What’s in this post
- Key questions to ask before hiring an accountant in the UK
- How to check an accountant’s qualifications and registrations
- What services to look for and how they fit your needs
- Typical costs and fee structures for accountants
- Tips on how to check reviews, references, and get the right fit
Finding the right accountant can make a huge difference to your personal finances or your business. Whether you’re self-employed, running a small company, or simply want peace of mind at tax time, asking the right questions will help you choose an accountant who’s trustworthy, qualified, and right for your needs.
Below, we outline the most important questions to ask when choosing an accountant in the UK — and why they matter.
1. Are You Qualified and Registered?
In the UK, reputable accountants are usually members of professional bodies like AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales), or CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). Always ask what qualifications they hold and check they are registered with a recognised body – you can do this on their websites. This gives you protection if anything goes wrong.
2. What Services Do You Provide?
Some accountants only handle tax returns, while others offer bookkeeping, payroll, business advice, and financial planning. Be clear about what you need now — and what you might need in the future. It’s helpful to choose an accountant who can grow with you.
3. What Experience Do You Have with Clients Like Me?
If you’re a freelancer, sole trader, landlord, or run a limited company, make sure your accountant has experience working with similar clients. Industry-specific knowledge can save you money and time — for example, if you work in retail, hospitality, creative industries, technology, research, consulting, etc.
4. How Do You Charge and What Will It Cost?
Some accountants charge hourly, some offer fixed fees, and others work on monthly retainers. Ask for clear pricing and what’s included. Avoid surprises by checking if there are extra charges for calls, emails, or additional tax advice.
5. How Will We Communicate?
Will you have a dedicated point of contact? Can you call, email, or meet in person? In today’s world, many accountants offer online portals and cloud accounting tools. Make sure their way of working suits you.
6. What Happens If I Get Audited?
HMRC do undertake compliance checks across a range of personal and business filings, so ensuring that these are submitted correctly and compliantly is essential. A good accountant should be confident explaining how they’d support you if HMRC audits you. This shows they stand by their work and will help you handle any issues.
Final Tips Before You Decide
- Ask for References — Reputable accountants will happily share testimonials or let you speak to existing clients.
- Check Online Reviews — Look on Google, Trustpilot or LinkedIn for genuine client feedback.
- Meet First — Many accountants offer a free initial consultation. Use this to see if you feel comfortable with them.
Choosing an Accountant Shouldn’t Be a Guessing Game
The right accountant will help you stay compliant, save tax where possible, and give you confidence that your finances are in safe hands. Take time to ask these questions — and don’t be afraid to shop around until you find the best fit.
Need help finding a trusted accountant near you? Choosing the right accountant is critical to your business. You need to ensure that the person looking after your business finances is as committed to your success as you are. The right accountant will take time to get to know you and understand your goals for the business. If they don’t, you need to look elsewhere.
At Driver Accountancy we are committed to delivering modern, proactive accounting services for personal and business finances. We would love to learn more about you, and/or your company to find out how we can help drive your success – schedule a call with us below.
