What to ask an accountant: your first enquiry checklist

Bookkeeping focuses on maintaining financial records. Accountancy and tax work can include preparing accounts, returns and advice. The services overlap: ask each provider what it is qualified and willing to deliver rather than relying on a job title alone.

List what you will do yourself and what you want help with. For example, you might enter invoices but need bank reconciliation, review and filing support. This is more useful to a prospective firm than simply asking for “all my accounts”.

“I run a [business type] in [town]. I need help with [tasks] for [period], by [deadline]. I use [software], have about [transaction count] transactions per month and [staff count] employees. My records are [up to date / behind]. I prefer [remote / in-person] meetings. Please explain your fee, exclusions and onboarding steps.”

Use approximate figures when appropriate at the enquiry stage. Do not put passwords, identity documents or bank-access details into a public brief or social comment. Share necessary records through the chosen firm’s agreed secure process.

A freelance designer might ask for reconciliation of records and preparation of a personal return, explaining whether other income sources need attention. Payroll should not be added merely because a generic package mentions it.

A small company with employees might need bookkeeping, payroll, VAT work and annual accounts. Its enquiry should distinguish company work from directors’ personal requirements. These examples illustrate scoping; they are not a statement of tax obligations for every business.

Look for a response that addresses your actual tasks and explains what information is missing. Compare the same period of work, the number of included meetings and the process for agreeing extra charges.

Check relevant professional membership and experience separately. On TaxNuvia, listing visibility and subscription access are different from professional verification; a firm’s payment does not establish its qualifications.