Communications & PR Agencies have unique accounting challenges. Unlike generalist accountants, we understand your business model, your cash flow patterns, and your growth trajectory. We work with agencies across the entire United Kingdom, from London to Edinburgh. Our team is fully remote and works with clients nationwide.
Accounting Challenges for Communications & PR Agencies
Unique challenges that most generalist accountants simply don't understand:
Retainer vs Project Work Volatility
Mix of retainers (predictable) and crisis work (unpredictable). Revenues spike during crisis periods then drop. Cash flow planning is impossible.
Media Spend Pass-Through Complexity
You manage media buying on behalf of clients. Is that revenue? Cost? How do you account for it? VAT treatment?
Subcontractor/Specialist Payments
Use freelance journalists, designers, media buyers for client work. Managing invoices and tax compliance is complex.
Tailored for Communications & PR Agencies
Services designed specifically for your business model:
Retainer vs Crisis Work Tracking
Separate recurring retainer revenue from project/crisis work. Forecast base revenue and identify spikes.
Media Spend Pass-Through Accounting
Properly account for media buying you manage on client behalf. Correct VAT treatment and accounting classification.
Subcontractor & Specialist Management
Invoicing, payments, IR35 compliance for freelance journalists, designers, and media specialists.
Client Profitability Analysis
Monthly P&L per client. See which are profitable retainers and which are project losses.
Tax Deductions for PR Services
Media monitoring tools, PR software, press release services, research tools—all deductible.
Cash Flow Forecasting
Forecast base retainer revenue and model crisis work impact on cash flow.
Why choose Alto?
- Forecast base retainer revenue — With crisis work visibility
- Correctly account for media spend pass-through — Proper VAT treatment and classification
- Manage subcontractor network — With compliance
- See which clients are profitable — Each month
- Maximize PR-related tax deductions — Media monitoring, software, research tools
Serving Communications & PR Agencies Nationwide
We're remote-first, but have deep expertise in these key locations:
Common Questions
How do I forecast revenue when crisis work is unpredictable?
Separate retainer revenue (predictable base) from crisis/project work (variable). Forecast base retainer conservatively, then model crisis work as upside. This gives you a realistic cash flow range.
Do I charge VAT on media spending I manage for clients?
If you're acting as an agent buying media on the client's behalf, you typically don't charge VAT (the client charges VAT to their end customer). If you're reselling media services, VAT applies. We review your contracts.
What PR-related expenses are tax-deductible?
Media monitoring (Mention, Talkwalker), PR software (Muck Rack, Cision), press release services, research tools, media databases—all deductible. Same with subscriptions to industry publications.
How do I handle IR35 for freelance PR specialists?
Freelance journalists and PR specialists you control (hours, methods, ongoing) = likely inside IR35 (should be employees). True independent contractors = contractors. We assess your mix.
Learn More
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