(And Why Plan A Financials Continues to Stand Out)
The complete guide for UK business owners looking for real expertise, not just someone who files your tax return.
Choosing an accountant shouldn’t feel like picking a random name out of a hat, yet for many business owners… that’s exactly what ends up happening. Someone recommends a mate-of-a-mate, you Google “best accountants near me,” or you go with whoever answers the phone first. All perfectly normal — but also a bit like hiring a babysitter after a three-second interview because “they seemed nice.”
The truth is: your accountant becomes one of the most important relationships in your entire business. They influence your cash flow, your tax efficiency, your growth strategy, your ability to sleep at night, and in a lot of cases, the decisions that steer your business for the next decade.
So if you’re searching for “the best accountants in Essex”, “how to find the best accountant for my business”, or “what should I look for in a great accountant?”, you’re in exactly the right place. This article breaks down:
- what makes a genuinely good accountant
- the red flags you should absolutely avoid
- the skills and qualities that separate the “number-crunchers” from the true advisors
- and crucially, how Plan A Financials ticks every box in a way most firms simply don’t
Let’s get into it.
Why Finding the Right Accountant Matters More Than Ever
Business is moving fast. Regulations change constantly. Interest rates, HMRC deadlines, cash-flow pressures, payroll challenges… it’s a lot. And that’s before we get into Making Tax Digital, ever-tighter compliance requirements, and the demand for real-time financial clarity rather than once-a-year bookkeeping.
A great accountant does far more than file your returns. They act as:
- a strategic advisor
- a sounding board
- a tax-efficiency expert
- a risk-spotter
- a financial translator
- and often the only person in your corner who’s looking holistically at your numbers
If you get it right, working with the right accountant feels like having a financial comfort blanket — but also someone who’ll give you a nudge (or the occasional loving slap on the wrist) when needed.
What Makes the “Best Accountant”? The Qualities You Should Actually Be Looking For
Most business owners think they need an accountant who’s “good with numbers.” And sure, that helps, but it’s the absolute bare minimum. What you really want is someone who actively improves your business, reduces your stress, and gives you clarity where you’ve previously had chaos.
Below are the real qualities that separate average accountants from the genuinely exceptional ones.
1. Expertise That Goes Beyond Bookkeeping
The best accountants aren’t just filing forms — they’re interpreting your entire financial picture. This means they should be able to explain:
- how your business is performing
- where money is being wasted
- what risks are emerging
- how you can improve cash flow
- how to legally reduce your tax bill
- what opportunities you’re missing
With Plan A Financials, you’re not getting someone who checks in once a year and hopes for the best. Their team brings deep expertise across:
- monthly management reporting
- VAT and tax planning
- CIS and payroll
- limited company accounts
- cash-flow forecasting
- business growth strategy
- compliance and HMRC protection
- digital accounting (Xero, QuickBooks, Dext, etc.)
This is the difference between having someone who reacts, and someone who leads.
2. Clear, Jargon-Free Communication
Ever spoken to an accountant and felt like they were speaking fluent spreadsheet to you?
Great accountants translate complex financial details into something you can understand instantly. They don’t drown you in acronyms. They don’t make you feel daft. They bring clarity, not confusion.
Plan A is known for this. They take pride in communication that’s:
- human
- helpful
- direct
- and refreshingly easy to follow
Clients come away saying, “Thank you — for once someone actually explained it properly.” And that’s exactly how it should be.
3. Real Customer Service – Not Just Once a Year Contact
A lot of firms still operate like it’s the 1990s:
You drop off a shoebox of receipts in January.
They process them.
You sign.
See you next year.
That model is dead.
Modern businesses need ongoing support, fast answers, and proactive input — not once-a-year panic sessions.
Plan A’s approach is genuinely service-led. Clients don’t chase for updates. They get updates. They don’t wait weeks for a reply. They get responses when they actually need them. And they don’t get trapped in a mess of generic email inboxes — they get a dedicated contact who actually knows their business inside out.
This is one of the biggest reasons we’re consistently rated as one of the best accountants in Essex.
4. Digital Tools That Make Life Easier (Not Harder)
The best accountant today needs to be digitally fluent.
That means giving you:
- cloud-based accounting that updates in real time
- automated receipt capture
- digital signatures
- online dashboards
- live reporting
- streamlined processes
- automated reminders
Plan A Financials is big on this. They use tools like Xero, QuickBooks, Dext, Hubdoc, and other smart tech to make your financial life easier, faster, and more organised. No more lost receipts. No more spreadsheets older than your children. No more waiting months to see how you performed last quarter.
5. Proactive Tax Planning (Not Last-Minute Fire Drills)
Many accountants only talk tax planning in January when it’s already too late to do much.
A great accountant:
- plans ahead
- structures your finances smartly
- reviews opportunities throughout the year
- and ensures you’re not missing out on allowances, reliefs or efficiencies
Plan A has a strong reputation for tax-efficiency planning that actually saves businesses money. Not clever tricks. Not dodgy loopholes. Just smart, compliant, strategic planning.
6. Transparent Pricing (No Nasty Surprises)
Most people fear accountants’ bills more than HMRC letters.
A high-quality firm will:
- give you clear pricing
- avoid hidden charges
- explain exactly what’s included
- offer predictable monthly fees
- and not “add on” random extras you didn’t ask for
Plan A Financials works on open, honest, fixed pricing — so you always know exactly where you stand.
7. Industry Knowledge That Helps You Grow
Business owners often underestimate this one.
The best accountant doesn’t just know accounting. They understand:
- your business model
- your challenges
- your industry
- your growth opportunities
- the benchmarks you should be hitting
Plan A works with startups, trades, SMEs, e-commerce, consultants, hospitality businesses, creatives, contractors — you name it. They know what healthy performance looks like in each industry, what to watch for, and what you can realistically aim for.
How to Choose the Best Accountant for Your Business: A 10-Point Checklist
1. Check they are registered and qualified
This is non-negotiable. You want accountants who are properly accredited (ACCA, AAT, ICAEW, etc). Plan A’s whole team is fully qualified, experienced, and constantly updating training.
2. Look for real reviews, not generic testimonials
Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Facebook — these are gold. And they should be recent, detailed, and plentiful. Plan A has consistent 5-star reviews that emphasise service, expertise, and responsiveness.
3. Assess how quickly they respond
If you’re waiting three weeks for an email now… imagine what January will look like. Plan A prides itself on fast, clear communication.
4. Ask how often they’ll check in with you
The best accountants reach out — they don’t wait for you to chase. Plan A offers regular reviews and monitoring so nothing slips.
5. Make sure they specialise in your size of business
Some firms only want huge clients. Others focus on small companies. Plan A works brilliantly with SMEs, startups, the self-employed, trades, and growing businesses.
6. Ask about tax planning, not just tax returns
There’s a big difference. Tax planning = saving money. Returns = paperwork. Plan A excels at the former.
7. Ensure they use modern software
If they’re still using spreadsheets from the Stone Age… run. Plan A is fully cloud-based and digital.
8. Understand their pricing upfront
A good accountant is transparent. Plan A explains costs clearly — no surprises.
9. See if they offer advisory services, not just compliance
The best accountants help your business grow. Plan A offers forecasting, planning, and strategic support.
10. Check if they’re genuinely local
If you’re looking for:
- accountants in Essex
- accountants in Southend
- accountants in Chelmsford
- accountants in Upminster
- accountants in Brentwood
- accountants in the wider Essex SME community
…Plan A Financials is truly local and understands the landscape, the economy, and the challenges businesses here face.
Why Plan A Financials Is Considered One of the Best Accountants in Essex
There’s a reason the business community consistently recommends Plan A:
✔ They’re proactive, not reactive
You won’t be left waiting, guessing, or chasing.
✔ They bring clarity where most accountants bring confusion
They make numbers make sense.
✔ Their customer service is genuinely next-level
Clients feel supported, valued, and looked after.
✔ They offer full-service accounting and advisory
Everything from payroll to tax planning to business strategy.
✔ Their digital systems are modern and streamlined
Saving you time, stress, and admin headaches.
✔ They’re local, knowledgeable, and trusted in Essex
They know the region, the business landscape, and the opportunities.
✔ And most importantly: they care
Plan A is the kind of firm that sees your success as part of their own.
Final Thought: Don’t Just Look for “Best Accountants” – Look for the Best Fit
Every business deserves an accountant who actually adds value, not someone who just ticks boxes. If you’re searching for:
- the best accountant in Essex
- the best accountant for a small business
- how to find the right accountant for your company
- who can help my business grow financially
…then Plan A Financials should absolutely be on your shortlist.
They combine expertise, service, modern systems, tax planning, and genuine human support — the exact combination that turns “an accountant” into a key partner in your success.
If you want clarity, confidence, and a proper financial foundation, Plan A really does live up to the name.
📞 Call us at: 01277 236 246
✉️ Email: info@plan-a.co.uk