FAQS
The Answers You Need
Below you will find a list of FAQ's - these are questions we are often asked and hope you will find useful. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for, please get in touch.
WHAT ARE YOUR SERVICE FEES?
Our fees are based on two concepts - the amount of time spent and the complexity. Unfortunately there is no one size fits all for this answer, please give us a call to discuss your requirements and we can provide you with a quote. Please don't call us to get an answer for free, we have costs we need to cover too.
WHY ARE YOU CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOU AND A REGULAR ACCOUNTANT?
When you visit a Lawyer you can assume that they are qualified in law. Similarly, when visiting a Doctor you expect to see a qualified Medical Practitioner. This is not the case when meeting with an Accountant, as anyone can call themselves an ‘Accountant’.
A Chartered Accountant is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. A Certified Accountant is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. By ensuring that you are seeing a Chartered or Certified Accountant you can assume that the Accountant you are seeing has passed rigorous examinations and completed years of training. They are also continuously developing their knowledge and keeping up to date with new legislation. Should the need arise, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants can also provide technical back-up.
To Practice as a Chartered or Certified Accountant, an accountant must hold a Practising Certificate that is renewed annually. To hold a Practising Certificate the Accountant must show that they have completed 3 years of experience, and they are a person of good standing. They must also have Public Liability Insurance. Accounts and other financial information that is being used by a third party, e.g. a bank for a loan or a mortgage company, must be verified by a Chartered or Certified Accountant holding a practicing Certificate.
By selecting a Chartered or Certified Accountant you are ensuring that you will get the best possible advice from a qualified Accountant with experience and knowledge.