Introduction
Having decided to contract via the limited company route you will need to get
yourself an accountant. This article explains the issues you should consider
when choosing one.
Do I Need An Accountant?
Whilst a few contractors attempt to do everything
themselves this is certainly not the most efficient way of doing things. The
vast majority of contractors use a specialist accounting firm.
There are many things you can do yourself like convey your own house instead of
using a solicitor or service your own car instead of using a qualified
dealership. However, the investment in time is probably just not worth it to
make a small saving. If you are contracting then time is money.
The vast majority of contractors use a specialist accounting firm
David Colom
For a small monthly fee you can rely on a qualified, specialist and
comprehensive service in all relevant areas of accountancy, tax and other
financial issues, which will arise when you take up contracting.
Tip 1: Choose a specialist
Although most qualified accountants would be able to provide a service to you,
there are now several specialist firms of accountants across various market
sectors, particularly those who only deal with the affairs of computer
consultants.
By their very nature, these firms generally offer a far superior level of
service than you would obtain from a generalist (high street) accountant, who
would typically serve all trades.
The specialist accountants usually offer a package for a fixed monthly fee,
which includes preparation of accounts, corporation tax return, payroll
matters, statutory affairs and telephone support.
A specialist accountant will have a far greater degree of knowledge to the
areas which will specifically concern you, for example, IR35 and other “hot
topics” relevant to your industry.
Tip 2: Check for Professional Qualifications
The vast majority of the specialist firms offering services to consultants are
run by chartered accountants who have chosen to specialise but also have a
professional qualification and code of ethics, which may give you some degree
of comfort.
It would be unwise to deal with a firm who are not qualified.
Tip 3: Size of the firm – small or large?
The number of clients handled by the specialist firms of accountants varies
significantly from 200 clients up to several thousands of clients.
The style of service will usually be reflected by the numbers and you do need
to consider whether you prefer an “institutional” type of service, as will be
given by the larger organisations as compared with the more personal level of
service, which a smaller firm would usually provide.
For example, if you require telephone support at partner level with the same
person each time you call, you may be better choosing a smaller organisation,
rather than a large firm.
Tip 4: Recommendations
It is always useful to get a recommendation from a colleague if you can. Chat
to other contractors. You’ll soon discover the ones to avoid and the ones
offering good service.
Tip 5: Cost of the service
You should expect to pay fees in the range of £60 - £90 per month for a
specialist package.
You will generally get what you pay
for and the cheapest is probably not going to be the best
David Colom
It is very important to consider exactly what is included when comparing costs,
since the more expensive packages may be “fully inclusive”, compared with those
which are marketed as cheaper but you will be subjected to extra charges, for
example, completion of your personal tax return, P11D, registered office
address, etc.
Remember that as with most things in life, you will generally get what you pay
for and the cheapest is probably not going to be the best.
Tip 6: Changing accountants
If in hindsight you make a bad choice and want to change accountants then this
can certainly be done.
There will be a bit of hassle and pain during the transition but should settle
down after a couple of months.
Summary
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Get a recommendation if you can.
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Choose a specialist firm for your industry.
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Check that everything is included – no hidden costs.
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Expect the level of service to be related to what you pay.
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If you are not happy then change.
Published: Friday, November 16, 2007
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