Alto Accounting
Cambridge

Performance Marketing Agencies Accountants in Cambridge

Chartered accountants specializing in performance marketing agencies. Serving Cambridge and the surrounding region.

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Cambridge is a booming tech hub with 200+ tech companies and fastest-growing digital agency scene.

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High-growth startups, strong tech talent pool, affluent market, and thriving business community.

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We serve Cambridge's tech-forward agencies.

Market Insight

Cambridge is home to over 200 tech companies and has one of the fastest-growing digital agency scenes outside London, with high-value clients.

The Challenges Performance Marketing Agencies in Cambridge Face

These accounting challenges are especially relevant in Cambridge:

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.

Our Services for Performance Marketing Agencies

Tailored accounting solutions designed specifically for your vertical in Cambridge:

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 in Cambridge 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

Alto vs. Generalist Accountants

Specialized accounting for performance marketing agencies differs significantly from generalist approaches:

FeatureAlto (Specialist)Generalist Accountants
Industry KnowledgeDeep expertise in performance marketing 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 performance marketing agencies in Cambridge

How do you track ad spend differently from other accountants?
Most accountants treat ad spend as a simple expense. We understand media spend is client-facing—not your revenue. We separate it from your fees in the P&L, reconcile against Google Ads, Meta, and TikTok APIs, and calculate your true agency margin. Result: clarity on profitability that other accountants miss.
Do we charge VAT on ad spend passed through to clients?
If you're an agent on the client's behalf, typically no VAT on media spend. If you're reselling media as your own service, VAT applies. We review your contract structure and ensure you're compliant—and identifying if you're missing VAT reclaims on reverse charges.
Can we claim R&D tax credits as a PPC agency?
Yes. Proprietary bidding strategies, automation scripts, or custom reporting tools all qualify. We assess your tech spend and typically uncover £5k-£50k in unclaimed annual R&D credits. Easy money you're leaving on the table.
What's the best business structure for growth?
Sole traders work <£100k profit. Limited Companies unlock Corporation Tax savings at £100k-£1M revenue. We model both, show you the tax bill difference (often £5k-£20k+ annually), and help you time the switch.

Ready for Specialist Accounting in Cambridge?

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

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