Europe has a dynamic economic and business environment, especially in and around London. There is an evidently increasing surge in business opportunities in the bustling metropolis of London and its surrounding areas. In recognising the potential for growth, expansion and innovation, more and more budding businesspersons and entrepreneurs are opting for the business structure of a private limited company to manoeuvre through the complex yet highly promising business environment of London. Now, as the corporate and business fabric expands, so do the complexities and compliances of establishing and sustaining the same. This makes the role of a proficient accountant for a limited company of paramount importance.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss factors that you should keep in mind while choosing an accountant for a limited company.
When Does Your Limited Company Need an Accountant?
Before we start our discussion on how to choose the right accountant for a limited company it is important to know when to get one. So, if you are wondering do I need an accountant for a limited company, consider the discussion below to get a good grip on when your private limited company need an accountant. While there could be a wide range of reasons to hire an accountant for a limited company, here are six indicators that you should look out for –
- Complex Financial Transactions: If your private limited company has multiple revenue streams, then keeping track of these multiple revenue streams and managing the same could be complex and tedious work. This is where an accountant can help streamline the recording, reporting and management of multiple revenue sources. Apart from the diverse income stream, even the expenses of your limited company can be complex and difficult to manage without expert help. And as your private limited company grows and expands, the costs of the company become more intricate and extensive. Hiring an accountant for a limited company will help you navigate the complex cost structure, thereby minimising unnecessary expenses, categorisation of the expenses and proper regulatory cost compliance.
- Challenging Taxation: The tax sphere of the UK is also dynamic, i.e., the tax laws are subject to change. Keeping up with these necessary changes can be overwhelming, and you may have to dedicate significant time to the same. Instead of taking care of the tax regulations and compliances on your own, hiring an accountancy services provider for the limited company can provide much-needed support. Also, an accountant will be better skilled and updated as it is part of their expertise to be well aware of every small or big update on taxation laws.
- Expansion of the Business: The question of do I need an accountant for a limited company, becomes all the more relevant if your limited company is set for expansion. Whether you are looking at opening up at new locations planning to new markets or expanding your customer base, the financial complexities are bound to increase. Apart from the stated, if you plan to expand your business overseas, then the corresponding financial rules and regulations can be extremely difficult to manage. Partnering with an accountancy services provider can help manage the financial complexities that come with business expansion.
- Expansive Financial Reporting: As your limited company grows, the associated investors and partners also increase. Subsequently, there is an increased need for detailed, accurate and transparent financial reporting. With an efficient accountant, you can rest assured that the financial reports of your private limited company meet the needs and expectations of various stakeholders of the business. Apart from this, limited companies also need to submit their financial reports to the regulatory bodies. The statutory and compliance requirements can be accurately and timely managed by an accountant and thus ensure you can avoid penalties and legal complications.
- Cash Flow Management: Interestingly, partnering with an accountant for a limited company, can help in better cash flow management as well. As the operations and financials of the limited company expand, an accountancy services provider can implement strategies that can improve the cash flow of the limited company, like managing receivables, inventory, debt, optimisation of payment terms, etc. An accountant can also assist you in managing future cash flow. An accountant for a limited company can help you make optimal forecasting and thus help in better decision-making and proactive management of finances.
- Issues Related to Audit & Reporting: As your private limited company grows and expands, chances of external audit increases. For audit and reporting, getting an accountant is the best option as they can help you prepare well for the audit. Whether it is organising financial records, addressing queries of the auditors or ensuring compliance with the auditing requirements, an expert in accountancy services can accurately meet the requirements. The same goes for internal audit which helps in maintaining robust financial records, managing discrepancies and mitigating the risk of fraud.
How to Get the Best Accountant for a Limited Company
Given below are some of the factors that you should take into consideration while choosing an accountant for your limited company –
- Qualification: The first step of selecting a good accountant for a limited company is to check the qualifications of the accountancy services provider that you have shortlisted. It is well recommended to check if the concerned accountants have certifications such as ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), or CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants).
- Industry Experience: Take into account the accountant's experience, particularly in the industry in which your limited company operates. The financial requirements of different sectors vary. As a result, an accountant with knowledge of your sector will be more qualified to handle your financial requirements. Consult companies in similar industries for advice to get a sense of their experience and knowledge.
- Knowledge of Tax Rules: Since tax laws and regulations are always changing, it's critical to remain compliant. Ensure that your accountant has a thorough understanding of the most recent tax laws. Only if they have a thorough understanding of the most recent developments in the tax field will they be able to provide you with well-informed, factually sound advice on how to manage and lower your tax liability.
- Regulatory Compliance: For private limited companies in London, there are certain legal requirements that they must adhere to. Make sure the accountant you select is well aware of the laws and regulations, particularly those related to Companies House filings and other compliance-related issues. This ensures that your business maintains a positive reputation with the authorities.
- Easy Accessibility: An accountancy services provider-client relationship that is successful depends on effective communication. Select an accountant who will answer your questions and is readily available. Take into account whether they can satisfy your preferences by providing a variety of communication channels, including phone, email, and in-person meetings.
- Personalisation: A universal strategy for managing the finances of a private limited company might not be appropriate because each limited company is different. Choose an accountant who will spend the necessary time learning about the unique requirements of your business and then customising their services accordingly. You will get guidance and solutions that are in line with your business objectives if you take a personalised approach.
- Ability to Break Down Jargon: Accounting and financial management comes with a lot of technical terms, definitions and definite meanings. As a business owner, you will need an accountant who can break down the jargon and explain to you the what’s and how’s of the finances in the simplest possible terms. A competent accountant should be able to clearly explain financial concepts to you, even if accounting can be complicated.
- Advisory Services: A competent accountant does more than just crunch statistics; they offer proactive guidance that can help your limited company succeed. They ought to provide information on cash flow management, financial planning, and other tactical facets of your company. A proactive approach to advising can have a big impact on the success of your business.
- Check the Reviews: Examine the client testimonials for further details on success stories relevant to your sector. Look for stories from companies that have similar problems to your own. This assesses the flexibility of the accountant and gives a concrete idea of how they handle the complexities of the sector. Testimonials from companies like yours might give you important information about how well the accountant understands and satisfies customer expectations.
- Fee Structure: To understand the cost of accountancy services that you are seeking, a clear and open pricing structure is necessary. Make certain that the accountant gives you a detailed breakdown of their costs, including any extra fees for specialised services. This will ensure that you don’t have to bear the expense of any hidden costs in the future.
- Value for Money: Take into consideration the accountant's value for the money. Evaluating the quality of services rendered is just as crucial as considering the pricing. Seek an accountant that provides both competitive rates and excellent service in a balanced manner. A competent accountant enhances the value of your company in multiple ways and it is not just limited to bookkeeping.
How Can We Help You?
For budding entrepreneurs planning to start a private limited company in London, Unicorn Accountants stands out as a trusted ally. As Chartered Accountants specialising in bookkeeping services, and a wide range of other financial services, Unicorn Accountants brings experience and expertise in navigating the intricate financial landscape of carrying out business in the city. Our proven track record, industry-specific insights, and commitment to personalised service make us the ideal choice for entrepreneurs seeking not just accountancy services but a strategic partner in their business growth.