It is advisable to have a meeting with an accountant before you start your business. They can talk you through setting up your accounts and advise you about reclaiming expenses from taxable income. You might be able to gain free access to an accountant through your Enterprise Agency. For a short list of London accountants and more information see the Tax, Pensions and Accountants section in the Money Section.
Make sure you hire an accountant who is a specialist in the arts or cultural industries and that they have passed some exams. Seeing a good accountant saves you time and money in the long run. Seeing a 'mate' who once did book-keeping course is not the same. Accountants will often offer an initial consultation for free. When selecting an accountant, research carefully into their rates and find one to suit your budget.
You will find it best to learn about book-keeping and the basics of how the tax system works. There are short course provided my Enterprise Agencies and Local Adult Education Colleges. There are useful mimi 'teach-yourself' accounting guides available from any bookshop, publishers include Lawpack, Hodder Education and Study-house.
To check accountants' qualifications and what their specialist areas are, contact the following organsiations:
Chartered Accountants Directory London Central
Holds lists of accountants who have passed 'chartered' examinations in London.
The Institue of Chartered Accountants
Tel: 020 7920 8100
London Society of Chartered Accountants
Tel: 020 7556 7053
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Tel: 020 7396 7000