Specialist accountants

Does your business need an accountant with specific experience?

Some kinds of business bring work that a general accountant sees less of. These guides help you work out whether that applies to you, and what to ask.

A business may want an accountant with specific experience when its sector has its own tax rules, its own software, or records that take more work to match up. Some businesses don't need one. What a specialist accountant is, and how to test a firm's claim to be one, is covered in Specialist accountant.

Selling online (ecommerce)

Our first set of specialist guides is for businesses that sell through their own website, online marketplaces or both. They cover VAT, stock held in other countries, stock records, marketplace payouts, fees and changing accountant.

Do I need an ecommerce accountant?When selling online brings work that needs specific experience, and when it does not.What an ecommerce accountant doesThe extra work online sellers can need help with.VAT for online sellersUK VAT, online marketplaces and selling to customers abroad.Amazon FBA and stock held abroadWhat changes when your stock sits in another country.Stock and cost of sales for online sellersWhy stock records matter for profit and tax.Matching marketplace payouts to your salesWhy payouts can differ from sales, and how they are matched.Ecommerce: accountant or part-time finance director?Which kind of support a growing online seller may need.What ecommerce accountancy can costHow online sellers are charged, and what changes the price.Changing to an ecommerce accountantWhat to ask and what to move when you change.

Other sectors

We plan to add guides for other sectors later. Until then, Specialist accountant lists some sectors with their own rules, such as construction and contractors, and the questions to ask.

Not sure what you need? Tell us about your business and we will suggest what kind of help to look for.