How Do I Find a Good Accountant for Self Employed Workers

When you are self employed, your time is precious. You juggle running your business, managing clients, dealing with admin and trying to stay on top of your finances. A good accountant does far more than submit a tax return. They help you understand your numbers, stay compliant, reduce your tax bill and give you the confidence to grow. But with so many accountants out there, it can be difficult to know whom to trust.

This article explains how to find an accountant who genuinely supports you, not just someone who ticks boxes at year end.

Start by Understanding What You Need

Before choosing an accountant it helps to be clear on what you actually want help with. Some self employed workers need someone who handles everything from bookkeeping to year end accounts. Others simply want help with Self Assessment or tax planning.

In my opinion the best accountants for self employed people are those who offer a mix of compliance and proactive advice. They understand that you need more than forms submitted to HMRC. You need guidance, clarity and a sounding board for day to day decisions.

Think about whether you need:

• bookkeeping support

• VAT guidance

• help with allowable expenses

• someone who understands your industry

• advice on going limited

• help with budgeting and cashflow

• quarterly check ins rather than an annual rush

Being clear on your needs makes it much easier to choose the right person.

Look for an Accountant Who Understands Self Employment

Self employment has its own set of rules, especially when it comes to expenses, tax thresholds, National Insurance and record keeping. A good accountant knows the common traps and opportunities for sole traders.

For example, they should be comfortable advising on mileage claims, simplified expenses, pre-trading costs, home working deductions, payments on account and when you might benefit from becoming a limited company. Accountants who work with lots of self employed clients tend to spot issues early and explain things in a way that makes sense.

In my opinion this specialist understanding is far more important than choosing a large or prestigious firm. Self employed workers benefit from accountants who speak plain English and understand how small businesses really operate.

Choose Someone Who Communicates Clearly

Communication is one of the biggest indicators of whether an accountant will be a good fit. Some accountants are very technical but not particularly approachable. Others are great with people but slow to respond. The sweet spot is someone who explains things clearly, responds in a reasonable time and does not make you feel embarrassed for asking questions.

When you first speak to a potential accountant, notice whether they listen to you properly. Do they ask about your goals? Do they explain how they work? Do they answer your questions in a way that makes sense? If an accountant makes you feel confused during the first conversation, it is unlikely to improve later.

In my opinion your accountant should feel like a partner, not a hurdle.

Check Their Qualifications and Professional Memberships

A good accountant should have recognised qualifications or be part of a reputable professional body such as ACCA, ICAEW, AAT or CIOT. Membership of these organisations means they follow ethical standards, maintain professional development and hold appropriate insurance.

This does not mean unqualified accountants are bad, but professional membership adds a layer of security and reassurance. It also means there is somewhere to turn if things go wrong.

Ask About Their Experience With People Like You

An accountant who works mainly with large limited companies may not be the best fit for a self employed worker. It is perfectly reasonable to ask for examples of clients in similar industries or similar income levels. The closer their experience is to your type of work, the easier the relationship will be.

If you are a tradesperson, ask whether they handle CIS deductions.
If you are a creative freelancer, ask whether they understand project-based billing.
If you sell online, check whether they know about platform fees, import VAT and digital bookkeeping.

In my opinion a good match saves you time and money because they already understand your challenges.

Make Sure They Offer Clear Pricing

Many self employed people worry about unexpected fees. A good accountant should be upfront about their pricing, whether it is a fixed monthly fee, an annual charge or a pay-as-you-need service.

Ideally they should explain:

• what is included

• what is excluded

• whether phone calls and questions are charged

• whether software is included

• when payments are due

If the pricing feels vague, ask for clarity. A trustworthy accountant will be happy to explain.

Check How They Use Technology

Modern accountancy relies heavily on digital tools. Even if you are not tech-savvy, your accountant should help you use simple systems that keep your finances organised.

Ask which software they recommend and whether they support tools for invoices, expenses and bookkeeping. If they use Making Tax Digital software, online signature tools and secure portals, it makes your life easier.

In my opinion an accountant who embraces technology can save you hours of admin every month.

Look for Someone Accessible and Approachable

A good accountant should never feel like someone you speak to only once a year. You should feel comfortable asking questions, sending messages and seeking advice when needed.

If an accountant discourages contact or gives the impression that questions are an inconvenience, they are not the right fit. Self employed people often need help at unexpected moments, and your accountant should be someone you can rely on.

Trust Your Instincts

After a couple of conversations with different accountants, you will usually sense who you feel most comfortable with. A good working relationship is just as important as technical skill. If someone makes you feel rushed, confused or pressured, your instincts are probably right.

In my opinion the best accountants are the ones who explain things simply, show genuine interest in your business and leave you feeling more confident after each conversation.

Conclusion

Finding a good accountant as a self employed worker is not just about qualifications or prices. It is about choosing someone who understands your business, communicates clearly and gives you confidence in your finances. The right accountant does far more than file your tax return. They help you plan ahead, avoid mistakes, claim everything you are entitled to and make informed decisions.

In my opinion the effort you put into choosing the right accountant pays off many times over. When the relationship works well, your accountant becomes one of the most valuable parts of your business.