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Getting Started · Fitzpatrick Co

Getting started is
the easy part.

Once you decide to work with us, the heavy lifting is ours. Here's exactly what happens — so there are no surprises.

Before we begin

You've got a business
to run.

Our job is to make the accounting and tax side disappear into the background — handled properly, without fuss, without chasing you for the same document four times. Here's what the first few weeks actually look like.

The journey

From proposal to up and running

01

You say yes

Proposal accepted, engagement letter signed digitally — takes two minutes. We confirm fees in writing. No surprises, ever.

02

Professional courtesy

If you're switching from another accountant, we contact them directly — a standard “professional clearance” letter. This is normal practice and your old accountant expects it. You don't need an awkward conversation; we handle it.

03

Onboarding pack

A short form covering ID verification, basic business information (structure, UTR, VAT number, payroll if relevant), prior year accounts and tax returns, bank statements for the period we're picking up from, and access to any bookkeeping software you already use.

04

We get you set up

Xero or QuickBooks set up — or tidied up if you're already on one — connected to your bank feeds so things start flowing automatically. Not on software yet? We'll set you up with something that suits how you actually work.

05

Kick-off call

A proper conversation — not a form-filling exercise. We talk through your business, what's coming up, and anything that needs sorting before deadlines hit.

06

You're in the rhythm

From here it's quiet. We do the work, flag anything that needs your input, and check in periodically — not just when something's due.

A common question

Do you need to
send us every receipt?

Short answer: no

We don't need to see every receipt for every transaction — that's not a good use of anyone's time. If something is clearly a business expense and the amount makes sense, it goes through.

We will ask to see a receipt or invoice if:

  • Something doesn't add up or looks unusual
  • It's a material item — particularly fixed assets like equipment or vehicles, where the paperwork affects how it's treated for tax
  • HMRC would reasonably expect to see it if they asked

But you do need to keep them. HMRC requires records to be retained — currently 5 years after the filing deadline for self-employed people and landlords, 6 years for limited companies. We'll point you toward simple ways to do this — an app that photographs and stores receipts automatically, or just a folder per month, whatever fits how you work. The goal: little effort for you, properly covered if HMRC ever asks.

Once you're in the rhythm

We'll check in —
even when nothing's due.

Beyond the day-to-day filing and deadlines, we like to stay close to what's happening in your business and your industry. Every so often we'll call — not because something's wrong, but to talk through how things are going, what's changing in your sector, and anything in the wider economy that might be relevant to you.

Think of it as having an in-house accountant and tax adviser, without the cost, hassle or admin of actually employing one. Curious about the thinking behind how we work? Read about our approach →

Ready when you are

“Make accounting someone else's problem.”

Book a free consultation → Message us on WhatsApp →
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Get in touch

Let’s have a conversation

Free, no-obligation consultation. No jargon, no hard sell. Just an honest chat about how we can help.

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LocationBrighton & Hove, East Sussex
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WhatsApp07534 476727
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HoursMonday – Friday, 9am – 10pm

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