Trying to find the right accountant.

[K S Adams]

Hi all,
I'm currently trying to find an accountant for my online gifts and homewares business. I sell through my website and eBay, so I'm really keen to find someone that has experience with accounts in these areas. I have done my own accounts for the last few years but as things are growing I could really do with some extra help and ideally my accounts being taken over by someone else. It's not necessary to have someone local to myself (I'm based in Suffolk), as I would happily send accounts in and communicate via phone and email. I just want to make sure I find the right fit and any recommendations would be very much appreciated.
I'm also likely to go over the VAT threshold in the next year or two, so finding someone that can advise me on the ins and outs of making this happen and making it worthwhile would be required too. So ideally an accountant/financial advisor in one would be ideal.
Many thanks in advance.

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

There a few of us Accountants on here who could possibly help you out.

Can you give us some idea on what Accounting Records are kept - Accounts Software e.g Quick Books, Clear Books, Sage or are they kept manually via spreadsheets.

 

[Paul_Rosser]

Generally an online accountant will be cheaper than one you can go and see.

We are also based in Suffolk and personally use the LB group as they have offices in Essex/Suffolk/London and their fees are very reasonable when compared to other firms in the area.

If you are looking for an online accountant haven't worked with her personally but Nicola seems very good from the advice given on UKBF.

 

[K S Adams]

Thanks for the replies. I will check out the above, as an online accountant would suit me just fine.
In regards to my current accounts, they are done manually on spreadsheets, which is something else that I would like to change. Anything to take away the stress and headache of accounts is what I need going forward. It's the one area I'm totally bored of managing by myself. A simpler life is required, not one with endless spreadsheets and limited advice.

 

[Paul_Rosser]

We moved from spreadsheets to Xero last year and it's a lot easier for reporting on a daily/weekly/monthly basis, we also employed a bookkeeper which frees up my time to do more exciting stuff.

 

[K S Adams]

That's useful to know. Looking at 'Myaccountantonline' they recommend Accounts Portal, but based on some quick research it sounds like Xero is well favoured by the general user. Am I right in thinking that if you have a bookkeeper, they will manage all of your receipts, invoices etc and enter them on your behalf in to the software? Then you have an accountant to submit and overlook your accounts? leaving you with little involvement with any of the accounts? I really want to get things set up, so it's all managed for me and I too can get involved with more exciting stuff and focus on the areas of my business that I actually enjoy. Thanks again.

 

[Paul_Rosser]

That's exactly right, an accountant will offer advice on how to keep records and then look after your year end submission of accounts, (company and personal) tax returns etc.

A bookkeeper will look after the day to day stuff like entering receipts and invoices into whatever system you use, depending on the number you may only need someone for a few hours a week and there are plenty out there.

Using Xero is pretty easy as you get a custom email address so you can email any invoices or receipts to that and then when the bookkeeper logs in they match them up to bank transactions, which also get fed into the Xero system.

As a company owner your job should be to push the company forward and the most important thing to do is as soon as possible start getting others to do the day to day stuff like bookkeeping.

 

[K S Adams]

That's brilliant! It sounds like a simple setup and user friendly too. Now I just need to find a reputable and fair priced bookkeeper and I'm ready to go. Well, with perhaps a little more research and a few enquiries anyway. Thanks for all of your advice, it's greatly appreciated.

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

have a look at Quickfile - free cloud book-keeping software

http://www.quickfile.co.uk/

 

[Paul_Rosser]

No problem at all, if you find an accountant first they might be able to recommend a bookkeeper for you, some also do bookkeeping as well so you may be able to find one to do both.

 

[john1989]

Xero is pretty good, but so is Accounts Portal. The reason why Xero are more well known is because of their enormous marketing budget.

I would recommend trialling several different ones and seeing which you like best.

 

[HazelC]

I work with Mark Laws of Prospect Accountancy in Peterborough, he's amazing

 

[Ola1]

Before you move to an advanced accounts package, perhaps talk to your bookkeeper or accountant first, they might have a preference which they are more familiar with

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

......

If you are looking for an online accountant haven't worked with her personally but Nicola seems very good from the advice given on UKBF.

Thank you very much Paul

 

[john1989]

Before you move to an advanced accounts package, perhaps talk to your bookkeeper or accountant first, they might have a preference which they are more familiar with

The OP doesn't have an accountant or bookkeeper yet.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

That's useful to know. Looking at 'Myaccountantonline' they recommend Accounts Portal, but based on some quick research it sounds like Xero is well favoured by the general user. Am I right in thinking that if you have a bookkeeper, they will manage all of your receipts, invoices etc and enter them on your behalf in to the software? Then you have an accountant to submit and overlook your accounts? leaving you with little involvement with any of the accounts? I really want to get things set up, so it's all managed for me and I too can get involved with more exciting stuff and focus on the areas of my business that I actually enjoy. Thanks again.

Hello I do indeed often recommend Accounts Portal but my firm is very happy to work with records maintained using any accounting package.

If you want a good accountant that works with Xero we have a very well respected forum member here David Griffiths who may be able to help.

 

[kevin.doran]

Hi @K S Adams

Most of the online software will handle automatic PayPal imports so picking Xero over Accounts Portal or Clear Books or anything else would simply be down to user preference.

What setup have you got when selling directly through your site?

 

[Energise Accounting]

The best software I have found for retail is bright pearl it will deal with all your sales channels and stock. It has a built in epos optimal if you want to do trade shows a powerful accounting software and integrates with most merchant accounts.