Online accountants

SME accounting services

SME accounting for growing UK businesses: statutory compliance, VAT, payroll, management accounts and forecasting under one fixed fee.

Short answer

SME accounting covers statutory compliance plus the reporting a growing business needs to manage cash, margin and headcount. We combine accounts, tax, VAT and payroll with management information that scales as the business does.

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.

What this means for your company

SME accounting covers statutory compliance plus the reporting a growing business needs to manage cash, margin and headcount. We combine accounts, tax, VAT and payroll with management information that scales as the business does.

01

Compliance as the foundation

02

Management reporting that earns its cost

03

Growth events we plan for

04

Moving beyond compliance

Short answer

SME accounting covers statutory compliance plus the reporting a growing business needs to manage cash, margin and headcount. We combine accounts, tax, VAT and payroll with management information that scales as the business does.

Compliance as the foundation

Accounts, Corporation Tax, VAT and payroll all run to one calendar with clear responsibilities. For an SME, the main risk is not a single missed deadline but a pattern of late data that makes every decision reactive.

Management reporting that earns its cost

Monthly or quarterly management accounts, gross margin by revenue stream, payroll cost as a proportion of revenue, and a rolling cash forecast. We start with the two or three measures that would actually change a decision, rather than a thirty page pack nobody reads.

Growth events we plan for

Hiring, VAT registration, borrowing, taking investment, opening a second entity, or crossing a size threshold that changes reporting or audit requirements. Each has a tax and reporting consequence best modelled before it happens.

Moving beyond compliance

When an SME needs more than reporting, our finance function services add a virtual finance director, board packs and forecasting, typically for businesses spending from around £150 a month on compliance up to £1,500 a month on full advisory support.

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.

Related answers

More for online accountants

Every answer in this cluster is written for UK limited company directors and reviewed against current HMRC and Companies House guidance.

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.

Google reviews

What Our Clients Say

Rated 4.9 out of 5From 302 Google reviews
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.
Mansur Liman · Long-standing company client
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.
Mael Leboucher · Year end accounts & bookkeeping
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.
Зайтуна «Анонимная татарка» Manning · Two limited companies, VAT, payroll & pensions
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Frequently asked

SME accounting services: questions directors ask

What counts as an SME in the UK?

Definitions vary, but the company law size thresholds for small and medium companies, based on turnover, balance sheet and employees, are the ones that drive reporting requirements.

When should an SME start management accounts?

Usually when cash is tight, margins vary between products or clients, headcount grows, or a lender or investor asks for reporting.

Do you handle group structures?

Yes, including holding companies, intercompany balances and consolidated reporting where required.

Can you support an in house bookkeeper?

Yes. We review their work, own the technical treatment and handle the filings.

What about audit?

Most small companies are exempt. If an audit becomes required, we prepare the company for it and work with an audit firm.

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.

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.

Included approach

Organised, explained, on schedule.

Clear scopeDeadline visibilityHuman support

Key tax terms explained

Talk to an accountant

Tell us what is getting in the way.

Share your next deadline, accounting problem or growth question. We will reply with a clear next step and quote any technical work before it begins.

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Book a call

Pick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.

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Appointments run Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.

Four London offices

Meet us in Morden, Croydon, Chelsea or Mitcham

Work with us entirely online, or sit down with your accountant at whichever office suits you. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Office visits are by appointment only, so please book before coming in.

Morden, Surrey12 London Road, Morden, SM4 5BQHead office, two minutes from Morden Underground station.DirectionsRead ACCOTAX Google reviews
Croydon73 Park Lane, Croydon, CR0 1JGCentral Croydon, minutes from East Croydon station.DirectionsRead Croydon Google reviews
ChelseaM-112, 65-69 Lots Road, SW10 0RNWest London base for Chelsea, Fulham and Kensington clients.DirectionsRead ACCOTAX Google reviews
Mitcham141 Morden Road, CR4 4DGServing Mitcham, Tooting and the CR4 postcodes.DirectionsRead Mitcham Google reviews

Free, no obligation

Book a call

Pick a time that suits you and a qualified accountant will call you about your company, deadlines and fees.

Appointments run monday to friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Your confirmation is emailed straight away.

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