Get an accountant

This is the one business expense I never had any issue paying. In my time as a contractor, I had 2 accountants. You definitely don't want any more than that 😂

Back in 2011, I started with an accountant recommended by the recruitment agency that had a open contract for me. Don't make that the reason you choose an accountant. Do your own research. Now, there was nothing particularly bad about that accounting firm, other than I was perhaps paying more each month than what the market rate was.

The main issue with this accounting firm was the lack of flexibility it gave me. As an example, they would only accept timesheets for the particular project I was working on at any one time. I couldn't raise invoices myself for other client work I'd maybe be doing alongside the primary contract. Essentially, I didn't have access into the accounting software for my business. For some that might be OK, but I like transparency and I needed the flexibility to do other work outside of my primary contract.

So, I started to look around. If you can, get a personal recommendation as far as it is possible. I can't recall who recommended Maslins to me, but I'm glad they did.

I'd recommend using Maslins without a shadow of doubt. A modest monthly fee of £119+VAT per month that gives you access to FreeAgent as well.

Maslins were an essential part of my business. As much as I handled the day-to-day FreeAgent activity, Maslins kept an eye from a distance. At the end of a VAT quarter for example, they'd have a look at FreeAgent for any glaringly obvious errors and let me know about them.

They get in touch with me about the self-assessment tax returns for Sarah and I months before they were due - which I loved because it prepared us for paying our dues months in advance without too much of a shock down the line. Then of course, there's the actual filing of company accounts.

Each time the UK government would announce a budget, Maslins would have a breakdown of how it would impact you as a limited company contractor.

Maslins helped with all of that. They were only too happy to advise on my options when I started investigating options for building a garden office and putting that through the business.

A partner like that I feel is invaluable and I've recommended them to many peers over the years who have been looking for the same service. I'm sure Maslins aren't the only accountant in the UK offering a great service at a fair price point.

Like I said, do your own research, speak to friends/acquaintances in business or social media and find out who is giving great service. I was only too happy to pay Maslins for their service each month. It was one less thing I needed to worry about.

Even now that I don't use them, if you're looking for a solid accounting firm in the UK, at least consider Maslins.