accounting for consultants

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TOP RATED ON BARK – 48 VERIFIED 5-STAR REVIEWS

Accounting for Consultants, handled personally

I handle self assessment, bookkeeping, VAT and corporation tax for consultants across Scotland and the UK, so you can focus on client work rather than HMRC.

You deal directly with me, David, every time. Fixed price agreed upfront. Same-day response as standard.

★★★★★Verified Bark Review

“David is exceptional. Over my years in business I have worked with several accountants for different projects. David is quick, efficient & his price is excellent value for money. I highly recommend him.”

Gwen Cumming · verified client
David Roseweir of STZ Accounting, specialist accountant for consultants across Scotland and the UK
48 verified 5-star reviews on Bark
25+ years of real business experience before qualifying
100+ businesses served across the UK
Same-day responses as standard
Qualified accountant – you always deal with David directly

Is your consultant accounting set up correctly?

Answer five quick questions and get a clear picture of where your tax position may need attention.

WHAT I DO

What I handle on your behalf

From day-to-day records to your annual tax return, I take care of the financial side of your consultancy so nothing gets missed.

01

Self Assessment Tax Returns

As a consultant, your tax return needs to capture all the income you earn, whether through a limited company, as a sole trader, or across multiple clients. I prepare and file your return from start to finish, claiming every allowable expense along the way. You get a clear explanation of what you owe before anything is submitted.

Available for sole traders and directors
02

Bookkeeping and Year-End Accounts

Keeping your records straight throughout the year means your year-end accounts are accurate and your tax bill is not inflated by disorganised paperwork. I handle bank reconciliation, income tracking and expense categorisation on your behalf. At year-end, your accounts are prepared and filed on time, with no scramble.

Sole traders and limited companies
03

Corporation Tax and VAT Returns

If you operate through a limited company, I calculate and file your corporation tax return and ensure you are on the right VAT scheme for your billing pattern. Many consultants overpay tax simply because no one has reviewed their structure. I look at your setup and make sure you are not paying more than you need to.

Limited companies and VAT-registered consultants
WHY IT WORKS

Why consultants keep working with me year after year

It comes down to three things that most accounting firms struggle to deliver consistently.

You always speak to me, not a junior

When you have a question about an expense, a client invoice, or an HMRC letter, you contact me directly and I respond the same day. There are no account managers, no call centres, and no explaining your situation twice to someone who does not know your business. One person, consistent contact, every time.

A fixed price with no surprise invoices

I give you a fixed price before any work starts. You know exactly what you are paying and what is covered. Consultants tell me this matters because their income can vary month to month and they do not want an unpredictable accounting bill on top of that. The price we agree is the price you pay.

25 years of business experience before qualifying

I ran businesses for over 25 years before I became a qualified accountant. That means I understand how consulting actually works: variable income, project-based billing, client retainers, IR35 questions. I am not reading about your situation in a textbook. I have lived a version of it.

FROM CLIENTS I WORK WITH

What clients say

★★★★★

“Spoke with David on the phone and knew instantly he was the one I wanted to go with. Spoke me through everything and any questions I had I just messaged him and he replied right away. Would highly recommend.”

John Brennan
Verified Bark Review
★★★★★

“David has been absolutely fantastic from start to finish — very efficient, knowledgeable and understanding, and all work completed within the reasonable agreed fixed quote.”

Suraen Mayor
Verified Bark Review
★★★★★

“I’ve used David the past 3 years for my tax return, every year it has been a pleasure and completely stress free — any questions I have he gets back same day. I would highly recommend David to anyone in need of an accountant!”

Liam Turnbull
Verified Bark Review
GETTING STARTED

How it works

Getting your accounting sorted is a straightforward four-step process with no hidden steps and no pressure.

01

Book a free call

You book a free call at a time that suits you. There is no obligation and no sales pitch. We have a conversation about your consultancy, how you currently handle your finances, and what you actually need from an accountant.

02

I review your situation

After the call, I take a clear look at your setup. That includes whether you are structured correctly as a sole trader or limited company, whether you are on the right VAT scheme, and what your immediate compliance deadlines look like.

03

You receive a fixed price quote

I send you a clear, fixed price quote based on what you actually need. No estimate ranges, no hourly rates that creep up. You decide if it works for you and there is no pressure either way.

04

I handle everything from here

Once we are working together, I take over. Your bookkeeping, tax returns, VAT, accounts, all of it. You stay focused on your consulting work. I stay on top of every deadline and keep you updated without burying you in detail.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Common questions

It depends on your income level, your client mix, and whether IR35 is likely to apply to your engagements. A limited company can be more tax-efficient above a certain income level, but it also comes with more filing obligations. I look at your specific situation and give you a straight answer rather than a generic recommendation.
IR35 is the set of rules that determines whether HMRC views your engagement as employment for tax purposes, even if you are operating through a limited company. If your client is a medium or large private sector business, they are responsible for assessing your status. If your client is a small business, the assessment responsibility sits with your own company. The rules are specific to each engagement, and getting it wrong can result in penalties.
Allowable expenses for consultants typically include home office costs, professional subscriptions, travel to client sites, professional development, software, and phone and broadband costs used for work. The key is that the expense must be wholly and exclusively for business purposes. I go through your spending as part of your bookkeeping or tax return to make sure nothing claimable is missed.
You are legally required to register for VAT once your taxable turnover exceeds the current threshold in any rolling 12-month period. Many consultants hit this threshold sooner than they expect, particularly once they win their first large retainer client. Registering at the right time and choosing the right VAT scheme can make a material difference to your quarterly liability.
David Roseweir, STZ Accounting

Have a question for David?

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