Best Accounting Firms & Accounting Companies in the UK

Best United Kingdom Accounting Firms & Accounting Companies

Across the UK, accounting firms are more than back-office operators. In London, they help startups survive their first few chaotic years. In Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham, they fuel fast-growing SMEs. In smaller cities and regional hubs, they’re trusted partners for family-run businesses that anchor local economies. These firms don’t just crunch numbers, they influence hiring decisions, cash-flow confidence, and long-term resilience.

What’s especially notable right now is how UK accounting firms are evolving. Flexible delivery models, virtual-first teams, fractional leadership, and advisory-led relationships are becoming the norm. Business owners want accountants who explain the “why,” not just the “what.” They want visibility, clarity, and honesty.

That’s where Digital Reference’s philosophy aligns naturally. We believe trust is built through radical authenticity and transparency. Through modern tools like video resumes and verified professional references, Digital Reference is helping professional service firms show who they really are.

This article introduces our curated list of the Best Accounting Firms & Companies in the UK; firms offering outsourced, part-time, fractional, and virtual accounting services, all based in the United Kingdom. 

‍💂 Our Methodology - How We Built This List of UK-Based Accounting Firms

We didn’t rely on awards, paid placements, or surface-level claims. Every firm here was selected using the same research-driven approach:

🔍 In-depth review of firm websites, services, and positioning
👤 Close evaluation of founder and leadership visibility
⚙️ Analysis of operating models (virtual, fractional, advisory-led)
🎯 Clear niche focus and client alignment
🔓 Evidence of transparency, education, and trust-building

This mirrors how Digital Reference evaluates credibility,  not by hype, but by consistent signals of integrity and accountability.

🌟 United Kingdom’s Accounting Experts Powering Financial Clarity

Spotlight Accounting

What they do:
Spotlight Accounting provides tailored accounting and advisory services with a strong emphasis on clarity, confidence, and client education.

Who they work with:
UK small businesses and entrepreneurs seeking hands-on, relationship-led accounting support.

Operating model:
Client-centric service delivery with a focus on accessibility and ongoing advisory conversations.

💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Strong emphasis on education and empowerment
🤝 Personal, relationship-first approach
📊 Clear communication without jargon
🌱 Supportive guidance for growing businesses

Carrie Stokes — Director, Spotlight Accounting

Carrie Stokes is known for her approachable leadership style and commitment to making accounting feel less intimidating. She focuses on building trust through clarity, ensuring clients understand their numbers and feel confident using them to make decisions.

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Accounting for Good CIC

What they do:
Accounting for Good delivers accounting and financial education services specifically designed for charities, social enterprises, and purpose-led organisations.

Who they work with:
UK nonprofits, CICs, and mission-driven organisations.

Operating model:
Specialist advisory and accounting services paired with education and advocacy.

💡 Why they stand out:
🌍 Purpose-driven accounting expertise
📚 Strong focus on financial education
🤲 Deep understanding of the nonprofit sector
✨ Clear values-led leadership

Kay Wightman — Founder & CEO, Accounting for Good CIC

Kay Wightman is a long-standing advocate for financial transparency in the nonprofit sector. Her leadership blends technical expertise with deep empathy, helping organisations build sustainable financial practices aligned with their missions.

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Clarative Accounting

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What they do:
Clarative Accounting offers cloud-based accounting and advisory services designed to bring clarity and structure to growing businesses.

Who they work with:
UK SMEs and scaling companies seeking modern, digital-first accounting.

Operating model:
Fully cloud-based, advisory-led service delivery.

💡 Why they stand out:
☁️ Strong cloud accounting expertise
🧠 Clear, jargon-free insights
🤝 Collaborative leadership model
📈 Growth-focused advisory

Katie Hackling — Director & Co-Founder, Clarative Accounting

Katie Hackling brings deep technical expertise and structured thinking to Clarative Accounting. Her leadership focuses on helping clients understand the story behind their numbers, enabling better decisions through clarity, accuracy, and calm financial guidance.

Carly Shaw — Director & Co-Founder, Clarative Accounting

Carly Shaw leads with a people-first mindset, shaping Clarative’s client relationships and internal culture. She is known for translating complex financial concepts into clear, actionable advice that empowers business owners to move forward with confidence.

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Bright Beany Accounting

What they do:
Bright Beany Accounting delivers friendly, modern accounting services with a strong emphasis on people-first relationships.

Who they work with:
Creative businesses, freelancers, and SMEs across the UK.

Operating model:
Virtual-first accounting supported by cloud tools and advisory touchpoints.

💡 Why they stand out:
🌈 Approachable, human tone
☁️ Strong cloud accounting adoption
🤝 Inclusive, values-led culture
✨ High client engagement

Max Polkey — Co-Founder & Managing Director, Bright Beany Accounting

Max Polkey leads Bright Beany with a strong focus on strategic direction, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. He is instrumental in building systems that allow the firm to scale while preserving its friendly, accessible approach for both clients and team members.

Katy Dales — Co-Founder & Director, Bright Beany Accounting

Katy Dales shapes Bright Beany’s client experience and internal culture. Her leadership is rooted in empathy and clarity, ensuring clients feel heard, supported, and confident in understanding their finances at every stage of their business journey.

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Kennedys Accounting Ltd

What they do:
Kennedys Accounting provides comprehensive accounting and tax services tailored to SMEs and owner-managed businesses.

Who they work with:
UK businesses seeking structured, reliable accounting support.

Operating model:
Traditional expertise delivered through modern systems and processes.

💡 Why they stand out:
📊 Strong technical foundations
🤝 Trusted long-term client relationships
🧠 Practical business insight
✨ Consistent leadership presence

Dermot Kennedy — Managing Director, Kennedys Accounting Ltd

Dermot Kennedy brings steady, experience-driven leadership to Kennedys Accounting. His focus is on consistency, trust, and helping clients navigate complexity with confidence.

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Cooper Accounting

What they do:
Cooper Accounting delivers accounting, tax, and advisory services with a strong emphasis on personalised support.

Who they work with:
UK SMEs and growing businesses.

Operating model:
Client-led service delivery with advisory integration.

💡 Why they stand out:
🤝 Relationship-focused service
📈 Growth-minded advice
🧠 Clear, direct communication
✨ Founder-led accountability

Samantha Stokes — Founder & Managing Director, Cooper Accounting

Samantha Stokes is known for her hands-on leadership and commitment to building genuine client relationships. She prioritises clarity and trust, helping clients feel supported at every stage of growth.

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Galloways Accounting

What they do:
Galloways Accounting provides full-service accounting and advisory support for ambitious businesses.

Who they work with:
UK SMEs, charities, and growing organisations.

Operating model:
Team-based delivery with specialist-led advisory services.

💡 Why they stand out:
👥 Multi-disciplinary expertise
📊 Strong advisory depth
🤝 Scalable client support
✨ Professional leadership visibility

Mark Crowter — CEO & Director, Galloways Accounting

Mark Crowter leads Galloways with a focus on strategic growth and professional excellence. His leadership ensures clients benefit from both technical expertise and forward-looking advice.

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Co-Accounting South London Ltd

What they do:
Co-Accounting provides accounting and advisory services focused on growth, structure, and financial confidence.

Who they work with:
SMEs and entrepreneurs in South London and beyond.

Operating model:
Advisory-led, relationship-driven service delivery.

💡 Why they stand out:
📈 Growth-specialist positioning
🤝 Hands-on advisory support
🧠 Strong business coaching mindset
✨ Clear communication

Stephanie Odigie-Jones — Director & Growth Specialist, Co-Accounting South London Ltd

Stephanie Odigie-Jones brings energy and clarity to financial leadership. She focuses on empowering business owners to understand their numbers and use them confidently to scale.

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Chorus Accounting

What they do:
Chorus Accounting delivers cloud-based accounting and advisory services with a collaborative ethos.

Who they work with:
UK SMEs seeking modern, digital accounting solutions.

Operating model:
Virtual-first, cloud-based service delivery.

💡 Why they stand out:
☁️ Cloud-native expertise
🤝 Collaborative client relationships
🧠 Clear, actionable advice
✨ Consistent service delivery

Martin Cavey — Director & Principal Accountant, Chorus Accounting

Martin Cavey leads Chorus Accounting with a calm, methodical approach. His focus on collaboration and clarity helps clients feel supported while navigating financial decisions.

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Merranti Accounting Ltd

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What they do:
Merranti Accounting delivers accounting, tax, and advisory services with a strong emphasis on client relationships and business growth.

Who they work with:
UK SMEs across multiple sectors.

Operating model:
Hybrid service delivery with dedicated client teams.

💡 Why they stand out:
📈 Growth-oriented advisory
🤝 Team-based support model
🧠 Strong strategic insight
✨ Consistent leadership visibility

Stephen Watts — Director, Merranti Accounting Ltd

Stephen Watts brings steady leadership and strategic thinking to Merranti. His focus is on helping clients build resilient businesses through informed financial decisions.

Jason Fudge — Managing Director, Merranti Accounting Ltd

Jason Fudge leads Merranti with an emphasis on scale, systems, and client experience. His leadership ensures the firm evolves while maintaining strong, trusted relationships.

Closing Thoughts

Across the UK, these firms are shaping how modern accounting works; flexible, transparent, and deeply human. They show up clearly, lead visibly, and build trust through consistency rather than claims.

That’s exactly what Digital Reference exists to support. By helping professionals and firms capture authentic references, real stories, and verified credibility, we’re making trust easier to demonstrate and easier to evaluate. 

⏬ Learn more from Digital Reference resources:

• Best Outsourced Accounting Services in the UK
• Best Wealth Advisors Near Me
• Best Fractional CFOs for Startups

If you’re an accounting firm leader or a business choosing one, the future belongs to those willing to be seen clearly and trusted fully.