Finding the right bookkeeper or knowing how to find an accountant is important for your business. The best bookkeeper will handle your finances accurately whilst helping you grow.
Small business bookkeeping can make or break your company. Many business owners struggle with financial management and compliance issues. Learning how do I get an accountant or bookkeeper can help with this problem.
Why You Need a Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper saves you time. You can spend more time growing your business instead of doing paperwork.
They help you follow tax rules. This keeps you out of trouble with the tax office.
They stop costly mistakes. Good bookkeepers catch errors before they cost you money.
What Your Business Needs
Every business is different. Think about how many bills and payments you have each month.
Small businesses usually need basic help like:
- Paying bills
- Tracking what you spend
- Checking bank records
Bigger businesses might need more help with:
- Paying staff
- Tax forms
- Money reports
What to Look For
A good accountant or bookkeeper should have proper training. Look for AAT certificates – these are well-known in the UK.
Find someone who knows your type of business. This helps them understand what you need when you’re learning how to find accountants who match your needs.
Check if they belong to professional groups. This shows they keep learning new things.
Training Levels
| Level | What They Can Do | Typical Jobs |
| AAT Level 2 | Basic work | Enter data, keep simple records |
| AAT Level 3 | More skills | Handle tax forms, pay staff |
| AAT Level 4 | Expert level | Make reports, give advice |
How Much Does It Cost?
Most UK businesses pay £200 to £600 each month for bookkeeping for small business help. The cost depends on how big and busy your business is.
Small businesses usually pay £100 to £500 monthly. This depends on how much work you have.
Basic help starts at £100 per month. More complex work can cost up to £2,000 for big businesses.
Cost Breakdown
| Service Level | Monthly Cost | What You Get |
| Basic Help | £100 – £300 | Bank checks, bill tracking |
| Standard Help | £300 – £600 | Tax forms, staff pay |
| Full Service | £600 – £1,200 | Reports, business advice |
Types of Bookkeepers
Full-time staff work just for you. They know your business well but cost more money.
Freelancers work for many businesses. They’re good for small businesses that don’t need much help.
Bookkeeper services for small business offer complete services. They have backup staff and insurance to protect you.
Questions to Ask
How do you keep my information safe? Your money details need protection from hackers.
What computer programs do you use? Modern bookkeepers should know cloud systems like Xero or QuickBooks.
Can you give me names of other clients? Talk to them about their experience.
Computer Systems
Good bookkeepers use modern, internet-based systems. These let you see your money information anytime, anywhere.
The system should work with your other business programs. This makes everything run smoother.
Being able to use it on your phone is helpful. Choose bookkeepers who can work from anywhere.
Warning Signs
Stay away from bookkeepers who offer very cheap prices. Good work takes time and skill.
Don’t use someone without insurance. This protects you if they make mistakes.
Avoid people who only want cash payments. Real professionals keep proper records.
Staying in Touch
Your bookkeeper should talk to you regularly. They should give you monthly reports and answer your questions.
Reports should be easy to understand. They should show the important parts of your business money.
Good bookkeepers answer quickly. They should respond to your questions fast and tell you about important dates.
Making Your Choice
Talk to at least three different bookkeepers. This helps you understand prices and quality.
Think about long-term relationships, not just saving money now. A good bookkeeper for business becomes a valuable business partner.
Start with a short trial. Many bookkeepers offer short contracts to show their value first.
Full Cost Comparison
| Type | Setup Cost | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
| Full-time Staff | £2,000 | £2,500 | £30,000+ |
| Freelancer | £100 | £200-500 | £2,400-6,000 |
| Company | £200 | £300-800 | £3,600-9,600 |
Prices in Different Areas
London bookkeepers charge more money. Expect to pay 20-30% more than other places.
Northern England has good prices. Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle offer good value.
Scotland and Wales are also good options. Quality bookkeepers charge fair prices there.
How to Find One
When figuring out how to find accountants or bookkeepers, professional groups have lists of members. The Association of Accounting Technicians lists qualified bookkeepers.
Websites connect businesses with bookkeepers. Sites like Bark and Checkatrade show reviewed professionals.
Ask other business owners who they use. Personal recommendations often work best when you need to know how do I get an accountant or bookkeeper.
Building a Good Relationship
Be clear about what you expect. Write down what they should do, when, and how you’ll talk.
Give them the papers they need quickly. Good bookkeepers need bank statements, bills, and receipts.
Look at reports regularly and ask questions. Business owners who pay attention get better service.
Common Questions
How do I find the right bookkeeper?
First, know what you need. Think about how much work you have and your budget.
Look at their training and experience. Find someone with AAT certificates and knowledge of your business type.
Talk to several people to compare. Ask about how they work, what programs they know, and how they communicate.How much should an accountant cost for a small business in the UK?
Small businesses usually pay £100 to £600 each month. Basic help starts around £100-300 monthly.
Businesses needing more help pay more. Expect £300-800 monthly for complete bookkeeping support.
Think about the value you get for the cost. Good bookkeepers save money by keeping accurate records and following tax rules.How do I choose a good accountant in the UK?
Check their training and memberships. Look for AAT or similar recognized certificates.
Make sure they have experience with businesses like yours. Knowledge of your industry helps them give better advice.
See how well they communicate and if they’re available when you need them. Regular contact and clear reports are important.What’s the difference between bookkeepers and accountants?
Bookkeepers handle daily money records. They process payments, check accounts, and keep accurate records.
Accountants give business advice about money. They study your numbers, prepare tax returns, and offer guidance.
Many professionals do both jobs. Choose based on what your business needs.How often should I meet with my bookkeeper?
Monthly meetings work well for most businesses. This lets you review your money situation and important dates regularly.
Every three months works for simpler businesses. Seasonal businesses might prefer this less frequent schedule.
Weekly contact helps complex businesses. High-volume operations need more frequent communication and support.Can I change bookkeepers easily?
Yes, changing bookkeepers is usually straightforward. Most professionals can transfer files and continue services smoothly.
Make sure the handover goes well. Ask for complete files and passwords for accounting software.
Give your current bookkeeper reasonable notice. Being professional helps maintain good relationships.What papers do I need to give them?
Bank statements are essential. Provide monthly statements for all business accounts.
Copies of bills help track income. Include both sales invoices and purchase receipts.
Expense receipts support tax deductions. Keep organized records of all business spending.Should I use cloud-based software?
Cloud software has many benefits. You can access it anytime, it backs up automatically, and you can work together easily.
Security is usually very good with trusted companies. Leading software companies spend lots of money on data protection.
It connects with your bank to save time. Automatic transaction feeds reduce manual data entry.What if my bookkeeper makes mistakes?
Professional bookkeepers have insurance. This protects against money losses from errors.
Talk about error procedures upfront. Good bookkeepers take responsibility and fix mistakes quickly.
Regular reviews help catch errors early. Monthly checks prevent small mistakes from becoming big problems.How do I know if I’m getting good value?
Compare your costs to what others pay. Research typical rates for similar businesses in your area.
Think about the time saved and stress reduced. Good bookkeepers free you to focus on growing your business.
Watch compliance and accuracy levels. Professional bookkeeping should eliminate tax penalties and reduce what you owe.
Conclusion
Finding the right bookkeeper is one of the best investments you can make for your business. A good bookkeeper doesn’t just keep your records tidy – they become a trusted partner who helps your business grow.
Remember these key points when choosing:
Take your time – Don’t rush the decision. Talk to several bookkeepers and compare what they offer.
Know your needs – Understand what help your business requires before you start looking.
Check their training – Look for proper qualifications like AAT certificates.
Ask questions – A good bookkeeper will be happy to explain how they work and answer your concerns.
Start small – Begin with a trial period to make sure they’re the right fit.
Think long-term – The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Focus on value and building a lasting relationship.
Good bookkeeping gives you peace of mind. You’ll know your money records are accurate, your taxes are handled properly, and you have more time to focus on what you do best – running your business.
Don’t wait until tax season or when problems arise. Start looking for a bookkeeper now, and give your business the financial foundation it deserves. With the right bookkeeper by your side, you can focus on growing your business while knowing your finances are in safe hands.
