Choosing an accountant is not a decision most people make often. Get it right and you gain someone who keeps you on the right side of HMRC, shows you where your money is going and is there when a big decision comes up. Get it wrong and you tend to find out at the worst possible moment, usually a few days before a deadline.
Potter & Pollard have been accountants, business advisors and tax consultants for over 60 years, and our office is just outside the centre of Bournemouth. Whether you end up working with us or with someone else, these are the things we think are worth checking before you decide.
Start with what you need help with
“An accountant” covers a lot of ground. Before you compare firms, it helps to be clear about what you want from one.
- If you run a business, you will probably need year-end statutory accounts and a Corporation Tax return, and perhaps payroll or bookkeeping as well.
- If you are starting out, the early questions are about choosing a structure, registering with HMRC and setting up your records properly.
- If it is your own tax affairs, you are looking for help with Self Assessment and, if you are a landlord or self-employed, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
A good accountant will ask about this at the outset instead of selling you a package.
Six things to look for
1. A named person who knows your affairs
Ask who will actually look after you. Being passed to whoever happens to be free means every conversation starts from scratch. At Potter & Pollard your account is assigned a dedicated manager, so the person you call already understands your situation.
2. Fees you know in advance
Nobody enjoys an invoice they were not expecting. Ask how fees are set and whether they are agreed before the work begins. Ours are fixed and agreed with you up front, so you can budget for them.
3. A first meeting that costs nothing
You should be able to find out whether a firm suits you without paying for the privilege. We offer a free initial meeting to talk through what you need.
4. Freedom to do as much, or as little, as you like
Some owners want to keep their own books and hand over only the year end. Others would be happy never to see a receipt again. Either is fine with us. A firm that insists on one way of working may not be the right fit for you.
5. Deadlines that are kept
Late filing means penalties, and they land on you, not on your accountant. Ask how the firm keeps track of dates and when you can expect your work back. We tell you exactly when your work will be completed, and we keep to it.
6. Somewhere easy to meet
A great deal can be done by phone and email, but some conversations are better had in person. Our office has ample free parking, and we are just as happy to visit you at home or at your workplace.
Does it matter that your accountant is local?
Tax rules are the same in Bournemouth as they are anywhere else in the country, so in one sense it does not. In practice, being able to sit down together helps, particularly when you are starting a business, buying one or untangling something complicated.
We work with a network of clients throughout Dorset, from Poole and Christchurch to Dorchester and Weymouth, and we provide the same service wherever you are based.
What our clients say
The most useful guide to any firm is the people who already use it. You can read a selection of our clients’ Google reviews on this site. Prompt replies come up again and again, along with clear explanations and work finished on time.
Ready to talk?
If you are looking for an accountant in Bournemouth, we would be glad to hear from you. Call us on 01202 311 311 or get in touch to arrange a free initial meeting.
Common Questions
Do I legally need an accountant?
No. There is no legal requirement to use one, whether you are self-employed or run a limited company. Many people choose to because the rules are detailed, the deadlines are strict and mistakes can be expensive. It also gives you back the time you would otherwise spend on it.
How much does an accountant in Bournemouth cost?
It depends on what you need doing, so a firm that quotes without asking questions is guessing. Our fees are fixed and agreed with you in advance, after a free initial meeting to understand the work involved.
When is the best time to appoint an accountant?
As early as you can. If you are starting a business, decisions about structure and registration are easier to get right at the beginning than to correct later. If you are already trading, it helps to make the move well before your year end or the 31 January Self Assessment deadline.
Can you help if I only need a personal tax return?
Yes. We complete Self Assessment returns for individuals, including company directors, landlords and the self-employed, for a fixed yearly fee.
