the UK
• Our friendly staff has a wealth of experience and qualifications from the major accountancy and tax associations such as ACCA, AAT, ICPA, IFA, and FTA
• We have some of the most competitive fees on the market
• You pay monthly to spread the cost of your accountancy fees
• We offer a banking service which is very easy to set up and in which all your accounts are consolidated into one, including your current account, card processing account and currency accounts
• If you already have an accountant we take care of the transition ensuring it's a smooth process
• You will receive unlimited help and assistance throughout the year from your dedicated accountant and the rest of our team

 

[john1989]

It pretty much starts to go downhill after page one.

 

[john1989]

Duplicate

 

[kevin.doran]

Duplicate

It was worth saying twice just to stop James wasting part of his Friday evening [emoji16]

 

[JamesMarketing]

Is it just year end accounts you are after or the whole package - payroll, vat, personal tax returns etc

It was worth saying twice just to stop James wasting part of his Friday evening [emoji16]

I've already accepted that my Friday evening is going to be full of financial fun...

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

've already accepted that my Friday evening is going to be full of financial fun...

It's either that or Emmerdale & Corrie for you!

 

[JamesMarketing]

It's either that or Emmerdale & Corrie for you!

Or the pub! (Unless I mis-read something in the terms and conditions for signing up to the forums about having to give up social activities at the weekend in favour of business and boredom!! haha)

 

[john1989]

Or the pub!

You could get your accountancy and tax advice while you're there there!

 

[JamesMarketing]

You could get your accountancy and tax advice while you're there there!

Not a bad shout.

Seriously though, does anyone have an opinion on the service offered by The Accountancy Partnership based on the points listed in my previous post? (Details below)

You have been quoted £49.50+VAT per month

This price includes:

• Your own dedicated accountant
• A full set of accounts
• Completion of abbreviated accounts for Companies House
• Submission of the corporation tax return (CT600) to HMRC
• Submission of Annual Return to Companies House
• Up to 2 directors self assessments (if required)
• Regular recommendations to ensure your business is well-structured and tax efficient
• Free representation in the event of an HMRC investigation
• Free business guides specific to your type of business which outline what you need to know about how the tax system works, the relevant deadlines and much more
• Unlimited help and assistance throughout the year
• Free use of our cloud accounting software
• Automatic reminders for all of your important deadlines
• We also offer financial advice on pensions, mortgages, investments, life assurance, inheritance tax planning and business insurance. Please ask a member of staff for further details.

Why choose The Accountancy Partnership?

• We operate nationwide and specialise in small and medium sized businesses. We currently represent over 1,500 businesses throughout the UK
• Our friendly staff has a wealth of experience and qualifications from the major accountancy and tax associations such as ACCA, AAT, ICPA, IFA, and FTA
• We have some of the most competitive fees on the market
• You pay monthly to spread the cost of your accountancy fees
• We offer a banking service which is very easy to set up and in which all your accounts are consolidated into one, including your current account, card processing account and currency accounts
• If you already have an accountant we take care of the transition ensuring it's a smooth process
• You will receive unlimited help and assistance throughout the year from your dedicated accountant and the rest of our team

It would work out at £712/year and they offer tax advice, can help with self assessment, unlimited support etc. Also seem to be more online savvy than the accountant that quoted me £600...so for all the extra support and advice, it doesn't sound too bad?

 

[JamesMarketing]

You could get your accountancy and tax advice while you're there there!

Not a bad shout.

Seriously though, does anyone have an opinion on the service offered by The Accountancy Partnership based on the points listed in my previous post? (Details below)

You have been quoted £49.50+VAT per month

This price includes:

• Your own dedicated accountant
• A full set of accounts
• Completion of abbreviated accounts for Companies House
• Submission of the corporation tax return (CT600) to HMRC
• Submission of Annual Return to Companies House
• Up to 2 directors self assessments (if required)
• Regular recommendations to ensure your business is well-structured and tax efficient
• Free representation in the event of an HMRC investigation
• Free business guides specific to your type of business which outline what you need to know about how the tax system works, the relevant deadlines and much more
• Unlimited help and assistance throughout the year
• Free use of our cloud accounting software
• Automatic reminders for all of your important deadlines
• We also offer financial advice on pensions, mortgages, investments, life assurance, inheritance tax planning and business insurance. Please ask a member of staff for further details.

Why choose The Accountancy Partnership?

• We operate nationwide and specialise in small and medium sized businesses. We currently represent over 1,500 businesses throughout the UK
• Our friendly staff has a wealth of experience and qualifications from the major accountancy and tax associations such as ACCA, AAT, ICPA, IFA, and FTA
• We have some of the most competitive fees on the market
• You pay monthly to spread the cost of your accountancy fees
• We offer a banking service which is very easy to set up and in which all your accounts are consolidated into one, including your current account, card processing account and currency accounts
• If you already have an accountant we take care of the transition ensuring it's a smooth process
• You will receive unlimited help and assistance throughout the year from your dedicated accountant and the rest of our team

It would work out at £712/year and they offer tax advice, can help with self assessment, unlimited support etc. Also seem to be more online savvy than the accountant that quoted me £600...so for all the extra support and advice, it doesn't sound too bad?

 

[kevin.doran]

I've never heard of them. Sounds good to me for the price but I go back to what I said before, recommendation. Has somebody suggested them to you based on their own experiences?

 

[JamesMarketing]

I've never heard of them. Sounds good to me for the price but I go back to what I said before, recommendation. Has somebody suggested them to you based on their own experiences?

Nope, found them online. I haven't been recommended anybody, the people in the same business that have local accountants use the old-school approach of printing everything off and taking it to the accountant, I didn't ask for details.

 

[john1989]

The price is from £49.50+ vat.

As you say the price is £712, I presume you are not VAT registered.

I just did an online quotation and for a Ltd company turning over less than £100k, no vat returns and monthly director payroll and it was £61.50 + vat pm. This would cost you £885.60


Because of the pricing, it seems as your business grows, your fee will jump considerably. How much do you value a working relationship? If you just want cheap, then look for the cheapest but beware of the consequences.

 

[JamesMarketing]

The price is from £49.50+ vat.

As you say the price is £712, I presume you are not VAT registered.

I just did an online quotation and for a Ltd company turning over less than £100k, no vat returns and monthly director payroll and it was £61.50 + vat pm. This would cost you £885.60


Because of the pricing, it seems as your business grows, your fee will jump considerably. How much do you value a working relationship? If you just want cheap, then look for the cheapest but beware of the consequences.

Interesting...that was the quote I received via email for not being VAT registered. I guess I would have to agree on a fixed fee or something...

 

[john1989]

Perhaps you didn't pick payroll as an option as you will be doing that yourself.

You need to ensure that the price covers all the services you require, otherwise the quote is meaningless.

 

[JamesMarketing]

Perhaps you didn't pick payroll as an option as you will be doing that yourself.

You need to ensure that the price covers all the services you require, otherwise the quote is meaningless.

Correct, there is only one of me, so i figured I could handle payroll.

 

[JamesMarketing]

Perhaps you didn't pick payroll as an option as you will be doing that yourself.

You need to ensure that the price covers all the services you require, otherwise the quote is meaningless.

£54.50 + VAT for directors payroll only with The Accountancy Partnership, £10 cheaper than crunch. £784/year...hmm.

 

[john1989]

Your haven't mentioned anything but price. Keep looking and you will find a cheaper firm. Keep looking again and you will find an even cheaper firm.

Cheap can, and often does, come with compromises. Some more serious than others.

 

[JamesMarketing]

Your haven't mentioned anything but price. Keep looking and you will find a cheaper firm. Keep looking again and you will find an even cheaper firm.

Cheap can, and often does, come with compromises. Some more serious than others.

Correct, because I know for a fact that for what I need it can be done for £450-£650.

 

[john1989]

Out of curiosity, are you talking inclusive or exclusive of VAT?