How do I know if my accountant is doing a good job?

Choosing an accountant is a big decision for any business. But once you’ve hired one, how do you actually know if they’re doing a good job? After all, accounting isn’t always visible — a lot of the work happens behind the scenes, in tax calculations, filings, and compliance checks.

It’s not just about whether they file your tax return on time. A good accountant supports your business beyond the basics, helping you understand your finances, avoid problems, and make better decisions.

Here’s how to assess whether your accountant is truly delivering.

1. They Meet Deadlines Consistently

At the very least, your accountant should be meeting the essential deadlines:

• Tax returns (self-assessment, corporation tax, VAT)

• Annual accounts

• Companies House filings (confirmation statements)

• Payroll submissions

If you’re getting late filing penalties, it’s a major red flag. Meeting deadlines is a basic expectation — not a bonus.

2. Your Accounts Are Accurate and Up to Date

Mistakes in your accounts can cause serious issues: overpaying tax, fines, incorrect cash flow planning, or even problems with lenders. A good accountant makes sure your accounts are accurate, balances reconcile, and everything reflects reality.

If your financial reports always seem out of date, contain errors, or don’t reflect what’s really happening in the business, it’s worth questioning the service.

3. They Communicate Clearly (and Respond Promptly)

Good communication is one of the simplest — but most vital — signs of a good accountant. They should:

• Respond to emails or calls within a reasonable timeframe

• Answer your questions clearly (without jargon)

• Keep you updated on deadlines, changes in tax rules, or things you need to do

If you constantly feel left in the dark, ignored, or confused, it’s not a great sign.

4. You Understand Your Numbers Better

A good accountant doesn’t just produce reports; they help you understand them. You should feel more confident about:

• What your profit actually is

• Where your money is going

• How much tax you owe and when

• What the key risks or opportunities are in your finances

If your accounts feel like a mystery, or your accountant never takes time to explain them, you’re missing out on a key part of the service.

5. You Aren’t Getting Nasty Surprises

Good accounting means no surprises. You should always have clarity over things like:

• Upcoming tax bills

• VAT liabilities

• Payroll obligations

• Profitability and cash flow

If sudden bills appear that you weren’t expecting, or tax deadlines sneak up out of nowhere, it’s a sign your accountant isn’t helping you stay ahead.

6. They Help You Stay Compliant (and Spot Risks)

Accountants aren’t just number-crunchers; they’re also gatekeepers of compliance. A good accountant:

• Makes sure you stay on the right side of HMRC rules

• Flags any risks (like director’s loan issues, underpaid taxes, or late VAT)

• Advises you on what’s allowable and what isn’t

If you’ve ever had a tax inspection where HMRC spotted mistakes that your accountant should have caught, that’s a major concern.

7. They Offer Proactive Advice

The best accountants don’t just answer your questions — they help you ask better ones. You might hear from them about:

• Tax-saving opportunities

• Business structure improvements (e.g., limited company vs. sole trader)

• How to improve cash flow

• Whether your pricing covers your costs

• What financial reports you should be reviewing regularly

If your accountant only speaks to you at year-end — or only when you chase them — it could be time to question the value.

8. They Help with Planning, Not Just History

A poor accountant tells you what happened last year. A good accountant helps you plan for the year ahead. This might include:

• Cash flow forecasts

• Tax planning for the year ahead (not after the year has finished)

• Advice on whether the business can afford big decisions (like hiring or investment)

If it feels like you’re always looking backward rather than forwards, something’s missing.

9. They Keep Up with Changing Rules

Tax and accounting rules change regularly — from VAT thresholds to Making Tax Digital updates to corporation tax rate shifts. A good accountant keeps on top of these changes and informs you when they affect your business.

If you find out about rule changes from the news before hearing it from your accountant, that’s not ideal.

10. You Feel They’re on Your Side

Perhaps the most important factor is trust. Do you feel your accountant:

• Understands your business?

• Has your best interests in mind?

• Is someone you can rely on, not just once a year, but as a sounding board whenever needed?

If conversations feel rushed, dismissive, or transactional — rather than supportive — it could be a signal that they’re not the right fit.

Signs of a Good Accountant – Quick Checklist:

• Meets deadlines reliably

• Keeps accounts accurate and up to date

• Communicates clearly and responds promptly

• Helps you understand your numbers

• No surprise tax bills or missed deadlines

• Keeps you compliant and flags risks

• Proactively offers advice, not just reacts

• Supports forward planning, not just year-end reports

• Keeps you informed about changing rules

• You trust them and feel supported

When to Reconsider

If multiple issues on that list sound familiar — poor communication, surprise tax bills, confusing reports — it’s reasonable to question whether you’re getting the service you need. A good accountant can make running your business easier, less stressful, and more successful. A poor one can do the opposite.