Compare accounting and bookkeeping support
Compare accountants, bookkeeping services and accounting software for UK businesses — from year-end accounts and payroll to Making Tax Digital compliance.
Compare accounting quotes
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is rolling out
Quarterly digital reporting now applies to more sole traders and landlords. Check whether your software and processes are ready for your start date.
Do I need an accountant or just software?
Most businesses use both. The right balance depends on complexity, not size alone.
You're a sole trader with simple income
Cloud software plus an annual review may be enough. You'll still want help with your first Self Assessment.
You run a limited company
Statutory accounts, corporation tax and Companies House filings make a qualified accountant close to essential.
You employ staff
Payroll, RTI submissions, pensions auto-enrolment and P11Ds are where mistakes get expensive fastest.
You're VAT registered
Quarterly returns, the right VAT scheme and MTD-compatible software all need setting up properly once, then maintaining.
How accountancy fees are structured
- Most UK accountants now quote fixed monthly fees rather than hourly rates, based on the services included.
- Year-end accounts, corporation tax and confirmation statements are usually bundled into a core package.
- Payroll is priced per payslip, typically £4–£8 per employee per month.
- Bookkeeping is either included, charged per hour, or handled by you in software with the accountant reviewing.
- Ad hoc advisory work — funding applications, R&D claims, tax planning — is usually quoted separately.
What does accounting support cost?
Indicative UK monthly pricing for small businesses.
| Sole trader | Limited company | |
|---|---|---|
| Core accounts and tax | £30 – £80 per month | £80 – £250 per month |
| Bookkeeping | £25 – £120 per month | £80 – £400 per month |
| Payroll | £5 – £8 per payslip | £5 – £8 per payslip |
| Software licence | £10 – £20 per month | £20 – £45 per month |
How to compare accounting providers
Tell us what you need once and compare quotes from vetted firms.
Outline your business
Structure, turnover, employees, VAT status and which software you already use.
Compare fixed-fee quotes
See exactly what's included, what's extra, and whether the firm is ICAEW, ACCA or AAT regulated.
Appoint and hand over
Your new accountant handles professional clearance and the transfer of records from your previous provider.
Expert advice
The cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest outcome. Missed deadlines, incorrect VAT treatment and unclaimed reliefs cost far more than the fee difference between firms.
“Ask what's explicitly excluded from a fixed fee. That list tells you more about a firm than the headline price ever will.”
Types of accounting support
Mix and match to fit your stage and appetite for admin.
Year-end accounts and corporation tax
Statutory accounts prepared and filed with Companies House and HMRC, with your CT600 return.
Bookkeeping services
Day-to-day transaction recording, bank reconciliation and supplier management, weekly or monthly.
VAT returns
Scheme selection, quarterly MTD-compliant returns and support if HMRC raises a query.
Payroll and auto-enrolment
Payslips, RTI submissions, pension contributions and year-end P60s handled for you.
Self Assessment
Director and sole trader personal tax returns, including dividends, property and capital gains.
Management accounts and advisory
Monthly or quarterly reporting, cash flow forecasting and tax planning to support growth decisions.
3 ways to cut your accountancy bill
Good preparation reduces the hours your accountant has to bill.
Keep bookkeeping current
Reconciling weekly in software is far cheaper than handing over a year of receipts in January.
Use bank feeds and receipt capture
Automated feeds remove most manual data entry, which is the biggest cost driver in bookkeeping.
Bundle services with one firm
Accounts, payroll and VAT under one fixed fee is almost always cheaper than buying each separately.
Why choose Grow Your Business?
Wide choice of providers
We compare a broad panel of UK accounting providers, so you can weigh price, service and contract terms side by side.
Exclusive offers
We negotiate exclusive rates, cashback and switching incentives you won't always find by going direct.
Simple and fast
One short form, one call from a specialist, and quotes tailored to your business — usually within 24 hours.
Software and providers we work with
Cloud platforms and accountancy firms supporting UK businesses.
Xero
QuickBooks
Sage
FreeAgent
Crunch
Mazuma
TaxScouts
Coconut
Zoho Books
ANNA
Dext
PandleComparing with us is a no-brainer
“We moved from a local firm charging by the hour to a fixed monthly package. Same compliance work, better software, and we finally get management accounts every month.”
Owen, agency owner in Manchester
Latest from our experts
Making Tax Digital: what applies to you and when
Thresholds, start dates and software requirements explained.
Choosing between Xero, QuickBooks and Sage
How the three main UK platforms compare on price and features.
Sole trader vs limited company
The tax and admin trade-offs of each structure in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an accountant cost for a small limited company?
Typically £80–£250 a month for accounts, corporation tax, confirmation statement and director Self Assessment.
Can I switch accountants mid-year?
Yes. Your new firm requests professional clearance and your records from the old one — you rarely need to get involved.
Do I need accounting software?
If you're VAT registered or within Making Tax Digital, you need compatible software. Most businesses benefit from it regardless.
What's the difference between bookkeeping and accounting?
Bookkeeping records transactions as they happen. Accounting interprets them, prepares statutory accounts and handles tax.
Are all accountants qualified?
The term isn't protected in the UK. Look for ICAEW, ACCA, AAT or CIMA membership and professional indemnity cover.
Is comparing free?
Yes, and there's no obligation to appoint anyone.
Written by the Grow Your Business editorial team · Updated 25 July 2026