What are people's thoughts on using 'local' accountants?

[K0608]

Does it really matter anymore whether you can pop in and see your accountant, or in this day and age of cloud based accountancy software and emails does proximity make no difference?

 

[KAC]

Much depends on the type of business and the services you require.

A good local accountant should also be better than a bad online accountant

A good online accountant should always be better than a bad local accountant

A recommendation is always a good starting point

 

[fisicx]

Meeting face to face is sometimes a bonus. It means we can go thought paperwork and do all the online HMRC/CH stuff together.

 

[K0608]

Much depends on the type of business and the services you require.

A good local accountant should also be better than a bad online accountant

A good online accountant should always be better than a bad local accountant

A recommendation is always a good starting point

Thanks. I think my needs are fairly simple (small Ltd. business, Flat rate VAT scheme registered, although I may decide to drop back below the threshold, Xero Accountancy software).

My issue is that I live in the Highlands, and we've not got many accountants that are Xero registered to choose from (only 1 firm locally). Currently, my accountant is based down south, and may as well be on the moon for how easy he is to get hold of most of the time.

 

[K0608]

Meeting face to face is sometimes a bonus. It means we can go thought paperwork and do all the online HMRC/CH stuff together.

Thanks, yep, I would appreciate understanding it all a bit more.

 

[Ken Moorhouse]

Thanks. I think my needs are fairly simple (small Ltd. business, Flat rate VAT scheme registered, although I may decide to drop back below the threshold, Xero Accountancy software).

My issue is that I live in the Highlands, and we've not got many accountants that are Xero registered to choose from (only 1 firm locally). Currently, my accountant is based down south, and may as well be on the moon for how easy he is to get hold of most of the time.

What you want is an accountant who enjoys a spot of mountaineering.

 

[Alyson Dyer]

Out accountants have an office directly opposite ours!
It’s not why we chose them BTW but it does mean we can get advice whenever we need it!

 

[K0608]

What you want is an accountant who enjoys a spot of mountaineering.

That would be brilliant! Know anyone?

 

[Mr D]

Our accountant is at a distance from us. How far I have no clue, it doesn't matter.
The paperwork I have gives their address. As I'm probably never going to write a letter to that address then location doesn't make a difference.

Everything is handled online and I'm happy with the service. I don't need a face to face with the accountant.
A few years from now that situation will change, will take care of that then.

 

[Ken Moorhouse]

That would be brilliant! Know anyone?

I seem to remember my accountant used to do charitable things like X-peak challenges, but I don't think he does so now.

I'm sure lots of firms of accountants have "meet the team" webpages where mountaineering is listed as a hobby by one of the partners, but I appreciate that is no form of personal recommendation.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Does it really matter anymore whether you can pop in and see your accountant, or in this day and age of cloud based accountancy software and emails does proximity make no difference?

Personal choice - it depends what you want.

Some people like to go and visit an accountant some don't see the need.

I now run an online only practice and it works well for those that are happy to work this way.

 

[Hannah Tech]

I use skype to have meetings with my accountant, I book an appointment time and we "meet" on screen. We use video calling but you can just do it over the phone I guess.

I scan over any documents etc that I want explaining or that she needs to see as and when they come up.

 

[estwig]

I'm a one man band, vat registered ltd company and I haven't met with an accountant in well over 10 years, probably 15 years, or even spoken to one in all that time.

It's all done with Xero and email, I've been with my current bean counter for about 5 years, after my last one sold me to them, when she sold her practice.

I have absolutely no interest in tax matters, I focus on my business and making money, the bean counters do what they are good at and leave me to it.

 

[AccountsLogic]

As long as you have sufficient internet connectivity an online accountant works well for most people. Email correspondence normally cover any queries our clients have and if not, a phone call usually resolves any queries which are hard to explain in an email

 

[Glenn Martin]

Most Local accountants are also online and should communicate with you, whichever way you prefer. Personally I always think the first meeting is best face to face as you can get a lot sorted then and you build up that trust etc.

I do have some clients i have not met and they work quite well, but are really compliance based, as I feel you do need to do face to face meeting more when doing business planning etc.

Probably 80% of my business is local and 20% on line.

For me there should be any difference between on line and local, accept you can meet the local one if need be.

Must local accountants will operate on line and cover xero, I think on line used to be cheaper but not sure that is the case, also most local accountants will take on work outside their catchment area so not sure there is much distinction now between the two, unless you are looking at the online contractor only style accountants

 

[deniser]

We have a longish meeting with our accountant once a year and find it quite interesting to hear snippets of information about other local businesses or particular local areas - none of this is essential but there could be occasions where some local knowledge could be useful to your business.

For example, there is one particular street of commercial property near us nicknamed Suicide Alley because every single business that has set up there has failed because of its misleading location. It looks thriving because there is always someone new taking on premises but behind the facade are lots of painful business failures. Some local knowledge amongst professionals like that could save you from a costly mistake.

I am sure there are other examples.

 

[BustersDogs]

Mine is local now, because I got fed up with the travel to drop paperwork off, and go to meetings. In the past, I used one a small distance away - the reason was my first job at 16 was in an accountants office, and I was told clients never use someone local in case people they know go into the premises, for instance office juniors, cleaners, temps etc. So it kept them from prying into files. Obviously now I never see piles of files in my accountants office as I used to see back in 198-mumble so I am assuming this risk has now gone. So I felt safe!

 

[DontAsk]

I find I can get a lot more achieved in a short face-to-face than days of e-mail to-and-fro.

 

[Glenn Martin]

Really unless an on line one was really cheap, why would not want a local accountant.

If your in Manchester why would you not use a Manchester based accountant, his local network maybe able to help your business and refer work back to you.

Keep it local and support other local business.

 

[blueprinthub.co.uk]

Does it really matter anymore whether you can pop in and see your accountant, or in this day and age of cloud based accountancy software and emails does proximity make no difference?

You will have accountants who don't use the cloud tell you that it's best not to use the cloud, and accountants who use the cloud tell you it's best to use the cloud.

The reality is it's your preference that matters.
If you want to start using the cloud because sending information via email in more convenient than sitting in traffic, then choose an accountant that uses the cloud (and uses it well).

I for example am based in Norwich, and I help people all around East Anglia and also in London.
I have helped people in Scotland who worked offshore.

 

[K0608]

Really unless an on line one was really cheap, why would not want a local accountant.

If your in Manchester why would you not use a Manchester based accountant, his local network maybe able to help your business and refer work back to you.

Keep it local and support other local business.

I'm pretty limited by where I live in the Scottish Highlands. There's really only one firm worth considering in a 60+ mile radius, and the feedback for them is pretty mixed.

 

[Agarwood]

Id go local if they are good at what they do and can help find work for you.

Otherwise you might as well go online.

 

[The Online Accountants]

We work mainly online but we always meet up with every client, at least once a year, or sometimes more often, depending on the client and the business they are involved in.

Why not speak to your accountant and arrange a face to face meeting, even if you have to make the effort and travel. Some things are just easier to say , and sort out, face to face.

 

[DontAsk]

You will have accountants who don't use the cloud tell you that it's best not to use the cloud, and accountants who use the cloud tell you it's best to use the cloud.

My accountant supports both. It's my choice what I use. There are pros and cons for both.

 

[SteveHa]

I think local accountants are wonderful. It keeps me in a job.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Could somebody tell me whether it is real to do accounting of UK based companies remotely (I mean from different country)? Can all reports be submitted electronically?

I run an online practice in the UK, and almost all of our clients are in the UK, but If you work solely online I dont see an issue with where you work, everything can be done online.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Can I as you an advice from you on how to start doing accounting in UK?
I was graduated from one of the most prestige university in Ukraine, recently got my ACCA membership.
Now I have almost 10 years of experience, team of accountants working for me
am but I would like to do accounting for UK based companies. I tried even get employed by UK accounting company for USD 5 per hour, but lack of experience is my biggest obstacle so far

What experience do you have in dealing with UK accounting and tax?

Do you hold an ACCA practising certificate?

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

I only worked for Ukrainian subsidiary of UK Company, but it seems that financial accounting is 95% the same as in Ukraine. The only difficult I see is accounting program, as we use 1C which is quite popular for post soviet countries.

Re. tax - I have no other experience except of F6 and P6 ACCA papers. That is may main disadvantage

What do you mean by ACCA practising certificate? I have advance diploma on Accounting and Finance and waiting for my ACCA membership certificate (have already passed all papers and waiting for original of the document).

To practice as an ACCA accountant you must have a practising certificate - have a read up of the requirements on the ACCA website, or contact the ACCA.

When trainees pass all of the exams the ACCA recognises that this alone doesnt make them able to provide accounting and tax services to the public; they need experience gained working in an accounting practice. It is only once they have this that they will be able to obtain the necessary practising certificate.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Is this ACCA practising certificate needed for provide accounting services?

Yes it is, as I suggested have a look on the ACCA website for information.

 

[fisicx]

If you don't have it you won't get access to the HMRC website. And without that you can't offer accountancy services.

https://www.gov.uk/anti-money-laundering-registration

 

[Anna Chandley]

Am I understand you correctly, that in order to provide any kind of accounting/bookkeeping services I must have ACCA Practice Certificate. I thought it would be a plus, but not a statutory requirement.

It is the ACCA rules that require you to have a practising certificate.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Am I understand you correctly, that in order to provide any kind of accounting/bookkeeping services I must have ACCA Practice Certificate. I thought it would be a plus, but not a statutory requirement.

@Accounting Ukraine did you read the information on the ACCA website?

It's not a statutory requirement to have a practising certificate. In the UK anyone can call themselves an accountant, and anyone can offer accounting and tax services to the public regardless of whether they have the skill, knowledge, and experience to do so.

It is one of the ACCA rules that you must obtain a practising certificate to provide accounting and tax services to the public which members have to abide by (and for good reason too). If as a member you choose to ignore the rules you will face disciplinary action and possible expulsion.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

If you don't have it you won't get access to the HMRC website. And without that you can't offer accountancy services.

.....

Bit puzzled by your comment. It would be nice if only qualified accountants did get access to the HMRC website, but sadly not the case.

The link you've posted is to register for Anti-Money Laundering - you need to register direct if you don't have registration via a professional body.