Compare. Don't settle.
How we stack up against the traditional local accountant and DIY accounting software — across the things that actually matter when you're running a UK business.
Side-by-Side
Three ways to handle your accounting — only one keeps everything in one place
You can hire a local high-street firm, you can run your own books in DIY software, or you can use us. Here's what each looks like.
| Feature | Recommended Clever Accounts From £42.50/mo | Local Accountant £100–£300+/mo | DIY Software £15–£50/mo (software only) |
|---|---|---|---|
Dedicated named accountant | |||
Unlimited advice included | |||
FreeAgent included free | |||
Real-time financial dashboard | |||
All tax returns & filings | |||
Open banking (25+ UK banks) | |||
No setup fees | |||
No minimum contract | |||
IR35 support & contract reviews | |||
Mobile app access | |||
Invoice creation & tracking | |||
MTD compliant | |||
Proactive tax planning | Varies | ||
Payroll included | Extra cost | ||
| Average monthly cost | From £42.50/mo | £100–£300+/mo | £15–£50/mo (software only) |
Clever Accounts
From £42.50/month — everything in
- Dedicated named accountant
- Unlimited advice included
- FreeAgent included free
- Real-time financial dashboard
- All tax returns & filings
- Open banking (25+ UK banks)
- No setup fees
- No minimum contract
- IR35 support & contract reviews
- Mobile app access
- Invoice creation & tracking
- MTD compliant
- Proactive tax planning
- Payroll included
Local Accountant
£100–£300+ /month, plus extras
- Dedicated named accountant
- Unlimited advice included
- FreeAgent included free
- Real-time financial dashboard
- All tax returns & filings
- Open banking (25+ UK banks)
- No setup fees
- No minimum contract
- IR35 support & contract reviews
- Mobile app access
- Invoice creation & tracking
- MTD compliant
- VariesProactive tax planning
- Extra costPayroll included
DIY Software
£15–£50 /month — software only, no accountant
- Dedicated named accountant
- Unlimited advice included
- FreeAgent included free
- Real-time financial dashboard
- All tax returns & filings
- Open banking (25+ UK banks)
- No setup fees
- No minimum contract
- IR35 support & contract reviews
- Mobile app access
- Invoice creation & tracking
- MTD compliant
- Proactive tax planning
- Payroll included
Comparison reflects typical offerings in the UK market. Individual local accountants and software products vary.
Why It Matters
A check in a column is one thing — what it means in practice is another
The differences between the three options aren't small. Here's what each row actually buys you with Clever Accounts.
A named accountant — not a portal
When you call us, you reach your dedicated accountant who already knows your business — not a generic call centre or a chatbot triaging a ticket queue. Local high-street firms offer this too, but typically at 2–3× the cost. DIY software doesn't offer it at all.
Unlimited advice — not pay-per-call
Ring as often as you need. Email a question at 11am, get a reply by lunch. There's no meter ticking, no surprise invoice for a quick chat. Traditional firms often bill by the hour and DIY software has no advice channel at all.
FreeAgent included free — £19/mo saved
FreeAgent retail is £19/month. We bundle it. You get HMRC-recognised MTD-compliant software with full bank feeds, invoicing, expenses, and your accountant working in the same system — no separate logins, no monthly software bill.
One flat fee — no surprises
What you pay is what's on the pricing page. Tax returns, payroll, VAT, IR35 reviews, mortgage reference letters — all included. No setup fees, no per-call charges, no “you-went-over-your-allowance” invoices in February.
The Smart Choice
Everything in one place. One flat fee. No surprises.
Join 10,000+ UK businesses who chose Clever Accounts. Dedicated accountant, FreeAgent included, no setup fees, no minimum contract — from £42.50/month.