Do I need a chartered accountant?

A chartered accountant is a qualified financial professional who’s passed rigorous exams and is regulated by a professional body such as ICAEW, ACCA, or ICAS. Their training covers areas like tax, auditing, financial reporting, and business strategy—and they’re held to strict ethical and professional standards.

How Are They Different from Non-Chartered Accountants?

Not all accountants are chartered. In fact, in many countries (like the UK), anyone can call themselves an "accountant" even without formal qualifications.

Key differences:

• Chartered accountants are certified, regulated, and required to stay up to date

• Non-chartered accountants may offer useful services but aren't held to the same standards

• Chartered professionals often take on more complex or high-level financial work

When Might You Need One?

You may not need a chartered accountant for basic bookkeeping or standard tax returns. But their expertise can be valuable if:

• Your finances are complex (e.g. multiple income sources, international activity)

• Your business needs a statutory audit

• You're seeking investment or funding

• You want strategic financial advice or long-term planning

• You're in a regulated industry or want to ensure full compliance

Conclusion

You don’t always need a chartered accountant—but in certain situations, their advanced training and professional oversight can offer added value, especially for growing businesses or more complex financial matters.