Why Your Agency Needs a Specialist Accountant
Your business isn't generic. Your accountant shouldn't be either. Here's why UK creative agencies get better results with an accountant who actually understands the industry.
The Problem with General Accountants
Most accountants treat every business the same. For agencies, that means missed opportunities and bad advice.
You have to explain your business model every time
Retainer revenue, project fees, media passthrough — a general accountant treats these like foreign concepts. You end up educating them instead of getting advice.
Your cash flow advice is generic
Agency cash flow is unique. Client payment terms, contractor costs hitting before client payments arrive, seasonal dips between campaigns — generalists don't account for any of this.
You're probably paying too much tax
Without understanding agency-specific reliefs — R&D tax credits for custom development, capital allowances on equipment, optimal salary/dividend splits — your accountant can't minimise your tax bill.
IR35 and contractor compliance is a minefield
Agencies rely heavily on contractors. Getting IR35 wrong can mean backdated PAYE bills, penalties, and even HMRC investigations. General accountants often don't understand off-payroll working rules.
What a Specialist Accountant Gives You
An accountant who knows agencies inside out can make a real difference to your bottom line.
Faster, more relevant advice
No ramp-up time. A specialist already knows what healthy agency margins look like, how retainer revenue should be recognised, and what tax reliefs you're missing.
Meaningful tax savings
Specialist accountants know where to look: R&D credits for digital agencies, employment allowances, pension structuring, and VAT schemes that actually work for agencies.
Financial reporting that makes sense
Management accounts broken down by client, project profitability analysis, utilisation metrics — not just a generic P&L that tells you nothing actionable.
Proactive compliance support
From IR35 assessments to Making Tax Digital, a specialist stays ahead of regulation changes that specifically affect agencies.
Common Questions
A specialist accountant understands your industry's business model, revenue patterns, and common challenges. They can give proactive advice specific to agencies — like optimising media passthrough for VAT, structuring contractor payments for IR35 compliance, or benchmarking your margins against similar agencies. A generalist treats all businesses the same.
Not necessarily. Specialist accountants are often more efficient because they don't need to learn your business model from scratch. The time saved usually means comparable or even lower fees — plus the tax savings from industry-specific advice often outweigh any premium.
If your accountant asks you to explain what a retainer is, doesn't understand why your cash flow is lumpy, or treats your agency like a corner shop, it's time to switch. Most agencies benefit from specialist support once they pass £150k revenue.
Ask them: How should I handle media passthrough for VAT? What's a healthy gross margin for a 10-person agency? How do I structure contractor payments under IR35? If they can't answer confidently, they're not an agency specialist.
Ready for an Accountant Who Gets Agencies?
Book a free 15-minute call. No obligation — just honest advice about your agency's finances.
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