How to find an accountant in London
Want an accountant in London? Start by working out what you need, because that decides who is worth speaking to. A sole trader who files a Self Assessment tax return has different needs from a limited company with staff, VAT returns and a growing team of contractors.
Write down a short brief before you contact anyone:
- Your business structure: sole trader, partnership or limited company.
- What you want done: bookkeeping, annual accounts, tax returns, payroll, VAT or general advice.
- Your sector, such as a trade, retail, professional services or e-commerce.
- How you prefer to work: in person, by video, or mostly through software.
With that brief, you can request up to three free quotes and compare like with like. It costs nothing and there is no obligation to appoint anyone. If you would rather browse first, our region hub shows how we cover other parts of the UK.
A local practice or an online accountant
London is a large city, so “local” can mean a practice on your high street or one a few Tube stops away. Neither is automatically better. What matters is how you want to work together.
A local practice suits you if you value face-to-face meetings, want someone to review paperwork with you, or have a more complicated set-up that benefits from conversation. Check how easily you can reach the office, and whether meetings are included in the fee or charged separately.
An online accountant suits you if your records are already digital and you are comfortable with email, messaging and video calls. Many online services use fixed packages, which makes costs easier to predict. The trade-off is that you may deal with different team members, and advice can be less tailored.
Many firms offer both, and the work is much the same either way: accounts, tax returns and VAT filings are submitted online whether you meet in person or not. Choose based on responsiveness and fit rather than postcode alone.
What an accountant can do for your business
The scope of the work depends on your structure, but typical services include:
- Annual accounts and tax returns. Limited companies file annual accounts with Companies House and a Corporation Tax return with HMRC. Sole traders file a Self Assessment tax return.
- VAT. If you are VAT-registered, your returns are filed under Making Tax Digital. An accountant can set up compatible software and submit the returns for you.
- Payroll. Employers run payroll through RTI (Real Time Information). An accountant can run this for you or check that your own process is correct.
- Bookkeeping. Keeping records tidy through the year makes everything else quicker and cheaper.
- Advice. This covers choosing a structure, planning for growth, taking on your first employee, and how to pay yourself.
To check the figures yourself before you speak to anyone, try our tools. For current rates, thresholds and deadlines, use our guides rather than relying on a page that may go out of date.
What accountants charge, and why fees vary
We do not publish average fees for London, because a single figure would mislead you. Quotes differ for sensible reasons:
- Complexity. Multiple income streams, property, overseas work or several directors take longer.
- Volume. More invoices, transactions and employees mean more work.
- Record quality. Tidy, up-to-date records cost less to process than a box of receipts.
- Service level. Compliance only is cheaper than ongoing advice, regular meetings or a named contact.
- Pricing model. Some firms charge a fixed monthly fee, others charge per task or by the hour.
When comparing quotes, ask exactly what is included, what counts as extra, and how the fee changes if your business grows. The cheapest quote is not always the best value if key work is excluded.
What to check before you sign an engagement letter
A reputable accountant should send you an engagement letter setting out the terms. Read it before you sign, and look for these points:
- Professional body. Many accountants belong to ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CIMA or AAT. You can check membership in the body’s public directory.
- Scope of work. Are the services you asked for listed clearly?
- Fees and billing. Check the amount, how often you are billed, and what triggers extra charges.
- Responsibilities. The letter should say what you provide, such as records and information, and what the accountant provides.
- Communication. Who will you deal with, and how quickly can you expect a reply?
- Ending the arrangement. Check the notice period and how your records are handed over.
If anything is unclear, ask before you sign. A good accountant will be happy to explain.
Frequently asked questions
Does my accountant need to be based in London?
No. Returns and accounts are filed online, so an accountant elsewhere in the UK can act for a London business. A London-based practice may be easier if you want regular in-person meetings, but a good online service can work just as well if your records are digital.
How do I check that an accountant working in London is properly qualified?
Ask which professional body they belong to, such as ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CIMA or AAT, then look them up in that body’s public directory. Also ask for an engagement letter so the services and fees are agreed in writing.
I run a small London business with a few staff. What should I ask for?
Ask whether the quote covers annual accounts, the tax return, VAT under Making Tax Digital if you are registered, and payroll through RTI. Say whether your sector is a trade, retail, professional services or e-commerce, so the accountant can tell you if they have relevant experience.