Alto Accounting
Edinburgh

Communications & PR Agencies Accountants in Edinburgh

Chartered accountants specializing in communications & pr agencies. Serving Edinburgh and the surrounding region.

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Edinburgh is Scotland's leading tech hub and creative centre.

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Home to 500+ digital agencies, design studios, and tech firms.

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Strong talent pool, growing startup scene, and affluent client base.

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We specialize in serving Edinburgh agencies.

Market Insight

Edinburgh is Scotland's largest agency hub with 500+ digital and creative agencies, serving clients across Scotland and beyond.

The Challenges Communications & PR Agencies in Edinburgh Face

These accounting challenges are especially relevant in Edinburgh:

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.

Our Services for Communications & PR Agencies

Tailored accounting solutions designed specifically for your vertical in Edinburgh:

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 Communications & PR Agencies in Edinburgh 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

Alto vs. Generalist Accountants

Specialized accounting for communications & pr agencies differs significantly from generalist approaches:

FeatureAlto (Specialist)Generalist Accountants
Industry KnowledgeDeep expertise in communications & pr agenciesGeneric accounting approach
Tax OptimizationIndustry-specific tax planning strategiesStandard tax advice only
ReportingKPIs and metrics relevant to your sectorBasic financial statements
SupportProactive guidance and strategic adviceReactive support only

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about accounting for communications & pr agencies in Edinburgh

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.

Ready for Specialist Accounting in Edinburgh?

Get a free consultation tailored to communications & pr agencies in your area. Let's discuss how we can help your agency grow.

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