27 Jan Looking For an Accountant for Freelancers? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know First
So you've taken the plunge into freelancing. Congratulations! You're your own boss, you set your own hours, and you get to do work you actually enjoy. But here's the thing nobody warns you about: the admin. Specifically, the financial admin.
Between chasing invoices, tracking expenses, and trying to figure out what on earth you can claim as a business expense, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That's where a good accountant comes in. But how do you find the right one?
Not all accountants are created equal, and what works for a large limited company might not be the best fit for a freelancer or contractor like you. Here are ten things you should know before you make that decision.
1. Do They Actually Understand Freelancer Life?
The best accountant for you is one who gets what it's like to work for yourself.
Freelancing comes with its own unique challenges. Irregular income. Multiple clients. That constant juggle between doing the work and running the business side of things. You need an accountant who understands that your situation isn't the same as someone running a shop or managing a team of employees.
Ask potential accountants about their experience with freelancers and contractors. Do they have other self-employed clients? Are they familiar with the specific tax rules that apply to you? If they look a bit blank when you mention IR35 or ask about allowable expenses for home working, that might be a red flag.
2. Check Their Qualifications (But Don't Get Hung Up on Acronyms)
Professional credentials matter, but so does practical experience.
You'll come across a lot of letters after names when you're searching for an accountant: CPA, ACCA, ICAEW, AAT, CIMA. These qualifications show that someone has passed rigorous exams and understands accounting principles inside out.
However, qualifications alone don't tell the whole story. Someone might have every certificate going but still not be the right fit for your needs. Look for a combination of proper credentials and genuine experience working with people like you.
3. What Services Do They Actually Offer?
Make sure they can help with everything you need: not just your tax return.
At a minimum, you'll probably need help with your self-assessment tax return. But what about bookkeeping? VAT returns if you're registered? What happens if you decide to go limited down the line?
A good accountant for freelancers should offer a range of services that can grow with you. Think about:
- Tax return preparation and filing
- Bookkeeping and expense tracking
- VAT registration and returns
- Advice on business structure (sole trader vs limited company)
- Management accounts if you want a clearer picture of how things are going
At Harrison's Accountancy, we offer all of these services and more. We're not just here to tick boxes once a year: we want to be genuinely useful to you throughout the year.
4. Are They Comfortable with Cloud Accounting Software?
Modern accountants should work with modern tools.
Gone are the days of shoeboxes full of receipts and endless spreadsheets (thank goodness). Cloud-based accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and FreshBooks has completely transformed how freelancers manage their finances.
Your accountant should be proficient in these platforms. Better yet, they should be able to help you get set up and make the most of the software's features.
We're proud to be a Xero Platinum Partner, which means we know the platform inside out. If you're already using Xero, we can slot right in. If you're not, we can help you get started and show you how to make your bookkeeping as painless as possible.
5. Do They Communicate in Plain English?
If your accountant can't explain things clearly, that's a problem.
Here's a confession: accountancy can be a bit jargon-heavy. But a good accountant should be able to translate all that technical language into something you can actually understand.
When you're chatting with a potential accountant, pay attention to how they explain things. Do they use plain English? Do they check that you've understood? Or do they seem to expect you to already know what everything means?
You should never feel embarrassed to ask questions. And if an accountant makes you feel silly for not knowing something, they're probably not the right fit.
6. Can They Help You with Tax Returns (Without the Stress)?
For many freelancers, tax season is anxiety season. It doesn't have to be.
Let's be honest: a lot of people find dealing with HMRC stressful. If the thought of your tax return keeps you up at night, you're definitely not alone.
The right accountant won't just file your return; they'll take the whole thing off your plate. They'll gather what they need, keep you informed without overwhelming you, and make sure everything is submitted correctly and on time.
At Harrison's Accountancy, we specialise in helping people who get anxious about their accounts. We know that for some people, even opening a letter from HMRC can trigger panic. We're here to handle all of that for you, so you can focus on what you do best.
7. What's Their Pricing Structure?
Transparent pricing means no nasty surprises.
Nobody likes hidden fees. Before you commit to an accountant, make sure you understand exactly what you're paying for.
Some accountants charge by the hour, others offer fixed-fee packages. Both approaches can work, but you need to know which model you're dealing with. Ask for a clear breakdown of costs, and don't be afraid to ask what happens if your situation changes or you need extra help.
A good accountant will be upfront about their fees from the start. If someone seems evasive about pricing, take that as a warning sign.
8. Do They Offer More Than Just Number-Crunching?
The best accountants act like a financial partner, not just a service provider.
Tax returns and bookkeeping are important, but they're really just the basics. What sets a great accountant apart is their ability to offer genuine business advice.
Think of it this way: wouldn't it be helpful to have someone who could look at your numbers and tell you whether you're pricing your services right? Or flag that you might benefit from registering for VAT? Or help you plan for a quieter period?
At Harrison's Accountancy, we like to think of ourselves as your outsourced CFO. We're not just here to record what's already happened: we want to help you make smarter decisions going forward. Our management accounts services are designed to give you real insight into your business, not just a pile of reports.
9. Will They Help You Stay Compliant?
The rules keep changing. Your accountant should keep you up to date.
Tax laws and regulations don't stand still. Making Tax Digital, changes to National Insurance, new rules around expenses: there's always something shifting.
A good accountant stays on top of these changes so you don't have to. They should proactively let you know when something affects you, rather than waiting for you to ask.
They should also ensure you're registered with the right bodies and meeting your obligations. In the UK, this includes things like compliance with Money Laundering Regulations and registration with the Information Commissioner's Office if you're handling client data.
10. Do They Actually Care About You?
Personal service makes all the difference.
This might sound a bit soft, but it matters. You want an accountant who sees you as a person, not just another file number.
When you contact them, do they respond promptly? Do they remember your situation, or do you have to explain everything from scratch each time? Do they seem genuinely interested in helping you succeed?
Freelancing can be lonely sometimes. Having an accountant who's in your corner: someone you can pick up the phone to when you have a question: makes the whole thing feel a lot less daunting.
At Harrison's Accountancy, we pride ourselves on building real relationships with our clients. We're friendly, approachable, and always happy to have a chat. Whether you're a graphic designer, a consultant, a tradesperson working under CIS, or anything in between, we'll take the time to understand your situation and tailor our service to you.
Ready to Find the Right Accountant for You?
Choosing an accountant is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be a stressful one. Look for someone who understands freelancer life, communicates clearly, offers the services you need, and genuinely cares about helping you succeed.
If you're looking for a friendly, experienced team who specialises in supporting freelancers and contractors, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch with Harrison's Accountancy for a no-obligation chat about how we can help.
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