How to Choose the Right Tech-Savvy Accountancy firm in Epsom

How to Choose the Right Firm in Epsom (2026 Guide)

If you’re searching for an accountant, you don’t just need someone to file returns once a year. You need someone who helps you understand your numbers, stay compliant and make better business decisions, all whilst using modern cloud tools that save time and reduce stress.

This guide explains how to choose the right tech-savvy accountants in Surrey, whether you’re based in Epsom, or nearby areas such as Leatherhead, Guildford or Sutton.

1) Start with what “tech-savvy” actually means

A modern accountant should be able to support you using cloud accounting systems so your business is always as up to date as possible, not months behind.

A tech-savvy firm should help with:

- Cloud bookkeeping (e.g. Xero)

- Automated bank feeds and reconciliation

- Digital receipt capture

- Real-time reporting and dashboards

- Making Tax Digital compliance

If your accountant still relies heavily on spreadsheets and manual processes, you may end up spending more time (and money) fixing errors later, as well as paying them for their own internal inefficiencies.

2) Decide what support you need (not just “accounts”)

Different firms offer very different levels of service. For most small businesses in Surrey, you’ll want a mix of:

- Accounting & tax compliance (year-end accounts, corporation tax, self assessment)

- VAT returns + Making Tax Digital

- Payroll + auto-enrollment

- Bookkeeping support

- Proactive tax planning

Quick tip: The right accountant should reduce stress throughout the year, not only at the year-end deadline.

3) Make sure they understand your type of business

Surrey businesses come in all shapes and sizes with where there are a multitude of differing trades, varying hospitalities and sometimes individual professional commuting into London and other areas.

The main ask you should have with any accountant is: “Do you work with businesses like mine regularly?”. If they do they’ll already know the common issues you’ll face (VAT, director pay planning, bookkeeping setup, software structure, etc.). If they don’t have similar businesses to yours they may not be the most appropriate for your needs.

4) Ask what systems they use (and whether they’ll train you)

If you want your accounts to feel simple, you need a firm that supports the tools properly. Common questions you should ask any new accountant you are looking to work with are:

- Do you support Xero?

- Will you help set it up properly?

- Do you help tidy up bookkeeping if it’s behind?

- Please give me an example of how you communicate numbers so I can ensure I understand your style and presentation?

Good accountants don’t just “do the work” - they make sure you understand what’s happening regardless of it’s complexity.

5) Understand pricing and what’s included

Accountants usually price using either on a fixed monthly package or with one off annual fees (which tend to include extra fees throughout the year).

As a business owner you should ask for a clear breakdown including:

- what’s included

- what counts as extra

- whether advice calls are included

- whether VAT, payroll, and bookkeeping support are included

All whilst avoiding vague pricing as it often leads to surprise costs later.

6) Choose a firm that offers proactive advice (not just compliance)

Compliance is essential, but proactive advice is where most business owners save time and money. Examples of proactive support include:

- salary vs dividends planning

- pension contributions

- VAT scheme selection

- claiming allowable expenses correctly

- planning ahead for tax payments

This is one of the biggest differences between a basic accountant and a high-performing one. It is also typically where our clients get the biggest value out of using us.

7) Local support matters: Surrey knowledge and accessibility

If you want the option of speaking to someone locally, working with a firm based in Surrey (or close to Surrey) can help. A local accountant can be valuable because they understand the types of businesses in the area, the pace of growth and staffing challenges, and the local networks and opportunities available. Even if most work is done online, having a firm nearby often improves communication and trust.

Even if most work is done online, having a firm nearby often improves communication and trust.

Final checklist: how to choose the right accountant in Surrey

Before you commit, make sure you know:

- Who will manage your account day-to-day

- What’s included in the monthly fee

- What deadlines they’ll handle for you

- What bookkeeping standard you need to keep

- How fast they respond to questions

- Whether they give proactive advice

Want tech-savvy accounting support in Surrey?

If you’re looking for tech-savvy accountants based in Epsom, supporting businesses across Surrey and surrounding areas, Love Your Accountants can help.

We support small businesses with proactive advice, modern systems, and clear communication.

Book a free consultation and we’ll talk through your current setup and what improvements would make the biggest difference.