Going LTD.

[gm66]

Going LTD this year and need an online accountant that can take care of the lot.

Has anyone used these guys before ?

https://www.crunch.co.uk/

[Rooftop]

Deciding to pay for for an accountant was one of my better business decisions. 

[Drastic]

Maybe the uk is different, but I couldn't imagine not working with a local CPA. Any reason you need an online one?

[ergophobe]

My CPA is local and I actually find I work better with her online. When we gather in person, she throws all manner of CPA stuff and options at me that I don't understand and, though trying to be helpful, it usually just gets me stressed out.

She has changed the way she works to be more electronic and I have no need to see her. She's a friend and we see each other for dinner and bike rides, but not for accounting. She still works with some clients face to face though. I suppose it depends on how complex your case is.

The key thing is the client intake - how will the online accountant do the initial intake to understand your business? If your business finances are simple - and I think Gary's are - I wouldn't have an issue with someone who is entirely remote as long as they know my local laws. I have a pretty simple case too though, so your mileage may differ

[Drastic]

I think my biggest thing is if I get audited, I've got a local guy in my corner who knows the ropes. Everything has always been above board, but I sure wouldn't want to face going through it without him.

It's also a plus that he comes by to pick up my dox when ready. I typically see him once per year for end of year and he just mails me quarterly stuff. It takes me about 10 minutes to go over what he needs from me at the yearly. We've worked together for close to 2 decades so I know what reports he wants, what formats and he knows how I categorize things so it's usually a smooth process for us both.

I'm sure my set up is simple. I think it's primarily the peace of mind if the IRS comes a knockin'.

[gm66]

My CPA is local and I actually find I work better with her online. When we gather in person, she throws all manner of CPA stuff and options at me that I don't understand and, though trying to be helpful, it usually just gets me stressed out.

She has changed the way she works to be more electronic and I have no need to see her. She's a friend and we see each other for dinner and bike rides, but not for accounting. She still works with some clients face to face though. I suppose it depends on how complex your case is.

The key thing is the client intake - how will the online accountant do the initial intake to understand your business? If your business finances are simple - and I think Gary's are - I wouldn't have an issue with someone who is entirely remote as long as they know my local laws. I have a pretty simple case too though, so your mileage may differ

Only quoting Mr Ergo but read all replies. What does CPA stand for? Is 'bike rides' a euphimism, do i have to shag my accountant to get a good service ?

Seriouisly though! Thanks for replies, soz for spelling mistkaes been drinking since 4pm today !

[ergophobe]

Ha!

CPA = certified public accountant. Someone who just knows numbers cannot certify a tax return or an audit. A CPA can.

bike ride = taking a two-wheeled vehicle and propelling it by pushing on the pedals.

She and her husband own a second home that is contiguous with my property. When she's in the neighborhood at the right times, she joins us for a mountain bike ride on the neighborhood trails or for dinner because we are friends in the real, physical world. But even though we have a real, physical world friendship, we do almost all our accounting communication online. It's just easier to exchange information.

That said, some of her clients have much more complicated businesses and they prefer to handle at least some of their accounting in person with her physically looking over their books while the two of them share space and see the same screen.

[JasonD]

(American) CPA = (British) Chartered Accountant

[ergophobe]

Sorry. I don't speak British. Thanks for translating.

[JasonD]

Re Crunch, I've heard very good things about them, but..... they are providing a service at a price.

I don't suspect your accounts to be complex but if they are then they may not be the right choice IMO.

[keano]

Might be worth getting in touch with Keith at http://tips.hrbs.biz/

Based in Yorkshire and very good. Knows our industry well and we've used him for several years - no complaints whatsoever.

[gm66]

Thanks very much for replies, yes my finances are simple so hoping that online will be enough.


Cheers, Gary.