What should I be asking potential accountants

[midlandscontractor]

Hi all,

I've just landed a contract to start in April, previously been working as an employed consultant for an agency (desperate times,out of work for 4 months). So I've called a lot of the accountants recommended her but wanted some advise about what would I be asking in specific? I'll be the only shareholder in my company and the initial contract is for 6 months, Have no clue when is comes to accounting...just don't want too break the law or owe Mr. taxman anything. Advise would be much appreciated Thank you.

[Louisa@InTouch]

Most contractor accountants are likely offer similar packages.

If it's a monthly fee, I would ask what's not included - in case there are services that you might need as a newbie that you may be charged for later.

As a newbie, if you've not done this before, you will need guidance and support. So make sure you have a main point of contact and can ask as many questions as you like!

[northernladuk]

Asking them if they like gladiators and if they know how to bleed radiators.

[Louisa@InTouch]

Asking them if they like gladiators and if they know how to bleed radiators.

Or if they have a husband that can bleed them for you?!

[VillageContractor]

A lot of them will offer free company formation so worth checking

[Fred Bloggs]

Looking ahead, I'd ask if they provide a FreeAgent account as part of the deal. You'll know where you are financially, and makes your accounts more portable when you change accountants. That will be my next move anyway.

[Michael at BI Accountancy]

just don't want too break the law or owe Mr. taxman anything.

You'll find it difficult to not owe Mr. taxman anything without breaking the law!

All joking aside, as other's have suggested, ask them what bookkeeping software they provide (if any), maybe ask them for a demonstration of the software to see if you are comfortable with it. Personally I would say FreeAgent is the way to go.

As Louisa has mentioned, check what's not included.

[Waldorf]

Ask them about the qualifications of the staff who will look after you. Ideally go for an accountant who have one person solely looking after you. Obviously this is not always possible due to holidays etc, but if your accountant really gets to know you then you will benefit.

Some accountants use different staff for separate tasks, so you may have one doing your salary, one for VAT, one for queries, one for accounts etc. This isn't ideal and I would avoid this.

Get closed up on accountancy qualifications, some will try and fool you by quoting something like 'ACCA registered' , this usually means that they are a student, not always a problem, we all have to learn, but ensure you know what you are letting yourself in for.

[northernladuk]

No point asking something when the answer doesn't mean anything to you IMO. Pick one of the recent recommendations from established posters or try one of the accountants that post good advice on here.

[Waldorf]

No point asking something when the answer doesn't mean anything to you IMO. Pick one of the recent recommendations from established posters or try one of the accountants that post good advice on here.

The problem with that is that the person answering queries on here is unlikely to be personally looking after your accounts. If you think that they truly reflect the standards of the company then fair enough.