Step 1: Tell us what you need
Every business is different, so we start by listening. In a free, no-obligation conversation we ask about your business structure (sole trader, partnership, limited company or landlord), your turnover, your team, the software you use and any deadlines or HMRC letters on your desk.
From that conversation we recommend the services that fit, explain the cost in plain terms and agree a clear scope of work. There are no surprises and no unnecessary extras.
Step 2: Agree the terms in writing
Before we begin, we put everything in writing. You sign:
Engagement letter
Sets out the services we provide, what we need from you, our fees and each party’s responsibilities.
GDPR agreement
Your personal data and that of your employees and customers is handled lawfully and only for the agreed purpose.
Non-disclosure agreement
Your business information stays confidential.
We do all of this before you share a single record. You know exactly where you stand from day one.
Step 3: Set up your account and share your records
We set up your account and give you access to our secure client dashboard. If you already use cloud accounting software, we can work directly in your existing file with your permission. You can send your records in whatever way suits you.
Client dashboard
Upload documents to the client dashboard.
Bank and software connections
Connect your bank feed or accounting software.
Preferred channel
Send records through your preferred channel.
Paper records
Hand over paper records, which we can scan and digitise for you.
It’s your choice. Whichever route you choose, everything is received and stored securely.
What you can send us
You don’t need to organise your records perfectly. We work with what you have. Depending on the service, you can send us:
- Bank statements: as CSV, Excel or PDF files.
- Sales and purchase invoices: bills from suppliers or invoices you’ve issued.
- Receipts and expenses: receipts and expense claims.
- Accounting software exports: sales, purchase and nominal ledgers in CSV format.
- Payroll records: employee details, hours worked and pension information.
- Finance statements: loan, lease, hire purchase and mortgage statements.
- Fixed asset details: vehicles, equipment and property purchases.
- Official correspondence: letters or notices from HMRC and Companies House.
If something is missing, we make a list of what’s outstanding and send it to you, so nothing is left to guesswork.
Step 4: How we handle and protect your data
Your financial records are sensitive, and we treat them that way.
Secure storage
Your files are held in access-controlled systems, and only the team members working on your account can see them.
Encryption
Data is encrypted when it is sent to us and when it is stored.
GDPR compliance
We collect only what we need, use it only for the agreed services and keep it only as long as legally required.
Confidentiality
Every member of our team is bound by confidentiality obligations.
Clear audit trail
We keep a record of what was received, what was done and when, so you can always see where your work stands.
Your rights
You can ask us what we hold about you or request a copy of your records at any time.
Step 5: We get to work on your files
Once your records are in, our team gets started. For every service we follow the same pattern: you send us your records, we prepare the workings, we check everything with you, and then we file.
Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping is the day-to-day recording of every transaction in your business. You send us bank statements (usually CSV), sales invoices, purchase bills and receipts. We import and code each transaction, match every bank line to its invoice or bill, reconcile your bank accounts, debtors and creditors, query anything unclear and send you a short summary. You get accurate, up-to-date books that meet HMRC’s requirements.
Payroll
You send each pay period’s details: starters, leavers, hours, overtime, bonuses, expenses, holiday and sickness. We calculate gross pay, PAYE, National Insurance, student loans and pensions, prepare payslips and a summary, submit your RTI report on or before payday, tell you what you owe HMRC, and manage auto-enrolment and year-end filings including P60s.
VAT returns
You send sales and purchase records for the period. We check every invoice’s VAT rate and treatment, prepare reconciled workings, check for common errors and send you the figure for approval. Once approved, we submit through Making Tax Digital-compatible software. We also advise on registration, deregistration and the right scheme (flat rate, cash or annual accounting).
Statutory accounts and trial balance
We receive your records, build supporting workings for every area, prepare and review the trial balance with year-end adjustments, then produce your profit and loss account, balance sheet and notes. After you approve, we file with Companies House and HMRC. Workings cover sales, purchases, fixed assets, debtors and creditors, stock, prepayments and accruals, loans and leases, director’s loans, payroll, VAT and PAYE balances, and share capital and dividends.
Management accounts
Regular monthly or quarterly reports showing how your business is performing. We prepare a trial balance with adjustments, produce a profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow summary, compare against previous periods and budget, and explain the results in plain English.
Corporation tax
Starting from your finalised accounts, we prepare the tax computation, check for reliefs such as the annual investment allowance, loss relief and R&D relief, calculate the tax due and the deadline, and submit the CT600 with accounts and computations once you approve.
Self Assessment tax returns
For directors, sole traders, partners, landlords and anyone with untaxed income. We prepare workings for each income source, claim allowable expenses and reliefs, calculate tax, National Insurance and payments on account, and file once you approve.
Capital gains tax
You send purchase and sale details. We calculate the gain after costs, exemptions and reliefs, advise on legally reducing it, and report it to HMRC on time.
Property and landlord tax
We separate income from expenses and revenue from capital costs, apply the correct treatment of mortgage interest and reliefs, prepare rental schedules, and advise on holding property personally or through a company.
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
We verify subcontractors with HMRC, calculate deductions, prepare and submit monthly CIS returns and statements, and for subcontractors reconcile deductions and claim any refund due.
Company secretarial and Companies House filings
We file your confirmation statement, update Companies House for changes in directors, addresses and shares, keep your statutory registers up to date and remind you before each deadline.
Company formation
We recommend the right structure, register the company and share structure with Companies House, register for corporation tax, VAT and PAYE where needed, and explain your first-year responsibilities.
Step 6: Never miss a deadline
Deadline calendar and reminders
We keep a deadline calendar for your business and remind you ahead of every key HMRC and Companies House date, including VAT, payroll, Self Assessment, corporation tax and annual accounts.
Clear requirements and timelines
We tell you what we need and by when, so you have time to gather records and resolve questions before the deadline.
Step 7: Review, sign off and submit
Review and approve
Before anything is filed, we send it to you for review, explain the figures and ask for your approval.
Submit and confirm
Only then do we submit to HMRC or Companies House. Nothing is filed without your say-so, and we confirm each submission.
Step 8: Support when you need it
Available 24/7
Reach us whenever you need us, whether you have a quick question or a concern about your accounts.
Meet your way
Meet us online or in person at our office, whichever suits your schedule.
Your dedicated account manager
One named person who knows you and your business, so you never explain your situation twice.
We also help if HMRC writes to you. We review the letter, explain what it means and handle the response, including enquiries and penalty appeals.
Step 9: Plan ahead with us
Tax planning support
Keep your tax bill as low as the law allows, with advice on salary and dividends, pension contributions and reliefs.
Year-end support
Closing your books is smooth and stress-free.
Cash flow and budgeting advice
Plan for tax bills and growth.
Business advice
Growth, funding, hiring and changing your business structure.
Step 10: Ongoing reviews as your business grows
We check in regularly to review your results, your tax position and your services. As your business changes, we adjust what we do for you, whether that means adding payroll, moving to monthly management accounts or planning an exit. You stay with one team that already knows your business.