Compare Accountants
Most accountants promise the same things. What actually differs is what’s included, how you’re supported, and what happens as your circumstances change. This page sets out what to look for, and how Caroola compares.
Questions to Ask When Comparing Accountants
Fixed fee or hourly billing. A named accountant or a shared inbox. Software included or charged separately. These details, not the marketing, are what determine whether an accountant works for your business long-term.
Most accountancy websites look similar. The differences that matter are usually in the details, not the homepage.
Before comparing prices, it helps to know what you’re actually comparing. Two “fixed fee” quotes can cover very different amounts of work.
Ask these questions of any accountant you’re considering, including us.
- Is the fee genuinely fixed? Ask what's included in the headline price, and what triggers an extra charge.
- Do you get a named accountant? Or does support go through a shared inbox or a rotating team?
- Is software included? Some firms charge separately for the accounting software you'll use every day.
- How easy is it to switch? Ask who handles the handover with your current accountant, and whether it costs extra.
- What's excluded? Every accountant excludes something. The reputable ones state it upfront.
- What are they actually qualified in? Look for recognised accreditations, not just “experienced.”
How Caroola Answers Each of These
Where we stand on the questions above.
- One fixed monthly fee for your core accounting, no hourly billing
- Your own named, dedicated accountant
- Cloud accounting software included
- We handle the switch from your current accountant
- Additional services, such as VAT registration or bookkeeping, priced separately and stated clearly, or included as standard in a higher package
- FCSA founding member, ACCA Approved Employer, AAT accredited, Cyber Essentials Plus certified
Who Is This For?
This page is for anyone comparing accountants, whether you’re choosing one for the first time or considering a switch from your current provider.
Why Choose Caroola?
Fixed Monthly Fees
One price for your core accounting, agreed upfront, that won't creep up.
Your Own Accountant
Work with one dedicated accountant who gets to know your business.
Accredited and Regulated
FCSA, ACCA, AAT and Cyber Essentials Plus.
No Hidden Costs
Clear about what's included, and what's priced as an addition.
Straightforward Switching
We handle the handover, whichever accountant you're leaving.
How Much Does an Accountant Cost?
Prices vary significantly across the market, largely based on what's actually included.
Caroola’s packages start at £28 + VAT a month for sole traders and £89 + VAT a month for limited companies, with partnerships and LLPs priced around your setup, covering your core accounting.
When comparing a price against ours, check whether it includes software, support, and a named accountant, or whether those are added separately.
Sole Trader
- Self Assessment filing
- Bookkeeping software
- Dedicated accountant
- MTD ITSA software
- Corporation Tax & VAT filing
- Annual Accounts
- Real-time tax insights
Partnerships & LLP
- Self Assessment filing
- Bookkeeping software
- Dedicated accountant
- MTD ITSA software
- Corporation Tax & VAT filing
- Annual Accounts
- Real-time tax insights
Limited Company
- Self Assessment filing
- Bookkeeping software
- Dedicated accountant
- MTD software
- Corporation Tax & VAT filing
- Annual Accounts
- Real-time tax insights
*section comparing Caroola to other accountancy firms to be added once the individual comparison pages have been published*
Speak to Caroola Accountants Today
Ready to work together or interested in learning more? Get in touch with the team to start a conversation.
FAQs
- How Do I Choose the Right Accountant for My Business?
Start with what’s actually included in the fee, not just the headline price. Then check whether you get a named accountant, how switching works, and what happens if your circumstances change, such as registering for VAT or taking on staff.
- What Questions Should I Ask Before Switching Accountants?
Ask what’s included in the fixed fee, whether software is provided, who handles the switch from your current accountant, and what triggers an additional charge. A reputable accountant will answer all of these clearly.
- Is a Cheaper Accountant Always a Worse Choice?
Not necessarily, but a lower headline price sometimes means less is included, or that certain work is billed separately later. It’s worth comparing what’s covered, not just the number.
- Do I Need a Local Accountant, or Can I Use One Online?
For most businesses, no. What matters is having a dedicated accountant who understands your situation, whether they’re based near you or work entirely online.
- How Much Does an Accountant Cost?
It varies widely depending on what’s included. Caroola’s packages start at £28 + VAT a month for sole traders and £89 + VAT a month for limited companies, covering core accounting.
- Can I Switch to Caroola Part-Way Through the Year?
Yes. No need to wait for year end. We manage the handover with your current provider.
The Knowledge Hub
Do I Need an Accountant if I’m Self-Employed?
Partner Blog: Funding Questions Every Business Owner Asks
Benefits of having an accountant
IR35 Business Entity Tests
How to Become a Freelance, Self-Employed, Mobile Hairdresser
Making Tax Digital for the Self-Employed and Small Businesses
Making Tax Digital for Landlords
Partner Blog: How to get Funding for Your Business
How to Choose the Right Savings Bank Account for Your Business
Benefits of Tide Business Banking
Why Every Business Needs a Separate Bank Account
