Whether you're a start-up founder, scaling up, running a lifestyle business, freelancing, or simply an individual seeking personal tax advice, an accountant can make a huge difference to managing your finances effectively.
Whatever your circumstances, naturally you'll want to know the answer to the key question, how much will this cost, and why?
Whilst no two client situations are likely to be identical, this page will walk you through:
Our goal is that by reading this, you’ll understand how and why we price things — so when you request a quote, it doesn't feel like a confusing mystery.
We calculate fees based on the time required to complete the work, with our hourly rates reflecting the qualifications, skills, and experience of the team members involved. The amount of time we spend working on your account will be reflected by the complexity of your finances and circumstances, and the scope of services required.
Depending on your needs, we offer:
Hourly billing
This can be ideal for one-off projects or unpredictable workloads.
Fixed-fee packages
These are tailored bundles of services at a specific price for a set period.
Monthly plans
A payment mechanism based on predictable instalments for on-going professional support.
What drives fees up? |
What drives fees down? |
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The complexity of your affairs Some examples of intricate business matters include multi-entity structures, multiple income streams, and various overseas operations.
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Records If your records are accurate, organised, and up to date then this requires less time for us to conduct our work.
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High transaction volume Where this is the case then this will likely require more bookkeeping and reconciliation time.
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Systems and software If you use cloud accounting tools whereby we can access your records and transactions quickly and directly for review.
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Sector-specific requirements Some sectors have their own separate reporting such as charities which have to comply with SORP, or financial institutions, payment service providers, investment firms, and insurance companies having to adhere to FCA compliance.
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Size of organisation If your business is smaller with fewer transactions taking place then this means a lower time requirement.
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Urgent deadlines Quick turn around times as a result of tight deadlines can result in compressed planning and schedules. This then likely requires additional resource allocation to complete the work within the time limit.
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Service requirement If you require a limited range of compliance services (e.g., annual accounts only) then this is less sophisticated and complicated compared to some advisory work and likely won't result in so many hours of work.
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Specialist high level advice This could be for matters such as complex tax planning, corporate restructuring, or R&D tax claims. Sophisticated, high skill level work.
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Delivery requirement If you commit to standard turnaround times. That means urgent delivery and the additional people and resources to fulfil tight deadlines won't be needed.
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Firms at the higher end of the market often:
Employ highly qualified staff with niche specialisms
Offer pro-active advisory and planning, not just compliance
Invest in robust systems, cybersecurity, and training
Dedicate more time per client to items such as strategy and support
Lower fees can be due to:
Offshore processing of certain services with UK-based work limited to reviewing
Little or no advisory service offering — purely compliance work
Less investment in technology or staff development
Higher client-to-staff ratios, meaning less personal attention and interaction
For some clients, these models are perfectly adequate. For others, they may create hidden risks or missed opportunities.
When comparing firms, consider:
Your business stage – are you starting out, scaling up, or in more mature operations
Your industry’s compliance demands
The scope of advice you want – how much will be reactive vs. the need for pro-active planning and analysis
Our quotes are put together to cover an agreed scope of work with you. Depending on your pricing model, additional fees may arise if:
New services are requested mid-year
Additional, unexpected meetings or consultations are needed
Complex, unforeseen issues emerge that need urgent attention and resolving
We will always endeavour to discuss the need for extra charges with you before commencing any additional work.
Where we're a strong fit |
When we may not be the right choice |
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If you want a long-term partner invested in helping you achieve your goals. |
If you only need the lowest possible fee with minimal interaction. |
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If you value pro-active advice that goes well beyond compliance. |
If you only want transactional, year-end compliance services. |
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If you prefer clear communication and a transparent process. |
To illustrate how scope impacts the level of fees, here are some examples to consider:
Freelance creative – annual accounts, self-assessment tax return, and bookkeeping support.
Retail SME – monthly management accounts, VAT returns, payroll, year-end, and tax planning.
Growing tech start-up – multi-entity consolidation, R&D tax credits, board-level advisory, and compliance.
So, whilst we can’t publish exact numbers, these scenarios show how different needs require different time commitments — and therefore different levels of investment.
Do you bill for phone calls and quick questions?
Short clarifications are usually included in our fees. Extended consultations may be billable — we’ll be sure to tell you upfront.
Can I change my package mid-year?
Yes — we can potentially adjust your plan and level of fees if and / or / when your needs change.
Do I need to pay for software licences?
Some are included; others (such as specialist add-ons) may be charged separately.
What if I exceed my agreed hours?
We’ll notify you before additional time is committed to and billed.
If you’d like to discuss your specific needs and receive a bespoke quote, then be sure to get in touch today. We’ll explain exactly what’s included, when it will be delivered, and how the investment will contribute to helping you realise your aspirations.
Please also be aware that information provided on this page is subject to regular legal and regulatory change. We recommend that you do not take any information held
