Questions about our accounting, bookkeeping and FD services
I already have an accountant. Why would I need you?
Your accountant files your statutory accounts and tax returns; we help you run and grow the business using your numbers through the year. We’re happy to work alongside your existing accountant. If you’re on FreeAgent or Xero, we can also take over the compliance work so everything sits with one trusted partner.
What areas do you cover?
We’re based in Boston Spa, near Wetherby in West Yorkshire, and work with clients across the UK by video call. For fractional FD clients who need us on site, we cover Leeds, Wetherby, Harrogate, York and the rest of Yorkshire.
How much do you charge?
It depends on the service. As a guide, fractional FD work is charged at a day rate of £800, usually for 2 to 8 days a month. Accounting, tax and bookkeeping packages start from £100 a month for Limited Companies (less for Sole Traders), calculated for the year and billed monthly so your costs are predictable. Consultancy projects are fixed-fee or time-based. You’ll always get a clear quote before any work starts.
What happens on the first call?
It’s a free, no-obligation 45-minute conversation about your business, what’s working, what isn’t and what you want to achieve. We’ll be honest about whether we can help, and if we can, we’ll follow up with a written proposal.
How long am I tied in for?
As long or as short as you need. We agree the terms at the start of the engagement, and there’s no long minimum contract. Our standard terms are 30 days notice.
When can you start?
Usually within two to four weeks of agreeing a proposal, quicker if the need dictates. We don’t take on more work than we can do well, so we’ll always be honest about timing.
Are you qualified and regulated?
Yes. Nick Lankester is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA) and a CIMA Member in Practice, which means we hold professional indemnity insurance and are supervised by CIMA for anti-money laundering. Jenn Driver is a full member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (MAAT).
What’s the difference between a part-time, fractional and portfolio FD?
None: they’re different names for the same thing. A senior Finance Director works with your business for part of each month instead of full time. You get strategic finance expertise at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire, plus experience from other businesses. Client confidentiality is always protected.
How much does a fractional FD cost?
Most clients need 2 to 5 days a month, depending on business size, needs and the experience of their in-house team. At our day rate of £800, that’s typically £1,600 to £4,000 a month, far less than the salary and costs of a full-time Finance Director.
What does a fractional FD actually do?
Typical work includes monthly management accounts and KPIs, forecasting and budgets, cash-flow management, pricing and margin reviews, funding applications, improving finance systems and processes, and supporting the board on strategy, growth or a sale.
Is my business big enough to need an FD?
If you’re making decisions about hiring, pricing, funding or growth without reliable numbers, probably yes. Many clients start with a few days a month, or a single project such as a forecast, and increase support as they grow. If your turnover is over a £1m, you should definitely consider what the benefits might be.
Can you take over from my current accountant?
Yes. We’ll contact your previous accountant for the information we need, check your opening balances and make sure no deadlines are missed during the switch.
Do I need to register for VAT?
You must register if your VAT-taxable turnover goes over £90,000 in any rolling 12-month period, or you expect it to in the next 30 days. You can also register voluntarily below that, which can make sense if most of your customers are VAT-registered businesses, as it opens up you being able to claim back Input VAT on your purchases, without adding to the cost to your clients. We’ll help you decide.
Does Making Tax Digital affect me?
If you’re VAT-registered, it already does: VAT returns must be filed through compatible software. For Income Tax, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 have been in scope since April 2026; the threshold falls to £30,000 from 6 April 2027, and the government plans to lower it to £20,000 from April 2028. Limited companies aren’t affected for Corporation Tax, and Ltd Co Directors earning through a combination of Salary and Dividends aren’t affected either.
What are the key deadlines for a limited company?
Annual accounts are due at Companies House 9 months after your year-end. Corporation Tax is usually payable 9 months and 1 day after year-end, with the return due within 12 months. You also file a confirmation statement every year, and directors usually file a Self Assessment return by 31 January. We’ll put all of these in your compliance calendar, and manage and complete them for you.
Do I need FreeAgent or Xero?
We recommend one of them because it saves time and money, and gives you the clarity you need. FreeAgent suits most smaller service businesses and is free with a NatWest, RBS or Mettle business account. Xero suits larger businesses that need more reporting or integrations. We’re certified partners for both and can help you choose and switch.
Running a business on spreadsheets or with a big bag of receipts should no longer be a valid choice when so much great and accessible software exists. We only work with business owners who want to work with software in place, and if you don’t know how to make that move, we’ll help you. If you’re just starting out, it’s a no-brainer to get set up digitally from the get-go.
How do I share documents with you securely?
Through our secure Client Portal, which keeps your documents, forms and messages sign offs in one place rather than in email attachments.