Hi.

I’ve started out as a contractor, working with my own limited company. Can anyone recommend a forum for advice on small business accounting matters? I’ve got some questions around overnight expenses and allowances without receipts (staying with friends and family for example).

Cheers.

Since you’ll need an Accountant for your y/e etc, just ask them – that’s what we do.

Any recommendations on how best to find an accountant?

Personal recommendation. They treat you very differently. When I started I was advised to go and see one a friend had used. I was nervous having been on PAYE all my life (and failing O level maths.. yes that long ago)

I walked into a dingy room with no computer and a small wizened old man peering over the top of huge piles of paper. Something out of a Dickensen novel.

He turned out to be fantastic. Didn’t mention a single percentage or figure. He told me how to behave and systems to adopt to stop me getting into trouble. Wonderful. He does actually have 4 people working for him who do “computers” but the behaviour thing was what has been the best advice since I started working and now employing people.

Don’t go to someone with big swanky offices, they are just looking for income, not relationship that will support and advise you.

Yep you’re definitely better off with a small outfit, and one that has been recommended if you can – just ask around friends & family, someone usually knows or has heard of someone. Spend a fortune at a larger firm who won’t be any more useful. That’s my experience anyway (and I’ve been at both ends).

Try ukbusinessforums. Lots of advice on there. I use Freeagent software which has its own accountants who answer most questions the same day.

We’ve been with SJD Accountancy (specialist contractor accountant) for over 10 years. Works for us.