Questions to Ask an Accountant
Choosing an accountant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a business owner. Whether you’re a sole trader, freelancer, contractor or small limited company, the right accountant can (and should) do far more than just prepare your annual accounts or submit your tax return.
A proactive accountant can help you reduce your tax bill legally, improve cash flow, stay compliant with HMRC, choose the right accounting software, and support your business as it grows.
With so many accountancy firms to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
Here are 15 important questions to ask an accountant before making your decision.
1. What services do you provide?
Not every accountant offers the same level of support.
Some only prepare year-end accounts, while others become an extension of your business and provide advice throughout the year. Get clear on what support you need for example:
do you want someone you speak to once a year, or do you want regular communication and support?
Do you want to do your bookkeeping / reconciliation yourself or do you want them to do it for you?
Are you VAT Registered, or do you think you might be in the near future?
Do you want to Register your Company address with your Accountant?
Are you employing people?
Ask whether they can help with:
- Bookkeeping
- Annual Accounts
- Self Assessment Tax Returns
- Corporation Tax
- VAT Returns
- Payroll
- CIS Returns
- Company Secretarial Services
- Management Accounts
- Cash Flow Forecasting
- Business Planning
- Xero Setup and Training
- Making Tax Digital (MTD)
Choosing an accountant who offers a complete service means your business can grow without needing to switch firms later.
2. Do you work with businesses like mine?
Every business is different.
A freelance graphic designer has different challenges to a construction contractor or an online retailer.
Likewise, the needs of a sole trader differ from those of a limited company.
An accountant who understands your industry is more likely to offer practical advice and spot opportunities you may otherwise miss.
3. Are you experienced with sole traders and small limited companies?
Many larger accountancy firms focus on bigger businesses.
If you’re a startup or small business, you may prefer an accountant who understands the challenges of growing a business from the ground up.
Look for someone who regularly works with:
- Sole traders
- Freelancers
- Contractors
- Limited companies
- Startups
- Family businesses
4. How will we communicate?
Good communication is one of the biggest reasons clients stay with an accountant.
Find out:
- Will I have a dedicated contact?
- Can I email or call with questions?
- How quickly do you usually respond?
- Do you offer online meetings?
Knowing help is only a phone call away provides real peace of mind.
5. What accounting software do you recommend?
Cloud accounting makes it easier than ever to manage your finances.
Ask whether your accountant works with software such as Xero, and whether they’ll help you:
- Set everything up
- Connect your bank account
- Raise invoices
- Reconcile transactions
- Submit VAT Returns
- Understand your reports
A good accountant won’t simply recommend software—they’ll help you use it effectively.
If you’d like help deciding on the right software, check out our Xero vs Quickbooks blog.
6. How do you charge?
Nobody likes surprise invoices.
Ask whether they charge:
- Fixed monthly fees
- Hourly rates
- Additional fees for advice
- Charges for year-end work
- Software subscription costs
Transparent pricing helps you budget with confidence.
7. How will you help me save tax?
A good accountant doesn’t help clients avoid tax—they help them pay the correct amount of tax by ensuring all available reliefs and allowances are claimed.
Ask how they proactively work with clients throughout the year rather than simply calculating the tax due once it’s too late to make changes.
8. Will you remind me about important deadlines?
Missing deadlines can result in unnecessary penalties.
Your accountant should help you stay on top of important dates including:
- Self Assessment
- VAT Returns
- Corporation Tax
- Companies House filings
- Payroll submissions
A proactive accountant helps keep your business compliant all year round.
9. Can you help if HMRC contacts me?
Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys receiving a letter from HMRC.
Ask whether they’ll:
- Deal with HMRC on your behalf
- Explain any correspondence
- Support you during an enquiry
- Help resolve issues quickly
Having expert support can make the process much less stressful.
10. Will you help me understand my numbers?
Many business owners know how much money is in the bank.
Far fewer understand:
- Profit margins
- Cash flow
- Business performance
- Future tax liabilities
- Key financial trends
Your accountant should explain your figures in plain English so you can make informed business decisions.
11. Can you support my business as it grows?
Your accountant should grow alongside your business.
Whether you take on staff, become VAT registered, incorporate your business or expand into new markets, your accountant should working with you to think and plan ahead.
12. Are you preparing me for Making Tax Digital?
Making Tax Digital is changing the way businesses report to HMRC.
Ask how your accountant is helping clients prepare for digital record keeping and quarterly submissions.
Being ready now can save a great deal of stress later.
13. What happens if I need advice during the year?
Some accountants disappear once your tax return has been submitted.
Others become trusted advisers throughout the year.
Ask whether ongoing advice is included or charged separately. Also ask for a list of Additional Services so you know exactly what you are likely to pay for certain services.
14. What makes your firm different?
Every accountant can prepare accounts but Not every accountant offers:
- Friendly, jargon-free advice
- Fast response times
- Personal service
- Modern cloud accounting
- Proactive tax planning
- Practical business support
Look beyond qualifications and consider how they make working with them easier.
15. Why should I choose Green Zebra Business Solutions?
At Green Zebra Business Solutions, we believe accountancy should be simple, approachable and built around your business—not ours.
We work with sole traders, freelancers, contractors and small limited companies throughout the UK, providing everything from bookkeeping and payroll to annual accounts, tax returns, VAT, Xero support and business advice.
Rather than hearing from us once a year, you’ll have a team that genuinely wants to help your business succeed. We explain everything in plain English, offer transparent pricing with no hidden surprises, and build long-term relationships based on trust, responsiveness and practical advice.
Whether you’re starting a new business, changing accountants or simply looking for more proactive support, we’d love to help.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an accountant isn’t just about finding someone to complete your tax return—it’s about finding a trusted adviser who understands your business and supports your goals.
By asking these questions before making your decision, you’ll be in a much better position to choose an accountant who offers genuine value, clear advice and ongoing support.
If you’d like to find out how Green Zebra Business Solutions can help your business stay compliant, save time and grow with confidence, get in touch with our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What questions should I ask an accountant before hiring them?
Ask about their experience, fees, communication, software, tax planning, industry knowledge, HMRC support and the services they provide throughout the year.
Should a small business have an accountant?
Yes. A good accountant can save you time, reduce errors, ensure you remain compliant with HMRC and often identify tax-saving opportunities that outweigh their fees.
What accounting software do accountants recommend?
Many accountants recommend cloud accounting software such as Xero because it simplifies bookkeeping, improves accuracy and helps businesses stay compliant with Making Tax Digital requirements.
How much does an accountant cost in the UK?
Costs vary depending on the services required, but many accountants offer fixed monthly packages that provide predictable pricing for small businesses and sole traders.
