How Do I Find a Good Accountant for Self Employed Workers

At Towerstone Accountants we provide specialist personal tax services, for self employed, and individuals across the UK. This article has been written to explain How do I find a good accountant for self employed workers, in clear practical terms, so you understand how personal tax and Self Assessment rules apply in real situations. Our aim is to help you stay compliant, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident tax decisions.

Finding the right accountant when you are self employed can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never used one before. From experience, I can tell you that the right accountant makes a huge difference. They are not just someone who files your tax return, they are a partner who helps you understand your numbers, reduce tax legally, and plan with confidence rather than guesswork.

In this article, I am going to explain how to find a good accountant for self employed workers in the UK. I will cover where to look, what questions to ask, what to avoid, and how to decide who is best for your circumstances. The aim is to give you a clear roadmap so you can find someone who is trustworthy, competent, and who genuinely adds value to your business.

Why choosing the right accountant matters

Many self employed people think all accountants are the same, or that the cheapest option is the best option. From working with hundreds of clients over the years I can tell you that this is rarely true.

A good accountant:

• Understands self employment tax rules clearly

• Helps you structure income and expenses efficiently

• Looks ahead to reduce future tax rather than just deal with past years

• Keeps you compliant with HMRC deadlines and requirements

• Communicates clearly without jargon

On the other hand a poor accountant can lead you to miss allowances, pay more tax than necessary, have errors in your returns, or face penalties because deadlines were missed.

Choosing well matters.

Where to start your search

There are several good places to start looking for an accountant:

Registered professional directories
Professional bodies such as ACCA, ICAEW, and Chartered Accountants Ireland maintain directories of qualified accountants. These accountants have passed rigorous exams and adhere to professional standards.

Referrals from other self employed workers
Asking colleagues, friends, or business networks can point you to accountants who already understand the issues faced by self employed people in your industry.

Online platforms and reviews
There are several online accountancy match services, and many accountants are reviewed on Trustpilot and Google Reviews. These can help you narrow down choices but should be taken alongside other checks.

Industry and trade associations
Some industries have associations that recommend accountants familiar with specific business types, such as contractors, creatives, or digital professionals.

Local business networks
Local networking events or chambers of commerce can be helpful, especially if you prefer face to face interaction.

What qualifications and memberships to look for

One of the first checks I always recommend is whether the accountant is properly qualified and regulated.

Qualifications that matter in the UK include:

• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

• ACA (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)

• CA (Chartered Accountant in Scotland / Ireland)

• ATT or CTA for tax specialists

Membership of a professional body means:

• They must meet ethical standards

• They have continuing professional development

• They are bound by codes of conduct

• There is a route for complaint if something goes wrong

An accountant who cannot show any recognised qualifications or memberships should be treated with caution.

What services you might need

Not all accountants are the same. Some focus on annual accounts and tax returns, others offer broader planning support. Before you start talking to firms, think about what you actually need.

Typical services for self employed workers include:

• Self Assessment tax returns

• Bookkeeping support or reviews

• VAT registration and returns

• Tax planning and forecasts

• Advice on allowable expenses

• Payments on account management

• Pension and retirement tax planning

Decide what matters most to you and look for firms that specialise in those areas.

Key questions to ask before you hire

Once you have a shortlist of potential accountants, it is important to ask the right questions. I always recommend a short initial call to get a feel for the person and their approach.

Useful questions include:

• What experience do you have with self employed clients?

• How do you charge fees (fixed price, monthly plan, by task)?

• What services are included in your fee?

• How often will we communicate?

• Do you offer proactive tax planning?

• How do you handle HMRC queries or investigations?

• Can you provide references from current clients?

Take notes and compare responses across firms.

Understanding fees and value

Price matters, but cheapest is not always best. Accountants generally charge based on:

• The complexity of your affairs

• The services you need

• Their experience and reputation

You might see:

• Fixed annual fees for tax and accounts

• Monthly subscription plans

• Hourly rates for additional work

When comparing, ask what is included and what would be extra. A slightly higher fee that includes proactive planning and HMRC support often delivers better value than a low fee that only covers a basic tax return.

Communication style and responsiveness

A good accountant should explain things clearly, without jargon, and should be easy to reach when you need them. During your initial conversations pay attention to whether they:

• Answer your questions directly

• Speak in plain language rather than technical terms

• Respond promptly

• Show an interest in your situation

If you feel rushed, misunderstood, or ignored early on, that is likely to continue after you become a client.

Specialisms that matter for self employed workers

Some accountants specialise in certain types of self employed work. For example:

• Contractors and freelancers

• Tradespeople and consultants

• Gig economy workers

• Digital and creative professionals

A specialist will be familiar with the typical income patterns, allowable expenses, and common pitfalls in your field. This can save you time and money.

Red flags to watch out for

Not all accountants are equal. Be wary of anyone who:

• Guarantees a specific tax outcome

• Suggests dubious tax avoidance schemes

• Cannot explain their fees clearly

• Has poor or no client reviews

• Is unresponsive or vague

Your accountant should help you comply with the rules, not push you into risky or aggressive strategies.

Deciding between local and online accountants

Many self employed workers now use online accountants, which can be cheaper and more efficient. Others prefer local firms where they can meet face to face.

Both can work well, but the choice depends on your preference. If you like digital communication and portal based systems, online may suit you. If you value personal meetings and local relationships, a local firm could be better.

Most importantly the accountant’s competence matters more than location.

Trial period or introductory work

Some accountants are happy to do a small piece of work first, such as a tax return or a year end review, before asking you to commit to a longer contract. This can be a useful way to assess communication, clarity and value before fully signing up.

What to expect in the first year

Once you choose an accountant, the first year usually involves:

• Gathering your financial records

• Updating your bookkeeping

• Filing any overdue returns

• Agreeing a plan for next year’s tax

• Setting up systems and reminders

A good accountant should make this feel structured and manageable, not stressful.

Key points to takeaway

Finding a good accountant when you are self employed can transform your confidence and your finances. The right accountant will save you time, reduce your tax within the rules, and guide you so you feel in control rather than overwhelmed.

Take the time to search, ask good questions, check qualifications, and choose someone who listens as much as they advise. Make sure you feel comfortable with them, because this is someone you will work closely with over many years.

If you approach the process with a clear plan and the right expectations, you will find an accountant who supports your goals rather than just files a tax return each year.

You may also find our guidance on Can I do my own tax return or should I use an accountant, and Can I hire an accountant just for my Self Assessment, helpful when reviewing related personal tax questions. For a broader overview of Self Assessment deadlines, reporting, and obligations, you can visit our self assessment guidance hub.