FAQs

Good software handles the plumbing - bank feeds, categorisation, invoicing - but it does not replace professional judgement, and it will not do everything you need to stay compliant. I recently worked with a director who was approaching the VAT threshold. He knew the threshold existed - he just assumed it ran with the tax year. That kind of misunderstanding is exactly what falls through the cracks when you rely solely on software.

In another case, I reviewed a client's salary-and-dividends split and restructured it - saving them thousands in taxes they did not need to pay. No software is going to tell you whether to pay yourself via salary or dividends this quarter, flag that you are approaching the VAT threshold, or help you structure things properly before you take on investment. It just does not work like that.

Think of cloud accounting as the engine and your accountant as the driver. I make sure the numbers in your software are correct, compliant, and actually working in your favour.

Every client is different, may need some custom services, and has individual requirements. A typical package for a limited company covers annual accounts, corporation tax return, confirmation statement, and self-assessment. I also provide ongoing support, but I usually tailor services to actual needs to avoid unnecessary expenses. You will always know what you are paying before the work starts.

All fees are fixed and agreed before any work begins. There is no hourly billing and no clock running when you ask a question. If the scope of work changes - say you register for VAT or start employing people - we will discuss the additional work and agree a new fee before proceeding.

I work primarily with QuickBooks Online, but I am also comfortable with other leading packages and other cloud platforms. I have also developed a custom solution for smaller entities. If you are starting fresh, I will recommend what best fits your business.

I also build personalised automations where it makes sense. For example, I can set up integration between your accounting software and Slack to send notifications when invoices are paid, or connect your CRM so new client details automatically flow into your accounts. These automations reduce manual data entry and help you stay on top of key updates in real time.

If you are already using something and it is working, there is rarely a reason to switch. If you want to change processes, it is important to do it at the proper time, when there is an actual need.

It means I use technology to eliminate the repetitive parts of accounting - the data entry, the chasing, the formatting - so that more of your fee goes toward advice that actually matters. Where a traditional practice might spend hours on manual processes, I build and use automations to handle that work more quickly and accurately. The result is a leaner service that is a better value and less prone to human error.

As a client, you will always deal directly with me. There is no call centre or junior staff filtering your messages. I am available by email and video call, and I aim to respond to queries within one working day. For quick questions, you will not be billed extra.

If you ever have a time-sensitive or urgent issue outside standard working hours, I will do my best to respond promptly and support you as soon as possible. I would rather you ask than guess.

For most tech founders, a limited company starts to make sense once profits consistently hit around £30-35k a year. You get limited liability, a more tax-efficient way to pay yourself through a salary-and-dividends mix, and more credibility with clients and investors.

But if you are just starting out or testing an idea, a sole trader is simpler and cheaper to run - there is no point overcomplicating things before you need to. I can model both scenarios against your actual numbers.

The most common and tax-efficient approach for owner-directors is a combination of a low salary, typically set at the NI secondary threshold, and dividends. The optimal split depends on your personal circumstances - whether you have other income, your partner's tax position, and the company's profit. I calculate the most efficient structure for each client annually. It is not one-size-fits-all.

HMRC requires you to keep business records for at least six years. In practice, this means bank statements, invoices, receipts for expenses, payroll records if you employ anyone, and VAT records if registered.

If you are using cloud accounting software properly, most of this is handled automatically. The key gap I see with new clients is usually missing receipts for expenses - using a receipt capture app like Dext or Hubdoc solves this.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC's programme to move tax reporting online. If your company is VAT-registered, you are already required to file VAT returns through MTD-compatible software.

The next phase - MTD for Income Tax - will require sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000 to file quarterly digital updates from April 2026, with the £30,000 threshold following in April 2027. If you operate through a limited company only, MTD for Income Tax does not directly affect the company, but it may affect your personal Self Assessment if you have other income sources. I keep clients informed well ahead of any deadlines.

For a limited company, the main deadlines are accounts filed at Companies House within 9 months of your year-end, Corporation Tax return filed within 12 months of your year-end, Corporation Tax paid within 9 months and 1 day of your year-end, and your personal Self Assessment filed by 31 January following the tax year. VAT returns are due monthly or quarterly, depending on your scheme. I track all of these for you and send reminders well in advance - you will never be caught off guard.

Not much. It helps if you can bring or share access to your most recent set of accounts if you have them, your current accounting software login, your Companies House authentication code, and a rough idea of what is frustrating you about your current setup.

Do not worry if you are missing any of this - the first conversation is about understanding where you are and where you want to get to. Most clients complete onboarding and are fully up and running within two to four weeks, depending on how quickly information is provided. I will guide you through each step and make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.

Straightforward. Once you have signed our engagement letter, I will handle the professional clearance process - this is a standard communication with your previous accountant to confirm there are no outstanding issues. Most transitions are completed within two to four weeks. I will request copies of your records and previous filings, set up access to your software, and make sure everything is in order before your next deadline.

I specialise in UK limited companies run by UK-based directors, with a focus on tech-forward founders, freelance developers, consultants, and early-stage startups. My ideal clients are people who value efficiency, prefer clear communication over jargon, and want an accountant who understands how technology businesses actually work. If you are a sole trader considering incorporation, I can help with that transition too.

Yes. I am ACCA-qualified, hold a practising certificate, and have over 10 years of experience working with UK SMEs. I carry professional indemnity insurance, and I am supervised for anti-money laundering compliance.

ACCA members are bound by a code of ethics covering integrity, objectivity, professional competence, confidentiality, and professional behaviour. You can verify my membership through the ACCA Find an Accountant directory.