Accountant UK
Accountant UK: ACCA-Qualified Online Accountants
Looking for an accountant in the UK? Get professional accounts and tax support from ACCA-qualified UK accountants without needing to visit an office.
We help limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, landlords, contractors and individuals throughout the UK — plus overseas directors who own or manage UK companies.
Looking for an Accountant in the UK?
A UK accountant can help businesses and individuals prepare accounts, calculate tax, complete tax returns and meet their reporting obligations with HMRC and Companies House. You no longer need to choose an accountant simply because their office is close to you. Many accounting services can be handled completely online, allowing you to choose a UK accountant based on qualifications, experience, service and price rather than postcode.
The Online Accountants provides ACCA-qualified online accounting and tax services throughout the UK for limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, LLPs, landlords, contractors and individuals. We also work with directors living overseas who own or manage UK-registered companies.
What Is a UK Accountant?
A UK accountant is an accounting professional who helps businesses and individuals understand and meet their financial, accounting and UK tax obligations.
The exact work depends on the client. For a limited company, an accountant may prepare statutory annual accounts, calculate Corporation Tax, prepare the CT600 Company Tax Return and arrange filing with Companies House and HMRC. For a sole trader or individual, the work may instead involve business accounts and a Self Assessment tax return.
Accountants can also help with bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, director remuneration, dividends, director's loan accounts, allowable expenses and tax planning where these services form part of the engagement.
Limited Company Accounts
Statutory annual accounts, Corporation Tax calculations, CT600 preparation and filing with Companies House and HMRC.
View company accounts service →Self-Employed Accounts
Business accounts and tax support for sole traders, freelancers and other people working for themselves.
Self-employed accounts →Self Assessment
Tax return preparation for directors, sole traders, landlords and individuals with income or gains that need reporting.
Self Assessment service →Partnership Accounts
Partnership accounts, Partnership Tax Returns and allocation of taxable profits between partners.
Partnership accounts →LLP Accounts
Accounts and reporting support for UK limited liability partnerships, including Companies House requirements.
LLP accounts →Tax Advice
Practical guidance on UK tax matters including Corporation Tax, dividends, allowable expenses and business tax planning.
Limited company tax guide →UK Accountants for Businesses and Individuals
Different businesses need different accounting support. Our online model allows us to work with clients throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as directors of UK companies who live overseas.
Limited Companies
Year-end accounts, Corporation Tax and accounting support for owner-managed UK limited companies.
Small Businesses
Practical accounts and tax support for growing businesses that want straightforward professional advice.
Small business accountants →Contractors & Consultants
Accounting for professionals operating through limited companies, including expenses, remuneration and IR35-related considerations.
Contractor accountants →Landlords & Property Companies
Accounts and tax support for individual landlords and property businesses, including limited company SPVs.
Property rental business guide →Professional Practices
Specialist accounting support for professional businesses including legal practices and individual professionals.
Solicitor accountants →Overseas Directors
UK company accounting for directors and shareholders who live outside the United Kingdom.
UK companies with overseas directors →UK Accountant for a Limited Company
If you run a UK limited company, the company has accounting and reporting responsibilities that are separate from your personal tax affairs. Directors remain legally responsible for ensuring those obligations are met even where an accountant is appointed to prepare and file the accounts.
A typical limited company accountant can help turn your bookkeeping records into the statutory accounts and tax information required for year-end reporting.
- Prepare statutory annual accounts
- Calculate taxable company profits
- Calculate Corporation Tax
- Prepare the CT600 Company Tax Return
- Prepare accounts for Companies House
- Submit information electronically when authorised
- Review bookkeeping information
- Review director's loan balances
- Consider salary and dividend information
- Explain key figures and deadlines
Key UK Limited Company Deadlines
| Requirement | Typical deadline |
|---|---|
| First Companies House accounts | Usually 21 months after incorporation |
| Subsequent annual accounts | Usually 9 months after the financial year end for a private company |
| Corporation Tax payment | Normally 9 months and 1 day after the Corporation Tax accounting period ends |
| Company Tax Return (CT600) | Normally 12 months after the Corporation Tax accounting period ends |
Different rules or deadlines can apply in particular circumstances, including a company's first accounting period. Always check the dates applying to your own company.
Fixed-Price Limited Company Accounts
Our limited company accounts service includes preparation of statutory accounts, Corporation Tax calculation, CT600 preparation and the relevant Companies House and HMRC filing work included within the agreed package.
Online UK Accountant vs a Traditional Local Accountant
Both online accountants and traditional high-street accountants can provide professional accounting services. The main difference is normally how the service is delivered.
If your records are already digital, there may be little practical need for your accountant to be located in the same town. An online accountant can receive records electronically, communicate remotely, prepare accounts and tax returns, obtain approval and make authorised electronic submissions.
| Feature | Online UK Accountant | Traditional Accountant |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Choose an accountant from anywhere in the UK | Often selected from the local area |
| Records | Normally supplied digitally | Digital or physical records |
| Communication | Email, telephone and online systems | May include regular office meetings |
| Accounts approval | Can normally be completed electronically | Electronic or face-to-face |
| Moving location | Normally no need to change accountant | May be less convenient after moving |
| Overseas directors | Well suited to remote working | Depends on the individual practice |
If face-to-face meetings are important to you, a traditional local practice may be preferable. If you are comfortable working digitally, an online accountant allows you to make your decision based more heavily on qualifications, expertise, communication, service and price.
Searching specifically for somebody nearby? Read our guide to choosing accountants near you.
How Does an Online UK Accountant Work?
The underlying accounting work is much the same as working with a conventional accountancy practice. The difference is that records, questions and approvals can be dealt with digitally.
Choose Your Service
Tell us whether you need company accounts, Self Assessment or another accounting service.
Provide Your Records
Supply your accounting records digitally or provide access to your bookkeeping information where appropriate.
Accounts Prepared
Your accountant reviews the information and prepares the relevant accounts, calculations and returns.
Approve & File
You review the completed documents before authorised electronic submissions are made where applicable.
What Information Does a UK Accountant Need?
The information depends on the service and your circumstances. For a typical limited company year end, your accountant may need information such as:
- Business bank statements
- Bookkeeping records
- Sales and income records
- Business expenses and purchases
- Payroll information
- VAT records where relevant
- Assets purchased or sold
- Loans and finance agreements
- Director's loan transactions
- Dividend information
- Previous statutory accounts
- Relevant company and HMRC details
If you use software such as Xero, QuickBooks, Sage or FreeAgent, much of the bookkeeping information may already be held electronically.
You do not need to know exactly what to provide before contacting an accountant. Establishing which information is needed is part of the accounting process.
UK Accountant for Overseas Directors and Non-UK Residents
Do you own or manage a UK company while living abroad?
You can normally work with a UK accountant without being physically present in Britain. If your company is registered in the UK, its accounting records, year-end accounts and Corporation Tax work can generally be dealt with remotely.
This can be particularly useful if you formed a UK company while living overseas or moved abroad after establishing your business.
Directors based in countries including Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai and elsewhere can provide company accounting information electronically and review completed UK accounts remotely.
UK Company vs Overseas Director: An Important Distinction
A UK company with a director living overseas is not the same as a foreign company operating in Britain.
For example, a company incorporated in England and Wales remains a UK-registered company even where its director lives in another country. The location of the director does not by itself remove the company's UK reporting responsibilities.
| Director location | UK company accounting | Can it usually be handled remotely? |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | UK accounts and tax compliance | ✓ Yes |
| Europe | UK statutory accounts and Corporation Tax | ✓ Yes |
| USA / Canada | UK statutory accounts and Corporation Tax | ✓ Yes |
| Dubai / UAE | UK statutory accounts and Corporation Tax | ✓ Yes |
| Australia / New Zealand | UK statutory accounts and Corporation Tax | ✓ Yes |
| Elsewhere overseas | Depends on the company's circumstances | ✓ Usually |
International Tax Issues to Consider
Where directors live or work outside the UK, additional questions can arise around tax residence, where a company is managed and controlled, permanent establishments, double-taxation agreements, overseas payroll, dividends and local reporting obligations.
Where specialist foreign tax advice is needed, advice from an appropriately qualified professional in the relevant country may be required alongside the UK accounting work.
Accountant or Accounting Software?
Accounting software and accountants perform different roles.
Accounting Software
Software can record transactions, connect bank feeds, create invoices, record expenses and produce financial reports. It is particularly useful for keeping business records organised throughout the year.
Professional Accountant
An accountant can review the records, consider accounting and tax treatment, identify inconsistencies, prepare statutory information and apply professional judgement to your circumstances.
For many businesses, the practical answer is not accountant versus software—it is accountant plus software.
Do I Need an Accountant in the UK?
Not every UK business or taxpayer is legally required to appoint an accountant. However, using one can become increasingly useful as your financial affairs become more complicated.
You may particularly benefit from professional accounting support if:
- You operate a limited company
- Your business is growing
- You employ staff
- You are VAT registered
- You receive salary and dividends
- You have a director's loan account
- Your bookkeeping is becoming complicated
- You have several income sources
- You own rental property
- You are unsure about allowable expenses
- Your filing deadline is approaching
- You live overseas but operate a UK company
An accountant does not remove your own legal responsibilities, particularly if you are a company director, but professional assistance can make it considerably easier to understand what needs to be done and when.
How to Choose an Accountant in the UK
The cheapest accountant is not automatically the best choice, and the accountant with the nearest office is not automatically the most suitable either.
1. Check Qualifications
Understand the professional qualifications and experience behind the service rather than assuming every person using the title accountant has the same credentials.
2. Check Their Experience
Ask whether they regularly deal with your type of business, legal structure and accounting requirements.
3. Understand the Fees
Establish exactly what is included, whether fees are fixed and which services would result in additional charges.
4. Consider Communication
You should know how to contact your accountant, who will answer your questions and how technical matters will be explained.
5. Consider Digital Working
If you want an online service, make sure the practice is comfortable dealing with digital records and remote approvals.
6. Check Independent Reviews
Reviews can provide useful evidence about communication, reliability and the experience of existing clients.
Can I Switch to a Different UK Accountant?
Yes. You do not have to remain with an accountant simply because they prepared your previous accounts or tax return.
Businesses change accountants for many reasons: service, communication, price, specialist requirements, technology or simply wanting a more convenient way to work.
Contact Us
Tell us about your business and the accounting services you currently receive.
Agree the Service
We establish the work required and explain the relevant pricing and next steps.
Professional Handover
Where appropriate, the necessary professional information can be requested from your previous accountant.
Continue Online
Your accounting records and future work can then be managed through our online process.
Why Choose Our UK Accountants?
The Online Accountants is a UK online accountancy firm providing accounts and tax services to businesses and individuals throughout the country.
Our online approach means you can work with professional accountants without being restricted to a practice located near your home or business.
The Online Accountants
- ACCA-qualified accountants
- UK-based accountancy firm
- 25+ years established
- 1,000+ clients
- 10,000+ accounts and tax returns filed
- Fixed-price services available
- UK-wide online service
- Support for overseas directors of UK companies
The Online Accountants is a trading name of Parkinson (UK) Limited.
ACCA Membership No. 1298917.
Accountant UK: Frequently Asked Questions
Straightforward answers to common questions people ask when searching for an accountant in the UK.
What does an accountant do in the UK?
A UK accountant can prepare accounts and tax returns, calculate taxable profits and tax liabilities, review bookkeeping records and provide accounting and tax advice. For a limited company, the work commonly includes statutory accounts and Corporation Tax reporting.
Do I need an accountant for a UK limited company?
A limited company is not generally required simply because it is incorporated to appoint an accountant. However, directors remain responsible for the company's accounting records, annual accounts, tax reporting and other relevant obligations. Many directors therefore choose professional accounting assistance.
How much does an accountant cost in the UK?
Accountancy fees vary according to the service required, business size, complexity and level of ongoing support. Our fixed-price limited company year-end accounts service currently starts from £349 + VAT for qualifying companies. You can view our current prices on our accountants fees page.
Can I use an accountant anywhere in the UK?
Yes. Many routine accounting services can be provided remotely. Accounting records can be supplied digitally, accounts reviewed electronically and authorised returns submitted online, meaning your accountant does not necessarily need to be based in the same town or city.
Can a UK accountant file my company accounts?
Yes. An accountant can prepare statutory company accounts and arrange submission to Companies House when authorised to do so. They can also prepare the associated Corporation Tax computation and Company Tax Return for HMRC where required.
Can I use a UK accountant if I live abroad?
Yes. Directors living overseas can normally work remotely with a UK accountant to deal with the accounting requirements of a UK-registered company. Your personal tax position in your country of residence may be separate and could require local professional advice.
Can a non-UK resident be a director of a UK company?
UK residence is not generally required simply to become a director of a UK private limited company. Other company formation, registered office, identity verification, accounting and compliance requirements still need to be considered.
Does a UK company still need accounts if its director lives overseas?
Living abroad does not by itself remove the reporting responsibilities of a UK-registered company. Depending on its circumstances, the company may still need statutory accounts, Companies House filings, Corporation Tax reporting and other compliance work.
Is an online accountant the same as an accountant?
Online describes how the accounting service is delivered rather than a different type of accounting. A professional online accountant can carry out many of the same accounts and tax functions as a traditional practice, but records, communication and approvals are handled remotely.
What is the difference between an accountant and accounting software?
Accounting software primarily records and organises financial information. An accountant can interpret that information, consider accounting and tax treatment, identify issues, prepare statutory accounts and returns and apply professional judgement to your circumstances.
Can I change accountants?
Yes. You can change accountants if you are unhappy with your current service or simply want a different arrangement. Subject to the appropriate authority and professional procedures, information can normally be transferred between the old and new accountant.
When should I contact an accountant?
Ideally, contact an accountant before an accounting or tax deadline becomes urgent. This gives time to obtain the records, identify missing information and resolve questions. If your deadline is already approaching, contact the accountant as soon as possible and explain the date involved.
Looking for an Accountant in the UK?
Work with ACCA-qualified UK accountants without travelling to an office. Whether you run a limited company, work for yourself, need a tax return or manage a UK company while living overseas, we can help you identify the accounting service you need.