By Sam Bacall, Partner

According to a 2024 study, there are over 36,000 accountancy firms in England (over 40,000 in the UK as a whole).

So, with so many firms operating, how do you choose the right accountant for your business or personal finances?

Do you choose the firm based on logic (fees, value for money, personal connections, size of team, etc.) or is it an emotional decision?

That’s something we’ve been discussing recently at FFT – your local accountants in Manchester.

We’ve sent out a “motivation survey” to our clients and we’re constantly taking testimonials and case studies from them to work out what drove them to choose us.

(You can read some of our testimonials here).

Here are some of the things we believe are important when it comes to choosing an accountant.

Location

(I use Manchester as an example here, but the same applies regardless of where you’re based).

If you are a Manchester-based business, it may benefit you to have a Manchester-based accountant.

The reason I say this is because they’ll understand the issues that your business faces and whether they are localised, national or international.

It also means that, if you have a problem or a question, you can always pop into the office and discuss it with the experts.

If you require an audit and you’re based in Manchester, having a Manchester-based auditor means they won’t need to travel too far to come and see you.

A local accountant is likely to have a network of contacts too (solicitors, lenders, business advisers, even other clients), who might prove invaluable as your business grows.

Similarly, an accountant in Manchester will also be aware of regional funding opportunities in the Northwest, local tax incentives, or business support schemes.

A firm that’s based hundreds of miles away might miss these opportunities.

Sector knowledge

We often find that businesses underestimate just how valuable it is to work with someone who understands their industry.

An accountant with experience in the entertainment industry will be familiar with the challenges you face if you’re a producer, actor or director.

Equally if you need an accountant for a start-up, you’ll want to find one that has expertise in the tax reliefs you might be eligible for, and the common pitfalls to avoid.

If you run a tech company, you might need advice on R&D tax credits or investment schemes.

A hospitality business will want someone who understands VAT complexities and payroll in a sector with high staff turnover.

The right accountant won’t just process your numbers, they will speak your language and understand your niche.

Technology and innovation

Another factor that has become increasingly important over the last few years is technology.

I know that many small businesses in Manchester are switching to cloud accounting tools like Xero and QuickBooks because they save time, reduce errors, and give real-time visibility over cashflow and profits.

In our view, your accountant should be leading the way on digital transformation, not playing catch-up.

A good accountant can integrate your systems, automate the boring bits, and give you better insights into how your business is performing day-to-day.

The personal factor

Logic might tell you to compare fees and services side by side, but in reality, the relationship between a business owner and their accountant is often quite personal.

You need someone you trust with your financial information, who you feel comfortable speaking to when things go wrong, and who will proactively look out for your interests.

That’s why we place so much value on testimonials and client feedback.

They tell us whether we are getting that balance right rather than just delivering the technical work and building relationships that last.

Making the right choice

Choosing the right accountant is not something to rush.

Take the time to meet a few firms, ask questions, and think about what matters most to you – whether that is sector expertise, digital tools, personal service, or local knowledge.

Get it right, and your accountant will become a trusted adviser, helping you make sense of your finances and supporting your business as it grows.

If you need an accountant in Manchester, I’d highly recommend FFT (for obvious reasons) but there are plenty of firms out there!

Whatever the circumstances, make sure you do your research, read the testimonials and check that your sector is represented in the work that the firm does.

Want to talk to an accountant today? Get in touch!