Guide

How to choose the right accountant

Reviewed by Andy Smith, Director, Abbeygate AccountancyLast updated
Quick answer

Check the firm is qualified and supervised for anti-money laundering, holds professional indemnity insurance, works with your software, gives a clear fixed fee and an engagement letter, and understands businesses like yours. Then pick the one you'd be happy to phone with a daft question.

The nine checks

  1. Qualifications. Look for ICAEW, ACCA, AAT, CIOT or ATT membership. Anyone can call themselves an accountant in the UK, so this matters.
  2. AML supervision. Every accountancy practice must be supervised for anti-money laundering by a professional body or HMRC.
  3. Professional indemnity insurance. Protects you if advice goes wrong.
  4. Sector experience. Ask how many clients they have like you: landlords, trades, e-commerce, motor trade, healthcare, and so on.
  5. Software. Do they work in Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent, and will they train you?
  6. Fixed fees. A monthly fee with a written scope beats a surprise bill.
  7. Engagement letter. Sets out who does what and when.
  8. Proactive advice. Do they review your numbers during the year, or only after it ends?
  9. Reviews. Read Google and Trustpilot reviews, and look at how the firm replies to negative ones.

Questions to ask on the first call

  • Who will actually do my work, and who do I call?
  • How quickly do you normally reply?
  • What's included in the fee, and what costs extra?
  • What do you need from me, and by when?
  • How will you help me pay less tax legally?

How One Good Accountant helps

We match you with one accountant who passes every check above, instead of handing your number to five firms. Most people are looked after by our own team at Abbeygate Accountancy. If we're not the right fit, we introduce one trusted partner firm and tell you who before they get in touch.

Frequently asked questions

Does an accountant have to be qualified in the UK?

No. Accountant is not a protected title, which is why checking for membership of a professional body and AML supervision is so important.

What's the difference between a chartered and certified accountant?

Chartered usually means ICAEW, ICAS or CAI membership. Certified means ACCA. Both are fully qualified; experience with businesses like yours matters more than the letters.

Should my accountant be local?

Not necessarily. Cloud software means many firms serve clients nationwide. Choose local if you want face-to-face meetings.

How do I switch accountants?

Your new accountant sends a professional clearance letter to the old one and handles the handover. You just need to sign the new engagement letter.

Sources and further reading

This guide is general information for UK taxpayers and was correct when last reviewed. Tax rules change, so check your own position with a qualified adviser.

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