Finding the right accountant in Brighton matters whether you are running a business, working freelance or simply need help with your personal tax affairs. The difference between a good accountant and an average one is not just compliance. It is time saved, tax saved and having someone who actually understands your situation.
Brighton has a strong independent accounting scene, with firms that specialise in freelancers, small businesses, startups, individuals with rental income, and people who just need their self-assessment sorted without stress. This guide covers accountants in Brighton and what to look for when choosing one.
Table of Contents
- Brighton accountants at a glance
- Best accountants in Brighton for freelancers and small businesses
- Best for established businesses and complex needs
- Best for a free first consultation
- Best for contractors, landlords and tech businesses
- Best for combined accountancy and legal support
- Best for startups and growth-stage businesses
- Best accountants in Brighton for individuals
- What should you look for when choosing accountants in Brighton?
- What do accountants in Brighton typically charge?
- Frequently asked questions
- Final thoughts
- Useful reads
Brighton accountants at a glance
| Firm | Best for | Specialisms |
|---|---|---|
| Ozkan Accountants | Freelancers and digital businesses | Making Tax Digital, tech sector, small business |
| Marks & Co | Small to medium businesses and individuals | Established firm, Xero, 1,000+ clients |
| Atkinsons Chartered Accountants | SMEs, cloud accounting | Family-run, Xero migration, Brighton and Hove |
| UHY Hacker Young | Larger businesses, complex needs | Chartered, full-service, wider UK network |
| West & Berry | Individuals, charities, businesses | Free consultation, audit, Xero |
| PIE Accountancy | Contractors, landlords, tech | Clear communication, tax, payroll |
| Accounts and Legal | Combined accountancy and legal support | Near Brighton station, payroll, compliance |
| Collective Concepts Accounting | Startups and growth businesses | Strategic planning, reporting, WhatsApp access |
Best accountants in Brighton for freelancers and small businesses
Ozkan Accountants
Ozkan Accountants, based near Preston Circus. Specialists in freelancers, sole traders and small businesses, with a particular focus on the digital and tech sectors.
They are known for a friendly, approachable style and strong expertise in Making Tax Digital, the HMRC initiative that requires digital record keeping and quarterly reporting for many sole traders and landlords. If you are a freelancer or sole trader who finds accounting painful, Ozkan’s approach of taking the weight off clients while keeping them compliant is well suited.
They are active in the Brighton business community and regularly found in client meetings across the city.
Marks & Co
Marks & Co, Brighton and Hove. Established over 30 years ago with more than 1,000 clients based in Brighton and Hove. The majority are small to medium businesses, but they also handle private individuals who need help with tax returns or their personal accounting affairs.
They are accredited Xero partners offering discounted Xero rates and hands-on help migrating from manual or spreadsheet-based records to digital systems. Partners David Hall and Henry Speight give clients direct access rather than routing everything through junior staff.
They also have a strong reputation for Making Tax Digital compliance support.
Atkinsons Chartered Accountants
Atkinsons Chartered Accountants, Brighton and Hove. Family-run firm specialising in small and medium businesses. They are chartered accountants with offices in Sussex and Surrey.
Atkinsons are Xero specialists offering cloud accounting migration, management accounts and proactive advice rather than reactive compliance. Clients range from sole traders and non-profits to larger corporations.
Best for established businesses and complex needs
UHY Hacker Young
UHY Hacker Young, Brighton and Hove. A larger full-service firm suited to businesses with more complex needs.
They cover audit, corporate finance, personal and corporate tax, venture capital and bookkeeping. This makes them better suited to medium and larger businesses, partnerships and companies that need a well-resourced firm with depth of expertise.
They can also work with start-ups and sole traders, but their broader service range is most useful when the accounting situation is more complex.
Best for a free first consultation
West & Berry
West & Berry, Brighton-based. They offer a free initial consultation, which makes them worth approaching if you want to assess fit before committing.
Their services include audit, accounts, tax, payroll and bookkeeping. They also work with charities, businesses and private individuals. Xero support is available.
Best for contractors, landlords and tech businesses
PIE Accountancy
PIE Accountancy, Brighton. Direct, human and growth-focused. Suited to contractors, landlords, software developers and healthcare providers.
Clear communication is a stated priority. Worth approaching if you want an accountant who explains things plainly rather than in jargon.
Best for combined accountancy and legal support
Accounts and Legal
Accounts and Legal, four minutes’ walk from Brighton station. Offers both accountancy and legal services under one roof, which is useful if your business needs both.
Payroll, compliance, tax and bookkeeping are all covered. This is a practical option if you want one firm to support both the numbers and some of the wider legal or business admin around them.
Best for startups and growth-stage businesses
Collective Concepts Accounting
Collective Concepts Accounting, Sussex Innovation Centre, Science Park Square, Brighton BN1 9SB. Founded by Chris, a Brighton-based accountant focused on strategic financial planning rather than compliance-only work.
They offer financial modelling, tax planning and bespoke growth strategies for businesses at startup, scaling, sale or investment stage. WhatsApp access for direct communication is part of the offer.
This is best suited to ambitious small business owners who want more than a firm that simply files their returns.
Best accountants in Brighton for individuals
Not everyone who needs an accountant is running a business. Brighton accountants regularly work with individuals who need help with personal tax and financial admin.
Common reasons include:
| Situation | Why an accountant can help |
|---|---|
| Self-assessment tax returns | If you have income outside PAYE, an accountant can help you file correctly |
| Rental income | Landlords need to declare income and claim allowable expenses properly |
| Capital gains tax | If you have sold a property, shares or other assets, tax may apply |
| HMRC investigations or penalties | An accountant can deal with HMRC on your behalf |
| Pension and retirement planning | Professional advice can help with tax-efficient planning |
For individuals, Marks & Co and West & Berry are two of the more suitable options on this list, as both explicitly work with private individuals as well as businesses and both offer approachable, straightforward service.
What should you look for when choosing accountants in Brighton?
Choosing an accountant is not just about finding someone local. You want someone qualified, clear, responsive and suited to the type of work you need.
Qualifications
Look for ICAEW, ACCA or AAT qualified professionals, depending on the level of support you need. These are recognised professional bodies with standards, training and continuing professional development.
Anyone can call themselves an accountant in the UK, so checking credentials matters.
Making Tax Digital readiness
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000 from April 2026. Those over £30,000 follow from April 2027, and those over £20,000 from April 2028.
Check that any accountant you consider can support MTD-compliant software and digital record keeping.
Xero or cloud accounting
Most Brighton accountants now offer cloud accounting support. Many use Xero, while some also support QuickBooks, FreeAgent or Sage.
If you are moving away from spreadsheets, ask whether the accountant will help with setup, migration and training.
Fixed monthly fees vs hourly rates
Most small business accountants in Brighton offer fixed monthly packages. For individuals, one-off fees for self-assessment returns are common.
Ask upfront what is included and what triggers additional charges.
Industry specialism
If you work in tech, creative industries, hospitality or property, look for an accountant with direct experience in your sector.
A sector-aware accountant should already understand the common expenses, software, income patterns and tax issues that apply to your work.
What do accountants in Brighton typically charge?
For individuals needing self-assessment returns, one-off fees often start from around £200 to £400 for straightforward cases.
For freelancers and sole traders on monthly packages, expect around £50 to £150 per month depending on the firm, your turnover and the level of support included.
Small limited companies with payroll and VAT returns included typically pay more, often around £150 to £400 per month.
Always get a clear written quote before engaging a firm.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an accountant if I am employed but have rental income?
Yes, if your rental income means you need to file a self-assessment tax return. An accountant can help you claim allowable expenses, including eligible repairs, letting agent fees and other landlord costs, and make sure the return is filed correctly.
For many landlords, the cost of an accountant can be offset by the time saved and the expenses they help identify.
How do I find a qualified accountant in Brighton?
Look for ICAEW, ACCA or AAT qualified accountants, depending on the type of support you need. For complex tax or company work, check the firm’s credentials carefully and avoid relying on an unqualified bookkeeper alone.
What is Making Tax Digital and do I need to worry about it?
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax requires many sole traders and landlords to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC.
It applies to those with qualifying income over £50,000 from April 2026, over £30,000 from April 2027, and over £20,000 from April 2028. Most Brighton accountants now offer MTD-compliant support, so ask specifically about this when choosing a firm.
Should I use a local Brighton accountant or an online accountant?
Both can work. Local Brighton accountants offer face-to-face meetings and local business knowledge. Online accountants are often cheaper for straightforward compliance work.
If your situation is simple, online can work well. If you want someone who can meet you in person and understands Brighton’s business community, a local firm is worth considering.
How much does an accountant cost in Brighton?
Self-assessment for individuals often starts from around £200 for simple cases. Monthly packages for freelancers and sole traders may start from around £50 per month. Small limited companies typically pay more, especially when VAT, payroll and management support are included.
Get written quotes from two or three firms before deciding.
What documents do I need when I first meet an accountant?
Bring your most recent tax returns if you have them, bank statements, any existing accounts, your UTR number if you are self-employed, and incorporation documents if you have a limited company.
For individuals, bring P60s, rental income records, pension details and details of any assets sold during the tax year.
Do Brighton accountants work with sole traders and freelancers?
Yes, most Brighton accountants actively work with freelancers and sole traders. Ozkan Accountants, PIE Accountancy and Collective Concepts Accounting are particularly well suited to this type of client.
Final thoughts
The best accountants in Brighton are the ones who communicate clearly, understand your specific situation and reduce your administrative burden rather than adding to it.
For individuals needing self-assessment help, Marks & Co and West & Berry are straightforward options. For freelancers and small businesses, Ozkan Accountants is one of the most focused on that market. West & Berry offer a free consultation if you want to assess fit before committing.
Whichever firm you choose, make sure they are Making Tax Digital ready. It is already becoming a major change for sole traders and landlords, and the right accountant should help you prepare properly rather than leave it until the last minute.
