Choosing an accountant is about more than finding someone to submit your accounts and tax returns. You need a team you can talk to, who understands your business and can give you clear, practical advice when you need it.
Here are answers to some of the questions we’re regularly asked.
Absolutely. Changing accountants is generally much easier than people imagine.
Once you’ve decided to move, your new accountant will normally contact your previous accountant to request the professional information and records needed to take over your affairs.
If you’re unhappy with your current service, don’t let the thought of changing stop you from having a conversation with us.
There isn’t necessarily a “right” time.
You don’t have to wait until the end of your financial year to speak to a new accountant. If you’re not getting the service, advice or support you need, it makes sense to start the conversation sooner rather than later.
We’ll look at where you are in your financial year and agree the most sensible way to manage the change.
No.
We’re based in the Colchester area, but modern cloud accounting means we can work with businesses much further afield.
We use cloud accounting systems including Xero, QuickBooks, Sage and Dext, allowing financial information to be shared and managed efficiently.
We work with leading cloud accounting platforms including Xero, QuickBooks and Sage, alongside tools such as Dext.
The important thing isn’t simply having the software, though. It’s making sure it’s set up properly and gives you useful information about what’s actually happening in your business.
Yes. Bookkeeping is one of the business services offered by Steven Burton & Co, alongside accountancy, tax and payroll.
Keeping your bookkeeping accurate and up to date also means you have much better information available when you’re making business decisions.
Yes. Steven Burton & Co provides payroll services alongside its wider accounting services.
The aim is simple: make sure payroll is dealt with accurately and remove another administrative burden from the business owner.
Yes. VAT forms part of the tax services offered through Steven Burton & Co’s business services.
VAT can quickly become complicated, particularly where a business has different types of income or transactions. We can help you understand your VAT responsibilities and how they apply to your business.
No, and this is an important one.
Good accounting should help you make better decisions.
Yes.
One of the reasons we place so much emphasis on good bookkeeping, cloud accounting and useful financial information is that your accounts should tell you something about your business.
Understanding what’s happening with sales, margins, overheads, cash and profitability allows you to make informed decisions rather than relying on gut feeling.
That means looking beyond the year-end accounts and using financial information to understand what’s working, what isn’t and where the business is heading.
We work with businesses requiring a range of accounting and financial support.
The level of help you need will depend on where your business is today. For some businesses that may mean accounts and tax compliance; others may need bookkeeping, payroll, cloud accounting or more regular financial support.
The best starting point is a conversation about your business and what you actually need.
We can help make sure you understand the tax rules that apply to you and your business and consider appropriate tax planning opportunities.
However, good tax advice isn’t about promising unrealistic tax savings. It’s about planning ahead, understanding your options and making sensible decisions within the rules.
Yes. Definitely.
We believe complicated financial information should be explained in a way that makes sense.
You shouldn’t leave a conversation with your accountant wondering what you’ve just been told. If something is important to you or your business, we’ll explain it clearly.
That depends on what you need.
A business requiring annual accounts and a tax return has very different requirements from one wanting bookkeeping, payroll and ongoing financial support.
We’d therefore rather understand your circumstances first and then explain what support would be appropriate. As a rough guide, the total cost of a business’s finance function would typically sit somewhere between 2% and 4% of turnover, including the cost of any internal finance team.
Simple.
Get in touch with us and let’s have a conversation.
Tell us a little about your business, where you are now and what you’re looking for from your accountant.
From there, we can talk through how Steven Burton & Co may be able to help.
Ready to talk?
Our friendly customer service team are on hand to help with any queries you may have.
01787 329 709
info@stevenburtonandco.com
