Choosing the best accountant for you

Many business owners see their accountant as one of their most valuable advisors — and rightly so. A good accountant keeps your books in order, ensures deadlines are met, and keeps you informed about what taxes are due and when.

But an excellent accountant goes further — looking ahead, identifying current inefficiencies, and helping you uncover new opportunities for growth and savings.

Is Finding the Right Accountant Really That Important — and When Should I Start Looking?

Yes — finding the right accountant is absolutely crucial. The right choice can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

A great accountant should save you more than they cost. That’s why we recommend starting your search early — ideally before your business launches.

This allows your accountant to advise you on the most tax-efficient structure, help register your business with the appropriate authorities, and even assist with company formation if needed.

What Can My Accountant Help With?

A qualified accountant can support you with:

• Bookkeeping

• VAT submissions

• End-of-year accounts

• Personal and business tax

• Payroll

• And more...

  
  

Many business owners find these tasks confusing or time-consuming — time that could be better spent growing the business or enjoying life. A proactive accountant helps you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and maximise all available tax reliefs and allowances.

What Qualifications Should My Accountant Have?

Surprisingly, anyone can legally call themselves an “accountant” — even without any formal training. To protect yourself and your business, choose someone with one or more of the following professional qualifications:

• ACA / FCA (Chartered Accountant)

• ACCA (Chartered Certified Accountant)

• MAAT (Accounting Technician)

• ATT (Tax Technician)

  
  

At Glass Accountants, every client is assigned a qualified accountant with credentials clearly displayed in all communications.

What Type of Accountant Should I Avoid?

Be wary of accountants who:

• Are too busy to provide the level of service you need

• Focus solely on low fees instead of adding value

• Are resistant to new technology

• Don’t invest in ongoing training or development

  
  

Key Questions to Ask at Your First Meeting

To make sure you're choosing the right fit, ask:

• What’s your average turnaround time for queries?

• How do you add value to your clients’ businesses?

• Are you experienced with cloud accounting software?

• What ongoing professional development do you undertake?

  
  

Don’t Overlook Personality

Qualifications and expertise matter — but so does personality.

You should feel comfortable calling your accountant when you need advice. Look for someone professional, friendly, and approachable. Importantly, make sure you meet the actual accountant handling your work — not just a salesperson or partner.

A strong working relationship can make all the difference.

The Importance of Communication

Clear, proactive communication is essential in any business relationship.

Choose an accountant who keeps you informed and responds promptly. If you find yourself chasing responses or waiting days for updates, it might be time to switch.

Should I Choose a Big Firm?

Larger accountancy firms offer deep expertise, which can benefit medium-sized businesses and corporations. However, if you're a sole trader, freelancer, or small business owner, a smaller firm or independent accountant might offer:

• More personal service

• Faster response times

• Greater flexibility

  
  

Choose a firm that aligns with your business size, sector, and service expectations.

How Much Will an Accountant Cost?

Fees vary depending on the services you need and the size of your business. Important questions to ask include:

• Are fees billed annually or monthly?

• Is there a fixed fee agreement?

• Can I pay by monthly Direct Debit?

• Are there any additional or exit fees?

• What happens if extra work is required?

  
  

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Look for value, service quality, and a commitment to your success — not just a low price tag.

The Importance of Technology

The accounting industry is evolving quickly. A forward-thinking accountant should be confident using both desktop and cloud-based tools.

Cloud accounting offers real-time access to your financial data, enabling faster decisions and more effective tax planning. Your accountant should also be familiar with tools that support:

• Secure client communication portals

• Digital compliance (e.g., Making Tax Digital)

• Modern apps and integrations

  
  

If they’re not embracing these tools, it could be a sign they’re falling behind.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has helped you understand the importance of finding the right accountant.

Our final tip: don’t rush your decision. At Glass Accountants, we offer a no-obligation, fixed-fee quote valid for 60 days — giving you time to compare your options and make an informed choice. ​ Book a consultation today and get your fixed fee quote: Contact us