Fixed-fee accountant for a UK startup: how it works and what is included
Hourly accounting bills charge you for asking questions, and the old annual-accounts model keeps the cost a mystery until the invoice lands. A fixed monthly fee does the opposite: one predictable price, from a firm that is rewarded for working faster, not for billing more hours.
What a fixed fee should include
Bookkeeping kept current month to month, not reconstructed at year end.
Year-end accounts and the corporation tax return.
VAT returns where you are registered, and payroll if you run one.
Companies House confirmation statement and deadline tracking.
Why fixed beats hourly for a startup
Your cost is predictable, which matters when runway is tight.
The firm is paid to be efficient, so modern tools make the work faster and lower-cost instead of padding a bill.
You ask questions freely, so problems get caught early instead of at year end.
How to compare quotes
Check what is in scope, who signs the work, and what happens if you grow. A low quote that excludes VAT or payroll is not actually cheaper, and a low fee means little if no qualified accountant is accountable for the filing.
Frequently asked questions
What does a fixed-fee accountant include for a UK startup?
Typically bookkeeping, year-end accounts, the corporation tax return, VAT returns where registered, payroll if needed, and Companies House filings, all for one predictable monthly price.
Is a fixed-fee accountant cheaper than hourly?
Usually, and more importantly it is predictable. A modern firm uses better tools to cut the hours and passes that saving on, so you are not billed for every email and issues get raised early.
What if my startup grows during the year?
A good firm sets the fee to your scope and reviews it as you grow, so you are never surprised by a year-end true-up.