Accountants have to be more than just number crunchers, and here’s why . . .

The world-wide-web is rife with comparison websites analysing the best deal for the customer. Websites like ‘Go Compare’ and ‘Compare the Market’ highlight service sectors such as insurance, banking rates, travel and energy – all focused on the cheapest service or the best product. Martin the money saving expert urges people to use websites like these to get the best deal and where a better rate is available, to switch and save money. But this practice doesn’t seem to exist for accountants, and why not?

Possibly because the accountancy market is so saturated? The UK has roughly 50,000 family doctors, but nearly 280,000 professionally qualified accountants, one of the highest amounts (per capita) in the world and more than the rest of the EU put together. So why isn’t more done to help businesses review their accountant to ensure they are getting the best service and price?

Maybe, because every accountant is different! A recent info-graphic showed that an important factor for the modern day accountant is to possess people skills. Having automated processes allows an accountant more time to interpret data, give good financial advice and suggest business decisions as well as being more involved in their clients business. In summary, today’s accountant is more of a business consultant than someone who just crunches the numbers.

We speak to a lot of businesses that want more from their accountant but don’t know where to find a new accountant or how to switch. Transferring your accounts and financial data from one accountant to another doesn’t have to be left until a new tax year. At AIMS we know how businesses operate and have taken away all the administration from the client so that switching is nice and easy.

Our main tip is; if you are looking for a new accountant; always ensure they are professionally qualified and always agree a fee in advance so that there are no hidden costs. Although price shouldn’t always be the deciding factor, you should always try and keep outgoings to a minimum and organise a manageable payment system.

If you like the way we think – you will like the way we work.

AIMS Accountants for Business are the largest independent association of professionally qualified accountants in the UK specialising in accountancy for small, local and independent businesses. AIMS are no ordinary accountants and we are more than just number crunchers! Find your local AIMS Accountant.