Accountant — bookkeeping, payroll and year-end accounts
Accounting is one of the few areas where a mistake costs far more than doing it right. A late return, a missed VAT quarter, or an allowance nobody claimed can outweigh a year of bookkeeping fees — and a firm that doesn't understand your sector usually only reveals it when HMRC comes asking.
A good accountant feels like a partner rather than a supplier. You get a named contact who knows your business, straight answers when you're unsure, and a clear line between what's in the engagement letter and what's billed separately. Qualifications, transparent fees and experience with businesses like yours are things a reputable firm shares willingly.
On Marketit you'll find accountancy firms that work this way. Tell us in the chat roughly how much bookkeeping you have each month and what kind of business you run, and we'll match you with a few.
Price level
Ongoing bookkeeping SEK 1,500–4,500/month for small businesses. Year-end + return for a Ltd SEK 6,000–15,000/year. Payroll SEK 150–300 per payslip.
When should you hire a accountant?
When you incorporate and need the right structure and chart of accounts from day one, ahead of your VAT registration threshold, before the company year end, when you take on your first employee and need PAYE, or whenever HMRC writes to you about a compliance check.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Picking on price alone without checking sector experience — weaker advice costs more than the saving
- Not agreeing a fixed monthly fee, so hourly billing drifts
- Leaving the company tax return or Companies House filing to the final week
- Ignoring Making Tax Digital deadlines for VAT and, from April 2026, Income Tax Self Assessment
- Assuming the accountant is responsible for the filings — as a director, you are
Checklist before you hire
- Check the qualification: ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS or CIMA, and confirm the practising certificate
- Confirm the firm is registered for anti-money-laundering supervision — a legal requirement for accountants
- Ask for references from businesses of a similar size and sector
- Confirm which software they work in (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, FreeAgent) and that it's Making Tax Digital compatible
- Get a written engagement letter with a defined scope and a fixed monthly fee
- Clarify who owns the accounting data if you part ways — you should
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
A bookkeeper records transactions and often runs payroll and VAT returns. A qualified accountant (ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS) prepares statutory accounts, files corporation tax and advises on structure and tax planning. A registered auditor is a further step again, needed only if your company is above the audit thresholds.
Does my company need an audit?
Companies are exempt from a statutory audit if they meet at least two of three tests: turnover under £10.2m, balance sheet total under £5.1m, and fewer than 50 employees. Some lenders, investors and grant bodies require one regardless.
Can I do the bookkeeping myself?
Legally yes, and for a sole trader with few transactions MTD-compatible cloud software handles it fine. Once you register for VAT, run payroll or have steady transaction volume, it's worth having a professional own at least the year end and the tax filings.
What happens if I file late?
Companies House charges £50 as soon as accounts are a day late, rising to £1,500 after six months and doubling for repeat offences. HMRC adds £100 for a late company tax return plus daily penalties and interest. Set reminders well ahead of the deadline.
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