How to Choose the Right Accountant for Your Business

Start with the work you need done

The best accountant for a simple Self Assessment return may not be the best fit for a VAT-registered company, contractor, landlord, or fast-growing startup. Before comparing names, write down the jobs you need handled and how often they repeat.

One-off filing, such as a tax return or company accounts
Recurring compliance, such as bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, and accounts
Advisory work, such as tax planning, cash flow, funding, or company structure
Specialist work, such as R&D tax relief, IR35, property tax, crypto, or international tax

Compare experience, not just location

A local accountant can be valuable, especially if you prefer face-to-face meetings. But sector experience often matters more. Ask whether the firm works with businesses like yours and which issues they commonly handle for similar clients.

For example, a SaaS startup may need R&D awareness, management accounts, and investor-friendly reporting. A landlord may need property income, capital gains tax, and ownership-structure advice.

Ask what is included in the fee

Accountancy fees can look similar at headline level but include very different scopes. A useful quote should explain what is included, what is excluded, when work is delivered, and what information you need to provide.

Whether bookkeeping is included or billed separately
How many tax returns, payroll runs, or VAT returns are included
Whether software subscriptions are included
Who deals with HMRC letters and Companies House reminders
What happens if your records are late or incomplete

Check software and communication fit

Most modern accountants work through cloud software such as Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage, Dext, or payroll tools. If you already use a system, check whether the accountant supports it. If you do not, ask what they recommend and why.

Also ask who your day-to-day contact will be. A senior partner may sell the service, but your actual experience often depends on the manager or bookkeeper who handles the recurring work.

Use the first call to test clarity

A good accountant should be able to explain your obligations plainly, identify the main risks, and tell you what they need from you. If the first conversation is vague, rushed, or mostly sales-led, keep comparing.

What deadlines apply to me over the next 12 months?
What records do you need and how should I send them?
What would you improve first in my current setup?
What does your onboarding process look like?
How quickly do you usually respond to client questions?