You have received several proposals, or are about to ask for them?
Comparing them is not always easy: each firm presents its offer in its own way. A few questions are enough to choose on the same basis.
Compare on an equivalent scope
Two proposals can only really be compared if they cover the same work:
- the same services: bookkeeping, annual accounts, tax returns, and what is optional;
- the same frequency: monthly or quarterly VAT returns, interim accounts;
- the same split of tasks: what you do yourself, what the firm does.
A difference in budget is often explained by a difference in scope.
The 7 points of the checklist
- Your contact: who handles your file, and how quickly they reply.
- The services included, and what is optional.
- Organisation and tools: invoice upload, bank feeds, calendar.
- Advice: a review of your accounts and your pay, at least once a year.
- The relationship: listening, experience with similar businesses, written commitments.
- Fees: what they cover, and how they change.
- Changing firm: notice period checked, handover organised, start date.
Fees: look beyond the amount
A budget is read together with what it covers:
- options, quoted separately or included;
- set-up fees or file takeover fees, one-off and stated in advance;
- changes to the budget during the year, up or down;
- the year-end supplement for a takeover during the year. See the guide on the date of the change
Get the comparison checklist
Your contact, services included, organisation, advice, relationship, fees, changing firm: the checklist gathers the questions to ask, to tick for each proposal.
It is displayed as soon as you send the form and e-mailed to you.
Already received a proposal?
Let’s discuss it at the meeting: we compare the scope together (services included, filing frequency, split of tasks between you and us).
We then adapt our proposal to your actual needs, for example if you would like to take on part of the work.
Estimate your budget now, for your situation: estimate my budget
Frequently asked questions
How many proposals should I ask for?
Two or three are usually enough: enough to compare, without multiplying meetings. The first conversation counts as much as the document: it shows how the firm understands your business.
Should I choose the cheapest proposal?
Compare the scope first. For the same work, the budget becomes one criterion among others, together with your contact’s availability, the advice and the tools offered.
What should an accountant’s proposal contain?
The scope of the services, the frequency of the work, the split of tasks, the fees and how they change. Once accepted, it is formalised in an engagement letter.
How do I know whether a firm knows my sector?
Ask which similar businesses it supports, and how it handles the topics specific to your activity: VAT rules, stock, tax regime, employer obligations. The answers given in the first conversation are often very telling.
And once I have chosen?
You notify your current firm, then the handover of the file is organised. See the steps to change accountant