Best Accountants in Durham

Whether you are self-employed, run a growing company, or need a tax return handled properly, a good accountant repays the fee many times over in tax saved, time freed up and worry avoided. Durham has a strong choice of firms, from full-service chartered practices at Belmont and Aykley Heads to city-centre accountants, serving businesses and individuals across the city and county. Here is a guide to some of the local accountants and how to choose the right one.

It is worth choosing a firm that is a member of one of the recognised professional bodies, chiefly the ICAEW (chartered accountants) or ACCA (chartered certified accountants), or the AAT for accounting technicians. Membership means qualified staff, ongoing training, professional indemnity insurance and a complaints process, and lets you check the firm's standing independently.

What to check before you appoint

Be clear about what you need, whether that is annual accounts and a tax return, or ongoing bookkeeping, payroll and management figures through the year. Ask how fees are charged and what is included, and whether the firm uses cloud accounting software such as Xero or QuickBooks. If you run a charity, need an audit, or are planning to buy or sell a business, ask whether the firm has genuine experience in that area.

RMT Accountants & Business Advisors

RMT Accountants & Business Advisors runs its Durham office from Finchale House at Belmont Business Park, offering audit, specialist tax, business advice, corporate finance, and recovery and insolvency work, with particular experience in the charity, education and legal sectors.

Good for larger and more complex needs. Its full spread of services, including audit and corporate finance, makes it a strong choice for established businesses and organisations as well as owner-managed firms.

Jones Boyd

Jones Boyd is a firm of chartered accountants at Marshall Terrace in Durham, registered with the ICAEW and covering accounts, tax, bookkeeping, payroll, audit, and business growth and financial advice.

Good for all-round chartered support. With the reassurance of ICAEW registration and a broad service, it suits individuals and owner-managed businesses wanting qualified advice from a settled Durham base.

Mullen Stoker

Mullen Stoker is a firm of chartered accountants at its own premises on Mandale Business Park at Belmont, covering accounts, tax and compliance alongside wider business services including IT support.

Good for a broader business partner. Its combined accountancy and business-support offer suits firms that want more than year-end figures from their accountant.

Counting North

Counting North is an ICAEW-registered firm at Salvus House, Aykley Heads, covering accounts, tax, bookkeeping, payroll, audit, charity accounting, company formation and general business support.

Good for start-ups and not-for-profits. Its breadth, including charity accounting and company formation, makes it a practical choice for new businesses and organisations as well as established ones.

How to choose the right firm

• Check professional membership (ICAEW, ACCA or AAT) and ask what qualifications the people doing your work hold.
• Match the firm to your needs. A sole trader wanting a tax return has very different needs from a company that needs an audit or monthly management accounts.
• Understand the fees. Ask for a fixed quote where possible and confirm exactly what it covers.
• Ask about software and support. Cloud accounting and proactive advice through the year add far more value than a once-a-year set of accounts.

A good accountant becomes a long-term adviser, so it is worth choosing one you can build a relationship with as your circumstances change.

Looking for a firm we have missed? Get in touch.