Accountancy & Tax

[marky65]

Just thought I would post some useful (or boring depending upon your point of view) thoughts and bits of information:

The title accountant is NOT a protected title; therefore anybody can call themselves accountants.

Not all accountants are equal; one working for a local council will have very different knowledge to one who runs their own accountancy practice and deals with sole traders through to large Ltd Companies.

A "proper regulated" accountant will have undergone extensive training and exams and must hold a practising certificate from their institute. This means they have PI insurance and have proved to their institute that they will adhere to the institutes strict code of conduct when dealing with clients.

This means they will issue you an engagement letter etc outlining what to expect and where to complain.

A "proper regulated accountant" will have no trouble proving their credentials when asked by a client.

Tax law is the same for all taxpayers - irrespective of what the tax payer does for a living.

These are all issues that I have come across (from clients who have been badly advised in the past by "so called accountants") and thought it worth sharing them.

I hate "professionals" who aren't professional and I am proud of my qualifications. and the service I give.

Hi Friendly
It looks like we are in the same business. I hadn't thought of listing my services on here or forums similar to this.
As a fellow accountant I can only confirm what friendly has put is correct. I have my practice licence, PI, MLR etc etc and it is so frustrating when I hear of many who offer these services without gaining the necessary training etc and then leave their clients in a mess, and usually with a huge tax bill. It give us genuine accountants a bad name but I guess that is the same in all lines of work.
Regards