How We Choose the Accountants in Our Network
Contractor Accountants Harrow is a free referral and matching service. We do not provide accountancy services ourselves. What we do is operate a rigorous 9-stage vetting process — including direct verification of ICAEW, ACCA, and CIMA memberships — to ensure every accountant we refer is properly qualified, HMRC-registered, IR35-competent, and experienced with contractor clients.
A Matching Service, Not an Accountancy Firm
Contractor Accountants Harrow is a free referral network connecting Harrow-area contractors with qualified, specialist accountants. We do not employ accountants, provide IR35 advice, file tax returns, or act as HMRC agents ourselves.
Our business model is transparent: we receive a small fixed referral fee from accountants in our network when a successful engagement begins. This fee is paid by the accountant — never by you — and has no effect on the fees they charge you. We disclose this relationship clearly because trust requires transparency, especially in a financial services context.
We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as a data controller. Our ICO registration number is displayed in the footer of every page. Your data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the UK GDPR.
Independent of any firm
We are not affiliated with, owned by, or controlled by any accountancy practice. Referrals are based on matching criteria and performance data only.
Contractor-specific only
We only admit accountants with demonstrated contractor specialism. Generalist practices without IR35 and limited company expertise are not admitted.
Free for contractors
Our matching service is entirely free for contractors. We are funded by a fixed referral fee from accountants — paid only after a successful match, never by you.
Accepted Qualifications
We verify membership with three recognised UK accountancy bodies. No other qualifications are accepted.
Our 9-Stage Vetting Process
Every accountant must pass all nine stages before receiving a single referral. There are no exceptions for experience level, firm size, or existing relationships.
Professional Body Qualification Verification
Every applicant must hold a current, valid practising certificate from one of three recognised UK accountancy bodies: ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales — ACA or FCA designations), ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), or CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). We verify membership status directly with the relevant professional body. Lapsed, suspended, or restricted memberships are rejected at this stage without exception. We do not admit unqualified bookkeepers, tax advisors without chartered status, or members of non-recognised bodies.
HMRC Agent Services Account Verification
To file Self Assessment returns, corporation tax returns (CT600), and VAT returns on behalf of clients, an accountant must hold a valid HMRC Agent Services Account (ASA) and agent code. We verify this directly with HMRC's agent authentication records. An accountant without a valid ASA cannot legally act as a contractor's authorised agent — this is a non-negotiable admission requirement.
IR35 and Off-Payroll Working Competency Assessment
Given the centrality of IR35 to contractor accounting, we require demonstrated expertise in off-payroll working rules under Chapter 10, ITEPA 2003. This includes: Status Determination Statement (SDS) review and challenge, the client-led disagreement process (Regulation 22A, SI 2003/2682), working practice documentation for outside-IR35 positions, deemed payment calculations for inside-IR35 engagements, and representation during HMRC IR35 compliance checks. We test applicants on scenario-based questions before admission.
Professional Indemnity Insurance Verification
We require a minimum of £500,000 professional indemnity (PI) insurance cover from every accountant in our network. This protects contractors in the event of professional negligence — a particularly important safeguard in contractor accounting given the complexity of IR35 advice and the financial consequences of an incorrect determination. We require a current PI certificate from an FCA-regulated insurer and re-verify annually.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Supervision Confirmation
Under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, accountants must be registered with an approved supervisory body for AML purposes. We confirm each applicant's AML supervision status — typically their professional body (ICAEW, ACCA, or CIMA) — and their compliance with client due diligence obligations. Unregistered or non-compliant practices are declined regardless of their qualifications.
Contractor-Specific Experience Review
We require a minimum of three years actively working with contractor clients — specifically limited company directors, personal service companies, and umbrella company workers. Applicants must demonstrate experience across the key service areas: IR35 assessments, director salary/dividend planning, corporation tax optimisation, Making Tax Digital (MTD) VAT compliance, and contractor expense claims under Section 338, ITEPA 2003. General small business accountants without contractor specialism are not admitted.
ICO Registration and Data Protection Compliance
All accountants in our network process sensitive personal and financial data on behalf of clients. We verify that each firm is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) under the UK GDPR, holds an active ICO registration number, and operates compliant data handling procedures. Practices without ICO registration or with data protection compliance concerns are declined.
Client Reference Checks
We contact a minimum of three current contractor clients provided by the applicant and conduct structured reference interviews covering: responsiveness to urgent IR35 queries, quality of written determinations, deadline compliance for annual accounts and VAT returns, fee transparency, and the accountant's ability to explain complex contractor tax issues clearly. Any firm receiving negative references on core criteria is declined.
Ongoing Performance Monitoring
Admission is not permanent. We collect structured feedback from every contractor we refer and monitor it on a rolling 12-month basis. Accountants whose average rating falls below 4.0 out of 5.0 are placed under review. Complaints involving IR35 misadvice, missed filing deadlines, or unexplained fee increases are investigated. Substantiated complaints result in removal from the network.
Get Matched with a Vetted Harrow Contractor Accountant
Tell us your sector, IR35 situation, and key questions. We will introduce you to qualified, insured specialists who understand your contracting work.