One issue we often see with small business owners is this: many have never worked in a large organisation, so they don’t know what good finance support should look like.

In a big company, if the Managing Director emails the finance team, they would expect a response that same week. If something is urgent, they would pick up the phone and speak to the accountant directly. They would also expect full transparency — no outsourcing of work without permission, and no surprises about where sensitive financial data is handled.

For many UK SMEs, the reality has been very different. The good news is that this model is changing. A new generation of accountancy practices are raising standards and acting as true finance partners to their clients.

Here are some practical tips to help you choose the right accountant for your business

1. Look Beyond Compliance

Compliance is essential, but it shouldn’t be the end goal. A good accountant helps you understand your numbers, spot risks early and use financial information to make better business decisions — not just file accounts once a year.

2. Use Your Accountant as a “Go-To” Person

Accountants work with many businesses and see what tends to work and what doesn’t. While respecting confidentiality, a good accountant can act as a sounding board, sharing insight into common patterns, best practices and mistakes to avoid.

3. Choose Someone Who Speaks Your Language

Finance shouldn’t feel confusing. The right accountant explains things clearly, avoids jargon, answers questions patiently and helps you feel confident about decisions, not overwhelmed.

4. Make Sure They Understand Your Type of Business

Relevant experience matters. An accountant who works with businesses like yours will better understand your challenges and growth stage, and should be able to share examples or testimonials from similar clients.

5. Check How Proactive They Are

Great accountants don’t wait for problems to arise. They raise issues early, suggest improvements and help you plan ahead. Being able to introduce trusted experts — without hidden referral fees — is a strong sign of proactive support.

6. Understand How Responsive They Are

Timely communication is critical. Expect emails to be answered or acknowledged within a couple of working days, the ability to speak to someone directly when needed, and clear expectations around response times.

7. Look at the Experience Behind the Team

A mix of senior staff, juniors and apprentices is healthy, but qualified professionals should always oversee your work. Your business finances should be led by people with the right experience, not left unsupervised.

8. Focus on the Relationship, Not Just the Price

Price matters, but value matters more.

9. Ask How Seriously They Take Your Data

Your financial data deserves proper protection. You should understand how it’s stored, whether work is outsourced and offshored, and that strong security, transparency and ethical standards are in place.