FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I chose Simpler Accountants?

We harness the power of technology and software to deliver a simpler, fresher, modern approach to accountancy. This approach ensures we deliver exceptional service and real value for money, reducing your pressure and stress.

Unlike other online accountants that are often just a software solution, at Simpler Accountants we are real people, real accountants based in the UK. In the spirit of simplicity and efficiency, we aim to communicate via email wherever possible, so we don’t publish our phone number, which enables us to operate more efficiently (our skilled people aren’t answering the phone to cold-calling sales reps) and means both parties have a record of what has been discussed and agreed. However, as hybrid accountants, another way in which we differentiate ourselves from other online accountants is that our onboarded clients are given our phone number, so you can speak to a real, UK based accountant, if you need to. And, of course, we can meet via Zoom, so we can hold a meeting wherever you might be! With Simpler Accountants, you really do get the best of both worlds – online efficiencies delivered be real, qualified, contactable people.

And we don’t stop there! When you appoint Simpler Accountants, you are appointing a wealth of knowledge and experience to work with you, not just for you. This means that in addition to completing all the usual tasks expected of an accountant, we deliver added value to your business, by actively seeking to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your finance and back office functions, through the recommendation and implementation of appropriate technology and software, that will empower you to reclaim some of the most valuable commodity of all – time!

And because we’re online, we are also paperless! So choosing Simpler Accountants is good for your business, good for your wellbeing, and good for our planet!

I'm not local to you, does that matter?

Absolutely not. We are based in Almondsbury, just north of Bristol, but because we operate online, we work with clients that are located all over the UK. We communicate with our clients via email wherever possible, although once onboarded, we offer our clients the option of speaking with us on the phone or via Zoom, and documents are exchanged electronically, so distance is definitely not an obstacle.

Once we have agreed the scope of work upfront, can you do other work outside of this?

Sure we can. Ongoing support and advice is included with our monthly subscriptions and so is included in your monthly fee. Where additional work is required outside of this scope, we will provide a quote and agree the additional fee with you before we carry out any additional work, so there are no surprises when you receive your invoice from us.

How do I start working with Simpler Accountants?

Simply reach out to us using one of our ‘contact us’ methods and we’ll get back to you to discuss your requirements. Then, assuming that you want to enjoy the benefits of working with Simpler Accountants, we will ask you to complete a simple on-line new client form, we will then undertake an anti-money laundering check and, where applicable, there will be engagement documents to be signed. Don’t worry though, it’s all straightforward and done electronically.

If you currently use an accountant, we will reach out to them to obtain professional clearance and obtain the relevant information and documents that we require to be able to ensure a seamless transition to Simpler Accountants. Don’t worry, this is standard procedure for qualified accountants and you will not be charged for this.

Do I need to wait until the start of my new financial year to switch to Simpler Accountants?

Absolutely not. Why suffer for any longer than you have to? The sooner you switch Simpler Accountants, the sooner your accountancy fees start to deliver more value and the sooner you benefit from more profit and/or time! But if you’d prefer to wait until the end of your current financial year, that’s fine with us too!

Will I be tied into a long-term contract?

Most definitely not. You’ll want to keep using Simpler Accountants for your accounting requirements because our simpler, fresher, modern approach will yield real benefits, not because of a legal contract or because we’ve locked you in for a year. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without us!

Unless specifically agreed in advance, in writing, there is a minimum one-month notice period should you choose to cease using any of our services (also applies if you are switching to a lower-cost package/service). There will also be no entitlement to a refund of fees already paid should you decide to stop using our services, and any future fees that would have been due for work already completed will become due for payment immediately.

How do we pay you?

If you opt for one of our added value monthly subscriptions, we will collect the monthly subscription by Direct Debit, via GoCardless. Any other fees invoiced throughout the month will be included in the Direct Debit collection at the beginning of the following month.

The monthly subscription is payable for your full financial year, so if you join us part way through your financial year, we will simply add the appropriate number of months to your first payment. For example, if your financial year starts 1 June and you join us in August, your first payment will be for 3 months i.e. June, July and August.

For clients who do not take one of our monthly subscriptions, all fee invoices are payable on receipt and where this includes charges for services that require filing (end-of-year accounts, tax returns etc) all fees will be required to be paid before we make the filing. We accept payment via bank transfer, credit or debit card and PayPal.

We reserve the right to require part payment in advance of commencing provision of our services in certain circumstances.

Is it beneficial for me to use a Chartered/Certified Account?

Yes, we believe so, especially when it comes to having your company year-end accounts produced. This is because when applying for a mortgage or when securing other large financial amounts, the lender will usually want to see accounts that have been produced by a Chartered/Certified Accountant.

Chartered/Certified Accountants undergo many years of training and it means that we are fully insured and regularly undertake further training to ensure that our skills and knowledge are relevant and up to date.

That’s why our company accounts are prepared and signed off by UK-trained and qualified accountants, we do NOT outsource any of our work to low-cost, unqualified overseas companies or individuals.

How do I get any documents and records that you'll need to you?

As part of our philosophy of a simpler, fresher, modern approach to accounting, we receive all documents and records electronically. The exact method will depend on the services we provide to you and the systems used, but generally, it would be along the lines of us providing a secure shared online folder (we can even recommend software to make document capture simpler) for you to upload to or you can simply send them to us by email.

Does it matter what accounting software we use?

We are specialists in Xero, and are recognised as an official Xero Silver partner, and so Xero is our preferred accounting software. But we accept that Xero is not for everybody. And that’s why our accountants are also specialists in other leading cloud accounting software including Quickbooks and Sage.

If your business is VAT registered and as long as your software is “Making Tax Digital” (MTD) compliant (which we will determine as part of the initial consultation/onboarding process), there won’t be a problem. And if your existing software isn’t MTD compliant, no need to panic, we will discuss your options regarding establishing and maintaining compliance.