Hi, im just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for an accountant who are competent with quick file (so ideally from the recommended list quick file give) for a sole trader.
Im fine submitting the new quarterly statements and vat returns its just the self assessment at the end of the year im looking to have completed from next year onwards,
my current accountant is a nightmare to get hold of and don’t want the yearly stress of having to continuously chase them to do it, thank you
While we’re not able to suggest one accountant over another, it’s worth checking out the directory which lists the accountants, and a rating from users (including QuickFile users).
Hi @stephenlawes,
I have a ltd company rather than work as a sole trader, so my experience may not be super relevant for you, but I’ll share with you anyway. I started using Quickfile a little later than I should have done, I was previously using Excel, so first - well done on using a good software package! 
I think it’s more important to find a good accountant you can work with and who can learn new software, than focus on finding one who can already use Quickfile. I’m on my third accountant. The first lasted almost 0 weeks after they weren’t upfront with me about their fees, and it turned out I would pay double what I had believed I would, even after asking clarifying questions. The second only lasted one set of accounts, because after that set they tripled their fees without a good explanation (it turns out the reason was because they wanted to use Xero and the foreign currency modules on that expensive). The third accountant had never used Quickfile before, but he picked up what he needed to now quickly, which tells me that Quickfile is a good package which is easy for any competent IT-savvy accountant to learn. I’m still with that accountant, as they do what’s needed, I can contact them by email and phone, no call centre, they are clear on their fees and they are happy to answer questions without sending me an invoice itemised by the minute. I get accounts, tax return and payroll included. I do the bookkeeping myself, and he’s happy with how I do it and when I’ve made a mistake, he just points it out, no hassle and no making me feel stupid. I won’t lie and say it’s been bliss - it hasn’t; there have been times of some frustration, like when he’s had some staff turnover which has led to him being less available. I had some more complex corporate tax matters to deal with and for those I decided to use another firm who specialise in those kind of things, and the two accountants are happy with that division of labour, it seems to work well.
I’m happy to make an introduction if you like, please just let me know. I’ll post their info here if I’m allowed to, although they don’t pay Quickfile for “recommended” status so I’m not sure if I would be allowed to post my recommendation here.
Cheers 
Hi @stephenlawes Had the same situation as you and @madbilly. If I’m allowed I’d recommend Paul Courtier off the list. He is everything the others weren’t. Helpful and easy to contact. Apologies to Admin if this is not allowed, but I used another from the list before. No name -no shame!
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