So, What Does an Accountant Actually Do
Many people work with an accountant for years without fully understanding what they do day to day. Others assume accountants only appear once a year to file a tax return. In reality, the role is much broader and far more valuable. Understanding what does an accountant do helps individuals and businesses see how professional support saves time, reduces stress, and improves financial decisions throughout the year.
We explain the real responsibilities of an accountant, how they support different types of clients, and why their role goes far beyond basic compliance.
The Core Role of an Accountant
At its core, an accountant helps individuals and businesses manage their finances accurately and in line with UK tax law. This includes ensuring income is recorded correctly, expenses are claimed properly, and tax obligations are met on time.
Accounting is not just about numbers. Accountants interpret financial information, apply legislation correctly, and explain complex rules in a clear way. Official guidance is published by HM Revenue & Customs, but applying that guidance correctly to real life situations often requires professional experience and judgement.
Helping with Tax Returns
One of the most common reasons people use an accountant is for tax returns. This includes Self Assessment for individuals and tax returns for businesses. Preparing a return involves much more than entering figures. An accountant will:
You usually need to gather details of all income, confirm which expenses are allowable, and check that figures match HMRC expectations before you submit. In many cases, people also need to understand how deadlines work, what counts as taxable income, and what support documents they should keep.
If you want professional support with your return, our tax returns service helps ensure your figures are accurate, your return is submitted on time, and you understand the outcome clearly. For a wider overview of responsibilities and tax areas, you can also refer to GOV.UK tax guidance.
Supporting Bookkeeping and Record Keeping
Accurate records are the foundation of good accounting. Without reliable bookkeeping, tax returns become stressful and mistakes are more likely. Accountants either manage bookkeeping directly or review records to ensure they are complete and compliant.
This includes checking income, expenses, bank transactions, and supporting documents. If you are behind on records or want ongoing support, our bookkeeping services can help keep everything organised throughout the year, which makes tax filing far easier.
Advising on Tax Planning
A key part of understanding what does an accountant do is recognising their role in planning. Accountants help clients plan ahead so they are not caught off guard by tax bills or compliance issues.
Tax planning includes explaining allowances and reliefs, advising on timing of income and expenses, preparing clients for payments on account, and supporting long term financial decisions. Planning matters for self employed people, directors, and anyone with income that changes through the year.
For many clients, planning works best when it connects with ongoing reporting and good financial routines, which is why accounting services are often used alongside tax support.
Supporting Businesses at Every Stage
Accountants support businesses from start up through to long term growth. For new businesses, this often includes guidance on structure, registration, and basic financial systems. For limited companies, there are statutory responsibilities such as filing accounts and keeping details up to date with Companies House.
As businesses grow, accountants also help with more detailed reporting, cash flow, budgeting, and ensuring compliance stays on track. This is often where business owners see the value of regular support rather than one off help at year end.
Helping with HMRC Communication
HMRC letters and queries can be confusing and stressful. Accountants act as a point of contact, helping clients understand what HMRC is asking for and how to respond correctly.
This support includes reviewing correspondence, checking figures, submitting corrections, and supporting appeals where appropriate. Having professional help also ensures responses are accurate and submitted on time, which reduces the risk of further action.
PAYE, Payroll, and VAT Support
Accountants do not only work with the self employed. Employees often need help too. Incorrect tax codes, multiple jobs, or changes in income can all affect PAYE deductions. Employers also need to run payroll properly, keep records, and report figures accurately.
VAT is another area where mistakes are common. Rules around registration, returns, and rates can be complex, especially for growing businesses. Official guidance is available through VAT guidance on GOV.UK, but many businesses still prefer support so figures are correct and submissions are on time.
Explaining Financial Information Clearly
Another important role of an accountant is interpretation. Many people can see financial figures but do not fully understand what they mean. Accountants explain information in plain terms so clients can make informed decisions.
This includes helping clients understand profit, cash flow, tax liabilities, and future commitments. Clear explanations allow individuals and businesses to plan confidently and avoid decisions made on guesswork.
Professional Standards and Qualifications
Accountants and bookkeepers often follow recognised professional standards. Bodies such as the Association of Accounting Technicians and the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers promote best practice, training, and ethical standards across the profession. These organisations help raise standards and provide reassurance about competence and professionalism.
Making Tax Digital and Ongoing Compliance
Making Tax Digital continues to change how records are kept and submitted. More individuals and businesses are required to use digital systems when reporting information to HMRC.
Accountants help clients prepare for these changes by setting up compliant systems, reviewing digital records, and ensuring submissions meet requirements. Early preparation reduces disruption and avoids last minute issues, especially for people who are used to paper records or spreadsheet based tracking.
Who Should Use an Accountant
Accountants support a wide range of people, including sole traders, business owners, employees with additional income, landlords, and first time filers. Anyone with tax responsibilities benefits from accurate records and clear advice, particularly when their income becomes more complex.
How TRW Accountants Supports Clients in Kent
At TRW Accountants, we support individuals and businesses across Kent with clear, practical advice and consistent support. Our focus is on accuracy, compliance, and long term guidance rather than one off help at deadline time.
If you want to discuss your situation, you can contact us and we will explain the best next step based on your needs.
Conclusion
So, what does an accountant do? An accountant provides structure, clarity, and reassurance. From managing records and preparing tax returns to offering planning advice and handling HMRC queries, their role supports confident financial decision making.
When you have the right support in place, you spend less time worrying about deadlines and more time focusing on work, family, or growing your business.