How to choose an accountant
The right accountant saves you money and stress; the wrong one costs you both. Because anyone in the UK can call themselves an accountant, the choice is really about verifying a few things before you commit. Here is what to check, in order.
1. Check they are qualified and supervised
Start with accountability, not price. Every business doing accountancy work is legally required to be supervised for anti-money-laundering, by HMRC or a professional body - so a firm with no supervision at all is a warning sign. Beyond that legal minimum, membership of a professional body (ICAEW, ACCA, AAT, CIMA) means the accountant is qualified, insured and bound by a code of conduct. You can confirm both on the public record before you make contact.
Check a firm's status on the register →
2. Match them to your business
A good fit matters more than a big name. A contractor, an e-commerce seller and a dental practice have very different needs. Ask whether the firm regularly works with businesses like yours, and which services you actually need - Self Assessment, company accounts, VAT, payroll, bookkeeping or ongoing advice. A firm that specialises in your situation will spot things a generalist misses.
3. Understand the fee model
Get the pricing in writing and know what is included. Fixed fees and monthly packages are now the norm; hourly billing makes budgeting hard. Check whether the quote covers everything you need or whether extras (an extra VAT return, a director's personal return, chasing late records) are billed on top. See our guide to accountant costs for typical 2025-26 ranges.
4. Check how they work
Most firms now run on cloud software such as Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent or Sage. If you already use one, a firm certified in it will be smoother to work with. Also ask about responsiveness - how quickly they reply, and whether you get a named contact rather than a call centre.
Red flags
- No anti-money-laundering supervision and no professional-body membership.
- Vague or verbal-only pricing, or no engagement letter.
- Pressure to sign quickly, or a quote far below everyone else with no explanation.
- No clear point of contact, or slow, evasive answers to the questions above.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask an accountant before hiring them?
Ask who supervises them for anti-money-laundering, which professional body they belong to, what is included in the fee and what costs extra, how they prefer to work (which software), and whether you will have a named point of contact. A reputable firm answers all of these easily.
Local accountant or online - does it matter?
Less than it used to. Most accountancy is now done through cloud software, so a remote firm can serve you well and often costs less. A local firm can help if you value face-to-face meetings or have complex, hands-on needs. Either way, the checks are the same: qualified, supervised, right fit, clear fees.
What is an engagement letter?
A written agreement setting out exactly what the accountant will do, what it costs, and what each side is responsible for. A firm that will not provide one is a red flag - it is standard professional practice.
How do I switch accountants?
You appoint the new firm and sign an authority; they then request your records and history from the old firm through a standard "professional clearance" process. You do not have to handle the handover yourself, and you can switch at any time.