Professional services,
for your paperwork.
Help with the numbers behind your household or business, from people who know the deadlines and the rules. Starting with accountants.
What is
covered.
Professional services are the ones you book for knowledge rather than labour. The work happens mostly on paper and on screen, and the value is in getting it right first time: a tax return that is filed correctly, company accounts that go to Companies House on time, a VAT return that matches your records.
On AYS Concierge this group starts with accountants. They help sole traders, landlords, freelancers and small limited companies with bookkeeping, self assessment, company accounts, VAT and payroll. Some clients want everything handled. Others just want someone to check their figures once a year and tell them what is coming up.
You search by postcode and see accountants who cover your area, though much of the work can be done online. Describe how your business is set up, roughly how many transactions you have, which software you use and what is overdue. Local accountants send a quote, and you choose the one that fits. Quotes are free and there is no obligation.
The service
in this category.
1 service in professional services. Each page explains what is covered, how pricing works and how to get ready.
Bookkeeper, tax return or full accounts
Start with what you actually need. Bookkeeping is the regular work of recording income and costs, often monthly, in software. A self assessment return is a once a year job for sole traders, landlords and others with income outside PAYE. A limited company needs annual accounts for Companies House and a company tax return for HMRC. VAT and payroll add regular deadlines of their own.
In the UK, anyone can call themselves an accountant. Chartered and certified accountants are members of professional bodies such as ICAEW, ICAS or ACCA, which set standards for their members. Accountancy firms must also be supervised for anti-money laundering, either by a professional body or by HMRC. It is fair to ask which body an accountant belongs to and who supervises them.
When you compare quotes, check what is included: the returns filed, how often you can ask questions, and whether bookkeeping is part of it. We ask accountants to show professional body membership and insurance, and the team reviews what they upload.
Do I need an accountant or can I do it myself?
You can file your own self assessment return with HMRC, and many people do. An accountant is worth considering when you have several income sources, rental property, a limited company, staff or VAT, or when you simply want the peace of mind that it is done correctly and on time.
Why will an accountant ask for my ID?
Accountancy businesses must follow the money laundering regulations, which means confirming who their clients are before they start. Expect to be asked for photo ID and possibly proof of address. It is a normal step and a sign they follow the rules, not a reflection on you.
Can I work with an accountant who is not nearby?
Yes. Many accountants work online, using shared folders, bookkeeping software and video calls, so distance rarely matters. Others prefer to meet locally or collect paperwork in person. Say in your request how you like to work, and ask how they handle documents securely.
What should I have ready before I ask for quotes?
A short summary of how you earn money, whether you are a sole trader, landlord or limited company, roughly how many transactions you have each month, any software you use and your year end. Mention anything overdue, letters from HMRC and what records you still have. The clearer the picture, the closer the quote.
When are tax returns and accounts due?
HMRC and Companies House set the deadlines, and they depend on your situation, such as how you file and how your company year is set up. Late filing can bring penalties. Check your own dates on GOV.UK or in your HMRC account, and give your accountant plenty of time before them.
Work in professional services?
Get booked for it.
Join AYS as a pro. Choose the postcodes you cover, set your prices and take bookings from local customers.