How to Find a Good Accountant in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
Published 7th of January 2013·Updated 5 April 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
A good accountant saves you more money than they cost. To find one, look for qualifications from a recognised body such as the ICAEW, ACCA or CIMA, check they have experience in your specific situation (self-employed, limited company, landlord), and compare fees from at least three firms before committing.
Short Summary
In the UK, anyone can legally call themselves an accountant without holding a qualification. Always check that the person you hire is a member of a recognised professional body, as this ensures they carry professional indemnity insurance and follow ethical rules.
The main accountancy bodies in the UK are the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Membership of any of these is a strong quality signal.
Fees vary widely. A sole trader might pay £200 to £600 per year for basic self-assessment support; a limited company might pay £800 to £3,000 or more depending on complexity. Always agree a fee in writing before work begins.
If you are a small business owner or self-employed, HMRC's Making Tax Digital programme means your accountant should be experienced with compatible software such as QuickBooks, Xero or Sage.
Why qualifications matter when choosing an accountant
Any person in the UK can call themselves an accountant without formal training. This matters because an unqualified accountant is not obliged to hold professional indemnity insurance, follow ethical guidelines, or maintain their knowledge through continuing professional development. If they make a costly error on your tax return, you may have no recourse.
A qualified accountant regulated by the ICAEW, ACCA or CIMA must carry indemnity insurance, follow a code of conduct, and can be reported to their professional body if things go wrong. Check membership on the relevant body's public register before you hire.
What type of accountant do you need?
Different situations call for different expertise. The table below outlines the most common scenarios.
| Situation | Type of accountant to look for |
|---|---|
| Self-employed / sole trader | General practice accountant with self-assessment experience |
| Limited company | Accountant experienced in company accounts and corporation tax |
| Landlord | Accountant with property tax knowledge (letting income, capital gains) |
| Growing SME | Accountant with management accounts and VAT experience |
| Contractor (inside or outside IR35) | Accountant specialising in contractor taxation |
Being clear about what you need before you start searching saves time and helps you assess whether a firm is genuinely suitable.
How to find candidates
Start with the professional body directories. The ICAEW's "Find a Chartered Accountant" tool and the ACCA's "Find an Accountant" directory let you search by location and specialisation. Both are free to use. You can also ask for recommendations from other business owners in your sector, your bank, or your financial adviser.
For small businesses and sole traders, local independent accountants often provide more personalised service at a lower cost than large national firms. For complex situations such as international tax or company mergers, a larger firm with dedicated specialists may be worth the additional fee.
Questions to ask before you hire
Contact at least three firms and ask each of them:
- Are you a member of a recognised accountancy body, and can I verify this?
- Do you have clients in my industry or situation?
- Who will actually handle my account day-to-day, and can I meet them?
- What is your fee structure, and is it fixed or hourly?
- How do you communicate with clients, and what are your typical response times?
- Are you registered for Making Tax Digital?
A firm that cannot answer these questions clearly, or that resists a straightforward conversation before you sign, is worth approaching with caution.
How to compare fees fairly
Accountancy fees vary based on the complexity of your affairs and the firm's location. Ask each firm for a written fee proposal that specifies exactly what is included. Common inclusions are the annual self-assessment or company accounts, VAT returns and payroll. Less obvious exclusions include ad hoc advice, correspondence with HMRC on your behalf, and bookkeeping.
Compare proposals on a like-for-like basis. A firm quoting £400 per year that excludes VAT returns may be more expensive overall than one quoting £700 that includes them.
FAQ
Do I need a qualified accountant by law?
No. UK law does not require individuals or businesses to use a qualified accountant for tax returns or accounts. However, Companies House requires limited company accounts to comply with specific formats, and errors can attract HMRC penalties. For anything beyond simple self-assessment, a qualified accountant is strongly advisable.
What is the difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper records your day-to-day financial transactions: invoices in, payments out, bank reconciliations. An accountant uses those records to prepare accounts, tax returns, and financial analysis. Many small businesses use a bookkeeper to maintain records cheaply, then hire an accountant annually for the accounts and tax work.
Can I switch accountants easily?
Yes. You are not locked into an accountancy firm. When you switch, your new accountant will typically request your previous records and a "professional clearance" letter from the old firm, which outlines any outstanding matters. Your old firm is professionally obliged to respond promptly. Check your contract for any notice period before switching.
How do I know if my accountant is doing a good job?
A good accountant files your returns on time, notifies you of deadlines in advance, proactively flags tax-saving opportunities, and responds to queries within a reasonable time (typically two to three working days for non-urgent matters). If your accountant is consistently slow to respond or you receive unexpected HMRC penalties, it is worth reviewing the relationship.
Should I use an online accountancy service instead of a local firm?
Online accountancy services such as Crunch, Coconut and FreeAgent's partner network can work well for straightforward situations such as freelancers and sole traders. They tend to be cheaper than traditional firms and offer automated bookkeeping. They are less suitable for complex affairs, property portfolios, or businesses that need regular face-to-face strategic advice.