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Top 5 Business Accountancy Firms in the UK
All accountancy firms are different, and some will be more suited to your business than others. Explore the best five firms here...
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Top 5 Business Accountancy Firms in the UK
All accountancy firms are different, and some will be more suited to your business than others. Explore the best five firms here...
Running a business can be a lot of fun. Doing the accounting for your business, not so much. So why not just hand over all of those tedious tasks to an accountancy firm and focus your efforts on the things you actually enjoy?
All firms are different; some will be more suited to meeting your needs than others. With an estimated 40,275 accountancy firms in the UK, finding the right one can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, after reading this article, you’ll be more informed on what’s out there for you!
What is Business Accountancy?
Outsourced accountancy involves hiring external professionals to carry out your accounting on your behalf. These may be individual, self-employed accountants or international mega-corporations like Deloitte or PWC. They will offer a range of services, including bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll, and many others.
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Top 5 Business Accounting Firms: Our Verdict
Before we kick things off, we just want to make it clear that this isn’t just a straight shootout for who is the best. So, if you wanted some sort of fight to the death, gladiator style (but with spreadsheets instead of swords), we’re sorry to disappoint.Â
Instead, we’re having a look at what five firms have to offer, their pros and cons, and anything else that will help you make a decision on which is best for you. However, to speed things up even more than the table you’ll see below, we’ve put all of our five picks in a list, so you can click any that you want to explore further.Â
| Firm | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Brookson Group Ltd | Contractors & freelancers needing IR35 compliance and legal support. | Tailored pricing. |
| Clever Accounts Ltd | Small businesses & startups needing cost-effective solutions. | From £37.50 + VAT/month for sole traders. |
| ForeTwo Group Ltd | Contractors, freelancers, & CIS subcontractors needing compliance. | Freelancer tiers: £110-£150 + VAT/month. |
| Mazuma | Small & micro businesses, freelancers, and sole traders. | From £38 + VAT/month. |
| Azets | SMEs needing comprehensive accounting & financial advisory services. | Tailored pricing model; contact for quote. |
Brookson Group Ltd
Best for contractors and freelancers, especially those seeking help with off-payroll IR35 compliance and legal support.
- Pros
- Comprehensive service offerings.
- Strong focus on IR35 compliance.
- User-friendly online portal for account management.
- Cons
- No transparent pricing.
Founded in 1995, Brookson Group Ltd has over 20 years of experience helping contractors, freelancers and small businesses with their accounts.
It offers access to in-house legal experts for comprehensive legal reviews and guidance, management of limited company finances (including payroll, tax returns and annual accounts), help with PAYE and NI contributions with no hidden costs, and help with CIS registration, receiving and processing gross payments, supporting the completion of your SATR and deducting the correct amounts.
Specific pricing information is not publicly available. All quotes are tailored to your needs.
Clever Accounts Limited
Best for small businesses and startups seeking cost-effective accounting solutions with personalised support.
- Pros
- Affordable pricing plans.
- User-friendly online platform.
- Cons
- Not great for larger enterprises with complex needs.
- Mostly an online service.
Clever Accounts has been in the game for nearly 20 years. In that time, it’s provided online accounting services and software for a range of businesses. its focus, however, is on smaller enterprises, sole traders, and start-ups.Â
With over 10,000 businesses helped, it aims to make its accountancy support as streamlined and hassle-free as possible. This is through its commitment to providing a friendly, straightforward and concise service.
It offers cloud-based software to provide you with real-time updates, expert advice and quarterly submission using MTD-compliant software, full payroll services (including payslip generation), dividend and salary calculations, and support from its in-house, dedicated IR35 specialists. CAL’s pricing can be found below:
Contractors and Freelancers: From £52.25 + VAT per month
Limited Companies: From £52.25 + VAT per month
Sole Traders: From £37.50 + VAT per month
Construction Industry: £270, including VAT, per year
Landlords: From £32.50, including VAT, per month
New Startups: Free company formation
ForeTwo Group Limited
Best for contractors, freelancers, and CIS subcontractors looking for tailored solutions.
- Pros
- Tailored services for contractors, freelancers, and self-employed workers.
- flexibility with pricing and services.
- Strong emphasis on compliance with tax and employment legislation.
- Cons
- Lack of pricing transparency.
With over 90 years of collective experience and their two core values of ‘delivering outstanding service’ and ‘compliance,’ ForeTwo is a firm you can trust. It proudly places integrity, moral values, and dedication to helping its clients above all else.
It covers a range of business needs but has a particularly strong focus on contractors, freelancers, and those in the construction industry. Its services include simplified payroll solutions for contractors who want to avoid setting up their own company, dedicated services for subcontractors in the construction industry, guidance to maximise your tax positions, and bookkeeping services.Â
ForeTwo Group operates on a tailored pricing model, requiring potential clients to request a quote for specific services. However, for freelancers, they do offer three tiers of pricing per month:
ForeTwo Essential (£110+VAT)
ForeTwo Assist (£130+VAT)
ForeTwo Alliance (£150+VAT)
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Mazuma
Best for small and micro businesses, freelancers, and sole traders looking for fully online accountacy.
- Pros
- Affordable pricing.
- Flexible document submission methods.
- Personalised support from dedicated accountants.
- Cons
- Primarily operates online.
- Mainly serves smaller businesses.
Mazuma changed the game when they pioneered cloud-based accountancy systems. It then went on to become the first firm to offer subscription-based services. Today, it’s the largest UK business to follow this model.Â
Its innovation has paid off, and countless businesses trust Mazuma to handle their accounting needs. And with more awards you can shake a stick at, Mazuma and their iconic purple logo are one of the most decorated accountancy firms out there.Â
Its services include help with tax returns, ensuring they’re properly completed and submitted on time, managing your finances with complete services that handle your end-of-year accounts, payroll services, and Business Set Up, which offers a package including company incorporation, registering your office, and assistance with setting up a business bank account.Â
Mazuma’s pricing ranges from £38 + VAT per month.
Azets
Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking for comprehensive accounting and financial advice services.
- Pros
- Accessible support from 75 offices across the UK.
- Deep expertise in specific industries.
- Tailored pricing may be more affordable than choosing a firm with a set monthly price.
- Cons
- Pricing is not publicly available, which makes it difficult for those on a budget to assess affordability.
Azets is the largest firm we’re reporting on today. It operates in 6 countries, with 75 offices being staffed by over 3,800 members of staff up and down the country. Unlike the others we’ve mentioned, Azets is able to handle the accounting needs of medium to large-size businesses.Â
With a cabinet full of awards from Xero’s ‘National Partner of the Year’ in 2022, it’s easy to see why it has over 90,000 clients on the books.Â
It offers tailored accounting and advisory solutions to support your business’s growth, comprehensive audit and assurance services, business consultancy (which offers expert advice to assist with debt advisory, business improvement, and corporate finance), and help with managing your business documents and international services.Â
Azets operates on a tailored pricing model, meaning that there are no set monthly prices. This comes with its own pros and cons, as mentioned above.
Benefits of Business Accountancy
Apart from taking away the incredibly boring task of filling out a bunch of forms, outsourcing your accounts has loads of great benefits. Below, we’ve named eight ways this can help your business.
Cost-Effective
The average cost of hiring an in-house accountant is £37,214 annually, and that’s without benefits and training. Outsourcing costs anywhere between £25 and £600 per hour, depending on your required services, but is still cheaper overall.Â
You can even opt for a pay-as-you-go option to cherry-pick services and avoid long-term commitments.
Access to Experts
Accountants provide industry-specific expertise and deeply understand complex tax laws, compliance, and ever-changing regulations. Some industries, like construction and healthcare, need to follow specific rules the CIS and NHS set out. Outsourcing makes sure that you always stay on the right side of these regulatory bodies.Â
Save Time
Small business owners spend 120 hours each year on bookkeeping. Outsourcing lets you reclaim this time to focus on other areas of your business or spend it away from work and with your loved ones.
Improved Compliance
Compliance breaches can lead to severe fines and potentially irreversible reputational damage. Outsourced accounts keep your business compliant with Making Tax Digital (MTD), GDPR, and AML laws.
Enhanced Financial Accuracy
Professional accountants use advanced tools like Xero and Sage for real-time tracking and error reduction. Cloud accounting gives you instant access to key metrics like expenses and cash flow, helping you to improve accuracy and decision-making.
Scalability and Flexibility
Firms now offer more flexible packages to let you pick and choose what you need and when you need it. This means that the service can scale with your growth. Tourism, retail, hospitality, and other seasonal businesses can benefit from this by increasing efficiency and cutting costs during off-peak periods.
Strategic Insights and Decision-Making
Accountants offer insights on potential growth opportunities, scenario planning, and cash flow forecasting. They can help you evaluate the cost and viability of large financial decisions like expanding your operations or launching a new product.
Increased Financial Confidence
Having a series of accurate reports prepared by professionals makes your business more attractive to potential investors.Â
Consistent Support and Expertise
If your accountants offer dedicated account managers, then this provides you with personalisation and continuity. Accountants also update you on regulatory changes and provide tailored guidance to meet your needs.
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How to Choose the Right Firm for You
Industry Experience: Specialised accountants understand sector-specific challenges. For example:
- Healthcare: NHS funding, payroll management, and compliance.
- Retail: VAT reporting, inventory tracking, and Brexit regulations.
- Construction: CIS compliance and project accounting.
- Technology: R&D tax credits and cross-border tax laws.
Technology Integration: Accountants using cloud platforms like Xero and AI-powered tools automate processes, reduce errors, and provide real-time financial insights. Confirm that they are compatible with any existing systems you use for seamless data sharing and enhanced efficiency.
Reputation and Reviews: Check sites like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Glassdoor for real-world feedback on the firm. See what certifications they hold, like ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW. Ask for case studies and testimonials (even better if they’re from your industry) and how they benefitted these businesses.
Communication and Accessibility: Look for dedicated account managers for personalised support. How long are their response times, and what are their preferred communication methods (calls, emails, meetings)? Clear and regular communication is important at all times, but even more so during peak periods like tax season.
Pricing and Transparency: Request a detailed pricing proposal, including all fees, in an easy-to-understand format. Choose a firm with transparent pricing that aligns with your budget. Payment models may vary—monthly, hourly, or pay-as-you-go options are common.
How Can I Get Business Accountancy For My Business?
Hopefully, you’re a bit clearer on some of the UK’s leading accountancy firms and which one is best for your business.Â
Now, you’re probably wondering, “How do I find the right accountants for my business?”
Well, we’ve made it super simple to get started. Just answer the question below to start our quick questionaire then, based on your responses, you’ll receive a range of personalised business accountancy quotes tailored to your unique needs.Â
This service is completely free, and there’s no obligation to commit. So, if you’re not happy with the options, you can walk away without spending a thing.
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FAQs
How do I choose the right accountancy firm for my business?
Look for a firm with industry experience, transparent pricing, and relevant services. Check customer reviews to see what real people say about them, and always confirm they offer the solutions your business needs.
How much does outsourced accounting cost?
Prices vary based on services and business complexity. Some firms, like Clever Accounts Ltd, offer fixed monthly fees (starting from £37.50 + VAT), while others provide custom pricing based on what your business requires.
Can an outsourced accountant help with tax compliance?
Yes, they handle tax returns and VAT submissions and ensure HMRC compliance. This helps you avoid any penalties and optimise your tax efficiency.
How can I get accountancy services for my business?
Well, we’ve made it super simple to get started. Just tap the button on the left to start our quick questionnaire then, based on your responses, you’ll receive a range of personalised business accountancy quotes tailored to your unique needs.Â
This service is completely free, and there’s no obligation to commit. So, if you’re not happy with the options, you can walk away without spending a thing.
