Running a limited company in Norwich means dealing with Companies House, HMRC, VAT, payroll, and a stack of deadlines that never seem to slow down. A good accountant does not just file your returns once a year and send you a bill. They should be making your life easier every month.
Here is what to expect from a Norwich accountant who actually earns their fee.
1. Statutory Accounts and Corporation Tax
Every limited company must file statutory accounts with Companies House and a corporation tax return with HMRC. Your accountant should prepare both, review them with you before filing, and make sure you are claiming every relief you are entitled to.
If your accountant just files the numbers without a conversation, you are probably paying too much tax. A proper review should cover capital allowances, R&D tax credits (if applicable), and whether your salary and dividend split is still the most efficient structure.
What to ask: “When did you last review my salary and dividend split?” If the answer is never, that is a problem.
2. Bookkeeping That Stays Current
Good bookkeeping means your records are up to date every month, not scrambled together in January. Your accountant should either handle your bookkeeping directly or give you a system (like Xero or Dext) that keeps everything tidy with minimal effort from you.
Monthly bookkeeping means you always know where you stand. You can see your profit, your cash position, and your tax liability before it becomes a surprise.
3. VAT Returns Filed on Time
If you are VAT registered, your accountant should be filing your VAT returns quarterly and making sure you are on the right VAT scheme. Flat rate, standard rate, cash accounting – the right choice depends on your business, and it can change as you grow.
They should also be keeping you compliant with Making Tax Digital. If you are still filing VAT through a spreadsheet, your accountant is behind the times.
4. Payroll Without the Headaches
If you have employees (even just yourself as a director), you need a payroll service. Your accountant should run payroll each month, file Real Time Information (RTI) submissions with HMRC, and handle your P11Ds and P60s at year end.
Payroll mistakes are one of the quickest ways to get a penalty from HMRC. A good accountant makes sure that does not happen.
5. Tax Planning, Not Just Tax Filing
There is a difference between a tax filer and a tax adviser. Filing is backwards-looking, it reports what already happened. Planning is forwards-looking, it helps you keep more of what you earn.
Your accountant should be talking to you about:
- Pension contributions — one of the most tax-efficient ways to extract profit from your company
- Capital allowances — claiming the cost of equipment, vehicles, and technology against your tax bill
- Timing of dividends — paying dividends in the right tax year can save thousands
- Company structure — whether a holding company or different share classes would benefit you
If your accountant only contacts you when your accounts are due, you are missing out on savings.
6. Honest Answers When You Need Them
A Norwich accountant who knows your business should be able to answer a quick question without booking a formal meeting. “Can I claim this expense?” “Should I register for VAT?” “What happens if I take on a business partner?”
You should feel comfortable picking up the phone. If your accountant is hard to reach or charges you for every five-minute call, the relationship is not working.
Why a Local Norwich Accountant Matters
You can hire an accountant anywhere in the country. But there are real advantages to using someone local:
- Face-to-face meetings when you need them, not just video calls
- Knowledge of the local business landscape in Norwich and Norfolk
- Connections to local solicitors, mortgage brokers, and business advisers
- Accountability – they are part of your community, not a faceless firm in another city
Norwich has a strong small business economy. A local accountant who understands that context will give you better advice than someone who has never set foot in Norfolk.
How to Tell If Your Current Accountant Is Falling Short
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I know my tax liability right now, or do I only find out when the bill arrives?
- Has my accountant ever suggested a way to reduce my tax bill?
- Are my books up to date, or months behind?
- Do I get a response within a working day when I email a question?
- Have they explained Making Tax Digital to me?
If you answered “no” to more than two of those, it might be time to look for a better fit.
Next Steps
If you are a limited company director in Norwich or Norfolk and you want an accountant who does more than just file your returns, get in touch with ATF Accountancy. We offer a free discovery call where we can review what you are currently paying and whether you are getting value for money.
No pressure, no jargon – just a straightforward conversation about your numbers.
