Performance Marketing Agencies
Accountants UK
Chartered accountants specialising in performance marketing agencies. We understand your business model, cash flow patterns, and growth trajectory.
Performance Marketing Agencies have unique accounting challenges. Unlike generalist accountants, we understand your business model, your cash flow patterns, and your growth trajectory.
TL;DR
- Ad spend reconciliation separates client passthrough from true agency revenue
- Monthly client profitability analysis shows which accounts are profitable
- Average £3k-£8k annually unclaimed in VAT recoveries on media spend
- R&D tax credits for bidding algorithms and automation (£5k-£50k claimable)
💡Quick reference summary. Continue reading for comprehensive analysis and context.
Accounting Challenges for Performance Marketing Agencies
Unique challenges that most generalist accountants simply don't understand:
Ad Spend vs Revenue Confusion
15-20% of PPC agencies can't clearly answer "What's our actual profit?" Managing £50k-£500k monthly ad spend while tracking true agency margins—most accountants miss the complexity of media passthrough accounting.
Surprise Tax Bills & VAT Traps
Variable client onboarding = unpredictable revenue. Without quarterly tax planning, you face £5k-£15k surprise bills or miss VAT thresholds. Pro-active forecasting prevents both.
Hidden Unprofitability
You see client margins but not your own. The average PPC agency loses 15-20% of clients annually without knowing. Monthly client profitability analysis reveals which clients drain cash.
Tailored for Performance Marketing Agencies
Services designed specifically for your business model:
Ad Spend Accounting & Reconciliation
Stop guessing. We separate media passthrough from revenue, reconcile platform APIs (Google, Meta, TikTok), and show your true agency margin monthly. Clarity on what's profit vs. what's client spend.
Quarterly Tax Planning & Forecasting
Monthly profit forecasts + quarterly tax planning = no surprises. We flag VAT thresholds, Corporation Tax liabilities, and payroll planning 3 months ahead. Cash planning becomes predictable.
Client Profitability Analysis
Monthly P&L per client shows which are profitable vs. loss-makers. Adjust pricing, drop clients, or negotiate better terms before margins erode. Data-driven decisions, not guesswork.
VAT Compliance & Reclaim
Navigate reverse charges on media spend, recover input VAT you're missing, and stay compliant. The average PPC agency leaves £3k-£8k annually unclaimed in VAT recoveries.
Bookkeeping & Bank Reconciliation
Weekly or monthly reconciliation of high-volume transactions (PPC platforms, client payments, retainers). We automate bank feeds and platform syncing—no more manual spreadsheets.
R&D Tax Credit Assessment
Custom bidding algorithms, automation scripts, or proprietary reporting tools? Claim back 10-20% of qualifying development spend as R&D tax credits. Average unclaimed: £5k-£50k annually.
Why Performance Marketing Agencies Choose Alto
Know your true agency profit margin
Not just client margins
Recover £3k-£15k annually in missed VAT & tax credits
Identify and claim unclaimed tax relief
Monthly client profitability P&L
Identifies unprofitable clients
Automated ad spend reconciliation
No more manual tracking
Quarterly tax forecasting
Eliminates surprise bills
Serving Performance Marketing Agencies Nationwide
We're remote-first, but have deep expertise in these key locations:
Common Questions
How do you track ad spend differently from other accountants?
Do we charge VAT on ad spend passed through to clients?
Can we claim R&D tax credits as a PPC agency?
What's the best business structure for growth?
You Might Also Be Interested In
We also work with businesses in complementary industries:
Guides for Performance Marketing Agencies
Expert insights and tools tailored for your business:
Ready to work with specialists?
Get a free consultation with an accountant who truly understands performance marketing agencies. No jargon, no surprises.
We onboard a limited number of new clients each quarter to ensure quality.