Questions to ask an accountant before you engage them

Choosing an accountant is about more than finding someone to file a tax return. Accountants can offer different combinations of services, work in different ways, and have a range of qualifications. The right questions at your first meeting help you understand exactly what you are buying and avoid hidden costs or mismatched expectations later.

Clarify which services are included and which cost extra

Accountants can offer a variety of services, but not all are included by default. If you only need self-assessment, you may not want to pay for extras; if you run a business, you might need more than basic accounts.

• Ask for a breakdown of services covered in their standard package. For individuals, this might include self-assessment tax returns. For businesses, standard packages can cover limited company accounts, VAT returns, payroll, bookkeeping, and corporation tax. Clarifying this helps you avoid paying for services you do not need or expecting something that is not included.
• Check which services are considered extras and how these are charged. Services like startup support, advice on cloud accounting, or handling HMRC enquiries might not be part of the basic fee. Ask for examples of what would trigger an extra charge, such as responding to a tax investigation or providing detailed business advice.
• Establish what happens if your needs change. If your business grows or your tax situation becomes more complex, find out how easily you can add or remove services, and how fees would change as a result.

You can see which of these services are offered by each accountant on Annuvell Local’s accountant listings, where facts like self-assessment, VAT returns, payroll, bookkeeping, and more are clearly set out for comparison.

Understand their working style and communication

The way an accountant works can have a big impact on your experience, especially if you prefer certain software, need quick replies, or want to know who will handle your records day to day.

• Ask which software and systems they use. Some accountants work entirely online with cloud accounting tools, while others may still rely on physical paperwork or desktop software. If you already use a platform, check if they support it. If not, find out if you will need to switch — and whether they provide any help with that process.
• Find out how you will share records and information. Will you email documents, upload them through a portal, or bring in paper records? Clarifying this upfront avoids confusion and sets expectations for how often you need to provide information.
• Check typical response times and preferred ways to communicate. Some accountants offer quick replies to emails, while others prefer scheduled phone calls or meetings. Ask how often you will have contact and whether you will have a single point of contact.
• Ask who does the actual work. In larger firms, the person you meet might not be the one who handles your accounts day to day. Ask if work is delegated to juniors or outsourced, and whether you can get in touch directly with the person managing your file if questions arise.

When comparing accountants, Annuvell Local shows whether a free initial consultation is offered and if cloud accounting is supported, making it easier to shortlist those whose style matches your needs.

Check qualifications, regulation and insurance

Accountancy is not a protected title in the UK, so anyone can call themselves an accountant. However, qualified accountants belong to professional bodies and must meet set standards.

• Ask which professional body they belong to. Examples include ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, or ICAS. Membership means they have passed exams, comply with ethical standards, and keep up to date with ongoing training. You can verify membership with the relevant body if you wish.
• Confirm they have professional indemnity insurance. This insurance protects you if the accountant makes a mistake that causes you a financial loss. A reputable accountant will be happy to confirm their cover.
• Check who supervises them for anti-money-laundering purposes. All accountancy firms in the UK must be supervised by a professional body or by HMRC for anti-money-laundering. Ask who their supervisor is, as this shows they meet regulatory requirements and helps you know where to raise concerns if needed.

If you are unsure what these qualifications mean, the how to choose an accountant guide on Annuvell Local gives a practical overview.

Clarify how fees are structured and what triggers extra charges

Accountants can charge in several ways, and it is easy to misunderstand what is included unless you ask directly.

• Ask whether fees are fixed monthly, annual, or charged hourly. Some accountants offer all-inclusive monthly fees, some charge per service on an annual basis, and others bill by the hour for advice or specific tasks. Understanding the structure helps you compare like with like.
• Find out what is included in the standard fee and what costs extra. For example, filing your self-assessment might be included, but payroll runs, VAT returns, or help with HMRC enquiries could be additional. Ask for a list of common extras and how charges are calculated.
• Ask how and when you will be billed. Do they invoice monthly, at year-end, or on completion of each task? Clarify when payment is due and what happens if you need to pause or stop the service.
• Check how fee increases are handled. Some accountants review fees annually; others may adjust charges if your business grows or your tax affairs become more complex. Ask for examples of circumstances that have led to fee changes for other clients.

Comparing fee structures is easier when you can see services side by side. Annuvell Local’s compare tool shows you which services are included, so you can compare two to four accountants at once.

Confirm the process for switching accountants

If you are moving from another accountant, the handover process matters. A well-managed switch avoids missed deadlines or confusion about responsibilities.

• Ask about the engagement letter. This is a formal document setting out exactly what your accountant will do, how they will charge, and what your responsibilities are. Make sure you have seen and understood this before any work starts.
• Find out about professional clearance. When you switch, your new accountant will usually contact your previous accountant for basic information and to check for outstanding issues. Ask what this process involves and how long it typically takes.
• Check the timing around your financial year end or tax deadlines. Switching at the wrong time can make things more complicated. Ask when is best to switch and how they manage the process if your accounts or tax returns are already underway.
• Clarify who will notify HMRC or Companies House if relevant. In many cases, your new accountant can handle this, but it is worth confirming so nothing is missed.

A clear understanding of these steps helps you avoid disruption and keeps your records accurate during the transition.

Prepare for your first meeting

Before you meet an accountant, it helps to write down what you need and any specific circumstances, such as business structure, previous tax issues, or software you already use. Bring a list of your questions based on the sections above. A good accountant will welcome clear enquiries and be happy to explain how their services fit your situation.

You can use Annuvell Local to shortlist accountants who match your needs, check which ones offer a free initial consultation, and send a quote request describing what you are looking for. This lets you compare responses and get a sense of how each accountant communicates before you commit.

Next steps

Write down your requirements, shortlist a few accountants who match your needs, and prepare specific questions about services, working style, qualifications and fees. Compare accountants in Your Area, use the compare tool to see service differences side by side, and book two or three initial conversations to find the right fit.