Specialist Accountants for Consultants

Why Consultants Choose APH

• Consultancy specialists – We understand consulting business models, project-based work, and the specific tax challenges consultants face.
• IR35 expertise – We provide status assessments, contract reviews, and ensure you work compliantly while maximising tax efficiency.
• Tax optimisation – We structure your consultancy tax efficiently, balancing salary, dividends, and expenses optimally.
• Business growth support – We help you transition from solo consultant to consulting firm with strategic financial advice.
• Fixed fees – Transparent monthly pricing with unlimited support. No surprise bills.

Our Consultant Accounting Services

• IR35 Compliance – Status assessments, contract reviews, SDS analysis, working practices advice, compliance documentation.
• Limited Company Accounting – Monthly bookkeeping, invoicing support, expense tracking, dividend planning, management accounts.
• Tax Planning – Salary vs dividend optimisation, pension strategies, expense maximisation, tax-efficient structures.
• Self Assessment – Director’s personal tax returns, dividend income reporting, tax planning, HMRC compliance.
• Business Structure – Sole trader vs limited company, partnership options, scaling strategies, growth planning.
• Project Accounting – Project profitability tracking, time and billing, client profitability analysis, WIP management.

What Business Owners Say

Phil Paul McWilliam
“I have used APH for a number of years. Paul, Helen and Carla have looked after my accounts in an extremely professional and timely manner. Their advice has helped me on a business and personal level.”

Mike Waywell
“I can’t recommend APH highly enough. They’ve been brilliant supporting me across two different businesses, handling everything from regular tax submissions and bookkeeping right through to restructuring shares and selling one of the companies.”

Anna Cook (8 Years with APH)
“Matt is incredibly patient, helpful and very professional. As I moved between countries and had businesses in other countries as well as the UK, they made sure all changes were compliant.”

Consultants We Support

• Management Consultants – Strategy consultants, change managers, transformation specialists, interim executives, business advisors.
• Business Consultants – Small business advisors, growth consultants, business coaches, turnaround specialists.
• Marketing Consultants – Digital marketing, brand strategy, marketing directors, social media consultants, content strategists.
• HR Consultants – People and culture, talent management, organisational development, recruitment consultants, L&D specialists.
• Financial Consultants – Finance directors, CFO services, financial controllers, business analysts, financial planners.
• Technical Consultants – Industry specialists, process consultants, quality consultants, compliance advisors, technical experts.

Understanding Consultant Taxation

• IR35 Status – Determines whether you’re genuinely self-employed or a “disguised employee” for tax purposes. Status affects your tax efficiency significantly.
• Limited Company Benefits – Outside IR35, limited companies offer significant tax advantages through dividend extraction and expense claims.
• Expense Claims – Consultants can claim professional subscriptions, training, travel (if genuinely business), equipment, insurance, and office costs.
• Salary vs Dividend – Optimal structure typically involves small salary (£9,100-£12,570) with remaining profit taken as dividends for tax efficiency.
• Pension Contributions – Company pension contributions reduce corporation tax and provide tax-free retirement saving.

Common Consultant Challenges

• IR35 complexity – Understanding whether contracts fall inside or outside IR35 requires expertise. We assess each engagement carefully.
• Project-based income – Irregular income makes tax planning difficult. We forecast tax liabilities and help manage payment on account.
• Expense optimisation – Many consultants miss legitimate expense claims. We ensure you claim everything allowable.
• Scaling challenges – Growing from solo consultant to consulting firm requires structural changes. We advise on partnerships, employees, and associates.
• Work-life balance – Consultants are time-poor. We handle your finances efficiently, freeing you to focus on client work.

Frequently Asked Questions