Beany

Online accounting for UK companies is the work of Beany, which gives each client its own UK-based accountant. The firm says it chooses that accountant by hand, and that the accountant becomes the main person a client deals with. The service aims to take the hassle out of accounting, so owners can get on with their business rather than with paperwork. The company says it has supported more than 4,000 businesses, large and small.

What the annual package covers

The annual package takes care of a company's compliance work each year. That includes reviewing the company's Xero file, preparing and filing annual financial statements with Companies House, completing and filing the company tax return along with the returns for its shareholders, and filing the Companies House confirmation statement, the annual return that every company must make.

Tax planning with an accountant on the case

The firm offers an annual review of each client's tax structure and an online questionnaire that it calls a tax minimiser. The assigned accountant works on reducing the client's tax, and advises on how income tax payments on account should be made. The company also says it checks that HMRC assesses the client's tax correctly.

Goals, budgets and early warnings

Onboarding begins with a first chat with the accountant, who links the client's budget if one exists and connects Xero to the service. A year-end call updates the client's goals for the year ahead. The company says it sends alerts about unpaid tax, upcoming tax and unfiled returns, shows when a business is not tracking to its budget, and shares tips made for the client's business type and stage.

Bookkeeping, payroll and reporting

Beany's bookkeeping keeps the books current and connected to Xero, and its payroll service runs pay runs, handles payroll tax and produces the reporting that goes with it, so staff are paid correctly each time. Management reporting turns the figures into periodic reports on performance, and budgets and forecasts show where it is heading.

Support and advisory

Unlimited day-to-day support is part of the service. Clients can speak to a person through the helpdesk and can reach their UK accountant directly. Advisory work is presented as having an accountant alongside the owner on problems and opportunities, as well as the statutory and reporting work.

How a new client joins

The company lists a simple route in. A discovery call checks whether Beany is the right fit, a quote follows based on what was discussed, and anti-money laundering checks and HMRC authorisations come next, along with the handover from the previous accountant. Once onboarding is complete, the client is introduced to the accountant who will be working with them.