Starting work with an accountant for the first time can feel daunting, especially if you have been handling everything yourself. But a first meeting is simply a conversation - a chance for your accountant to understand your situation and for you to decide whether they are the right fit. A little preparation goes a long way, and it can turn a vague chat into a genuinely useful starting point.

Bring your identification and key numbers

At a minimum, bring:

  • Photo ID (driving licence or passport).
  • Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if you have one.
  • Your National Insurance number.
  • Details of any company registration if you run a limited company.

If you have previous tax returns, accounts, or recent correspondence from HMRC, bring those too. Even if they are not perfectly organised, they give your accountant a starting picture of where things stand.

Gather your financial records

Your accountant will want to see the reality behind the figures. Useful documents include:

  • Bank statements for the relevant period (usually the last tax year).
  • Invoices and receipts for business income and expenses.
  • Payslips if you have employees.
  • VAT records if you are registered.
  • Details of any loans, finance agreements, or leases.

You do not need to present these in perfect order. A box of paperwork is fine - your accountant is used to sorting it. What matters is that the information is there to be worked with.

Think about your goals

Accounting is most valuable when it is connected to what you actually want to achieve. Before the meeting, jot down a few thoughts:

  • Where do you want the business to be in a year, or in five years?
  • Are you considering taking on staff, buying equipment, or expanding?
  • Do you have concerns about cash flow, tax bills, or specific deadlines?
  • Are you unsure whether your current structure (sole trader vs limited company, for example) is right?

These questions help your accountant give advice that fits your situation rather than generic guidance.

Prepare a list of questions

There is no such thing as a silly question in a first meeting. Good things to ask include:

  • How can I reduce my tax bill legally?
  • Am I claiming everything I am entitled to?
  • How often will we be in touch?
  • What records do I need to keep, and how?
  • What will your services cost, and what is included?

Knowing the answers up front prevents surprises later and helps you compare options if you are speaking to more than one accountant.

What to expect

Most first consultations are free and last around 30 to 45 minutes. Your accountant will ask about your business, your income, and your goals, and may flag obvious issues or opportunities there and then. You should leave with a clear sense of what working together would look like - the services on offer, the likely fees, and the next steps.

You are not obliged to commit on the spot. A reputable accountant will be happy for you to take time to decide.

The bottom line

The clients who get the most from their accountant are usually the ones who come prepared. Bring your documents, bring your questions, and be open about where you want to go. That first conversation can be the start of a relationship that saves you money, reduces stress, and helps your business grow for years to come.