Benefits of outside accountants highlighted

One of the UK's leading advice agencies for small to medium-sized businesses has drawn attention to the need for outside accountancy recruitment.

A spokesperson for Business Link stated on Monday that using the Institute of Chartered Accountants and finding an accountant specialising in the relevant industry was essential to good business practice.

Local advisor manager for Business Link Claire Savidge commented: "Using an external accountant would definitely be of benefit; the better the accountant knows and understands your business and knows your aspirations, the more that they can help you."

When asked about the benefits of additional finance recruitment she added: "[It] can help you to reduce tax bills and take advantage of special schemes that are available."

A recent report by the Professional Oversight Board found that many small to medium-sized businesses where accounts were not audited were often unclear about the necessity for outside accountancy jobs.