ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXRecommendations for accountants
10 years, 11 months ago - Stephen Potts
Dear Shooters,
Can anyone recommend an accountant familiar with the issues facing writers? So far I have done all my accounting myself - dealing with odd bits of screenwriting income, tax deductable expenses, tax returns etc. But I hate the process so much I put it off until I'm forced to do it in a hurry - and then I fear I'll either miss out or face an unexpected tax demand. As the amounts have gone up, along with their complexity, I think I'll have to bite the bullet and hire an accountant. Ideally someone familiar with the territory, and based in Scotland (preferably Edinburgh).
All recommendations welcome.
Stephen
www.stephenpotts.net
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10 years, 11 months ago - Andrew Griffin
The Number Cruncher is a good accountant with an, online system, so you may not need to travel, especially with Skype so readily available. Has experience of creatives, he does my artist wife's accounts and will do mine when the time comes. http://www.thenumbercruncher.net/sage/4574957929
Response from 10 years, 11 months ago - Andrew Griffin SHOW
10 years, 11 months ago - Alistair Rutherford
Hi Stephen, if you're still looking I've emailed my sister in law to see if she is looking to take on any new clients. She's an accountant and does my books for me just now. They live in Colinton. Will let you know.
Alistair
Response from 10 years, 11 months ago - Alistair Rutherford SHOW
10 years, 11 months ago - Franz von Habsburg FBKS MSc
My guy Ian Clifton of Clifton Page knows film too but we're in Brighton...
Response from 10 years, 11 months ago - Franz von Habsburg FBKS MSc SHOW
10 years, 11 months ago - Stephen Potts
Thanks again to everyone who has responded, and especially to Alistair, as I still prefer someone local.
Further proof of the value of Shooting People.
Stephen
Response from 10 years, 11 months ago - Stephen Potts SHOW
10 years, 11 months ago - Royston Deitch
Hi there. I don't know any accountants in Scotland but if circumstances mean you do need to talk to someone in London I would recommend Stephen Freeman of FLPCA, details here : http://flpca.com/about_us/people. I don't know if he has worked specifically for writers, though I wouldn't be surprised if he has, but he has done the accounts for my company Thirty Seven Films Ltd., (makers of "Elvis Prestwick", please like it on Facebook!) so I can say he has some film-related experience. Good luck! Royston.
Response from 10 years, 11 months ago - Royston Deitch SHOW
10 years, 11 months ago - Stephen Potts
Thanks everyone for your comments - very helpful. I've presumed I'd need face to face meetings, hence the wish for someone based in Edinburgh - but maybe I need to research this further. For the tax year 2013-4 I will probably still do it myself, while anticipating I'll need to hire someone for 2014-5. I see this as a good sign - my writing income is going up!
Thanks again,
Stephen
Response from 10 years, 11 months ago - Stephen Potts SHOW
10 years, 11 months ago - Parvez Zabier
I am a professional accountant specialising in film and TV sector. You can contact me via my SP page. Regards Parvez
Response from 10 years, 11 months ago - Parvez Zabier SHOW
10 years, 11 months ago - James Northcote
Hi Stephen,
I'd really recommend Lentell's based in somerset. They are cheaper than a london accountant but have the weight to get stuff done. They are absolutely the best in terms of deducting expenses and for me as an actor they have been wonderful. I'd recommend them for anyone self employed.
james
Response from 10 years, 11 months ago - James Northcote SHOW