Short answer
Startup accounting has to do two jobs: keep the company compliant from day one and produce records investors can rely on. That means a clean share structure, proper bookkeeping from the first transaction, and visibility of runway.
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Accounting for startups
Accounting and bookkeeping for UK startups: company setup, share structure, SEIS and EIS, runway reporting and investor ready records.
Short answer
Startup accounting has to do two jobs: keep the company compliant from day one and produce records investors can rely on. That means a clean share structure, proper bookkeeping from the first transaction, and visibility of runway.
Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar Member of ICAEW, Fellow of ACCA, Fellow of AAT, a double graduate and entrepreneur at heart, helping startups grow and serving thousands of businesses nationwide with an excellent team. Published by LimitedCompany.Accountants, 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Reviewed 12 September 2026 against 2026/27 UK rates and current Companies House and HMRC guidance.
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QuickBooks PartnerCertified ProAdvisor100+ yearsCombined team experienceFully insuredUp to £2m indemnityWhat this means for your company
Startup accounting has to do two jobs: keep the company compliant from day one and produce records investors can rely on. That means a clean share structure, proper bookkeeping from the first transaction, and visibility of runway.
01
Getting the foundations right
02
Bookkeeping for startups
03
SEIS and EIS
04
Runway and investor reporting
Getting the foundations right
Share classes, founder holdings, the date shares are issued and any option scheme all matter later, at the point of a funding round or an exit. Fixing these retrospectively is expensive and sometimes impossible, so we set them up correctly at the start.
Bookkeeping for startups
Even pre-revenue, spending needs categorising so costs are visible and reliefs are supportable. Payroll, contractor payments, software subscriptions and development costs each have specific treatment, and research and development claims depend on the underlying records.
SEIS and EIS
Advance assurance improves an investor's confidence before a round. Eligibility depends on the company's age, activity, size and the use of the funds, and the rules are strict. We assess eligibility honestly rather than assuming a claim will succeed.
Runway and investor reporting
A monthly view of cash, burn and months of runway is the number founders and investors ask about most. We produce it alongside the management accounts so board updates take an hour rather than a weekend.
Before you act
Rates, thresholds and deadlines quoted here reflect the current UK position and current HMRC and Companies House guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own business.
Local help
Talk to a limited company accountant near you
We work with company directors across London and Surrey from our office at 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Pick your area, or send the form below and we will call you back.
Frequently asked
Accounting for startups: questions directors ask
When should a startup get an accountant?
Ideally at incorporation, so the share structure, records and first filings are right from the start.
How much is startup accounting?
Our packages begin at £89 plus VAT monthly. Early stage companies with low volume normally sit at the lower tiers.
Can you help with SEIS advance assurance?
Yes, where the company genuinely qualifies. We review eligibility before applying.
Do you handle EMI share options?
Yes, including valuation support and the reporting obligations that follow a grant.
What about research and development claims?
We assess whether the work meets the qualifying criteria and prepare a supportable claim. We will say no where the activity does not qualify.
Can you take over from my current accountant?
Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the accounting and tax records, review every approaching deadline and manage the handover so no filing is missed.
Can everything be handled online?
Yes. Records, questions, approvals and meetings can all be handled securely online. Clients near London can also meet us at 12 London Road, Morden by appointment.
Is basic tax advice included?
Routine day-to-day questions are included. Technical calculations, written advice, planning projects, HMRC disputes and specialist claims are scoped and agreed before any work starts.
How quickly can I get a fixed fee quote?
Use the short online quote form with your turnover, VAT, payroll and bookkeeping position. We can normally confirm scope and a fixed monthly fee the same working day.
What do your packages cost?
Published packages start from £89 plus VAT monthly, with £169 and £289 plus VAT tiers for busier businesses. The final fee follows the agreed scope, not an hourly estimate.
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What Our Clients Say
“Accotax have been our accountants for many years now. We maintained them because of their professionalism. In the last couple of years I have been working with Imran, who has been very professional and helpful in guiding us through the whole process, explaining and clarifying every aspect of it. Very prompt in responding to questions and patient with us even when we seem to be slow.”
“We worked with a few different accountants before finally settling with Accotax, and we're really glad we did. They take the time to understand how our business works and what our needs are. Anum, who looks after our account on a day-to-day basis, including reconciling invoices and preparing the annual accounts, is amazing, professional, efficient, and follows the processes we have put in place together. Accotax has made our accounting experience much smoother and easier. We see them as a long-term partner as our business continues to grow. I would 100% recommend them.”
“I've been working with Accotax since January 2024, and their support has grown alongside my business needs. My personal allocated manager, Umer, provides tailored services for both of my companies, adapting as I expand and ensuring everything runs smoothly. They are responsive, knowledgeable, and always clear in their communication. Their help with accounts, VAT, payrolls, pensions and compliance gives me real confidence and peace of mind.”
Included approach
Organised, explained, on schedule.
Clear scopeDeadline visibilityHuman support