Business Details
10 Years
experience
Trusted Accountancy & Legal Cashiering Services in Derby & Ripley
Ascentant Accountancy was founded in Derby in 2016 and has grown to serve clients nationwide with offices in Derby and Ripley. Our technology-led, client-focused approach distinguishes us as we provide tailored accountancy, legal cashiering, and financial consultancy services. With expertise in limited company accounts, tax compliance, and outsourced legal cashiering, we support businesses from startups to established firms. Our team of specialists delivers proactive solutions, including virtual finance director services and startup consultancy, ensuring clients receive strategic financial guidance. We prioritise transparency, fixed fees, and fast response times, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust. Our unique journey, starting from a caravan, reflects our commitment to understanding client challenges and delivering practical, jargon-free advice.We maintain strong compliance with Solicitors Accounts Rules and HMRC regulations, offering peace of mind to legal practices requiring outsourced cashiering support. Our clients benefit from flexible service models, including overflow support for in-house teams and comprehensive finance department outsourcing. We actively engage with local business communities through networking events and partnerships with organisations like the University of Derby. Our dedication to continuous improvement was recognised in 2025 when we became finalists in the East Midlands Chamber Awards for CSR Leadership.
Services
Accountancy
Legal Cashiering
Startup Consultancy
Bookkeeping
Payroll Services
VAT Returns
Management Accounts
Tax Planning
Virtual Finance Director
Practice Management System Migration
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer 9 years' experience in accountancy and legal cashiering services
- Our team provides bespoke outsourced legal cashiering compliant with Solicitors Accounts Rules
- We implement cloud-based accounting software for real-time financial visibility
- We guarantee fixed fees and transparent pricing structures
- Our specialists support startups through complete business formation and funding processes
What people say
Fantastic help
Trust and confidence
Incomparable service
Always available
Invaluable support
Services
Accountancy
Our comprehensive accountancy services cover limited company accounts, sole trader returns, and corporate tax compliance. We specialise in preparing annual accounts, corporation tax returns, and management accounts that help businesses monitor performance. Our Derby-based team works with clients nationwide to ensure accurate financial reporting and regulatory compliance. We provide tailored solutions for businesses at all stages, from startups requiring formation assistance to established firms seeking strategic financial guidance.
Legal Cashiering
We deliver specialist outsourced legal cashiering services compliant with Solicitors Accounts Rules. Our team manages client and office accounting, billing, credit control, and regulatory compliance for law firms across England and Wales. Services include daily bank reconciliations, month-end closures, and year-end audit support. We provide dedicated legal cashiers with backup coverage and supervisor oversight, ensuring business continuity for our clients' financial operations.
Startup Consultancy
Our startup consultancy supports new businesses from concept to establishment. We assist with company formation, business planning, financial forecasting, and funding applications. Our services include selecting appropriate legal structures, registering with Companies House, and setting up payroll and VAT systems. We provide mentoring and connect entrepreneurs with complementary services like branding and legal support through our partner network.
Bookkeeping
We offer cloud-based bookkeeping solutions using Xero and other accounting software platforms. Our services include transaction recording, invoice processing, and real-time financial reporting. We help businesses maintain accurate records through digital document management systems that streamline the bookkeeping process. Clients receive regular management information to support informed business decisions.
Practice Management System Migration
We specialise in Practice Management System migrations for legal practices. Our team provides project management, data analysis, system selection, and implementation support. We ensure accurate data conversion and compliance with regulatory requirements during system transitions. Our services include staff training and workflow configuration to optimise new system functionality for both accounting and case management processes.
People
Kevin Drew
Managing Director
Kevin founded Ascentant Accountancy in 2016 after returning from London where he worked in legal sector accountancy. With extensive experience in legal cashiering and business consultancy, he leads our specialist team. Kevin focuses on strategic growth and client relationships, maintaining hands-on involvement in key accounts. He actively supports local business initiatives and startup communities.
Marianne White
Accountant
Marianne joined Ascentant Accountancy as a qualified accountant, bringing expertise in corporate tax and financial reporting. She specialises in supporting SMEs with compliance and growth strategies. Marianne manages a portfolio of clients across various sectors, providing tailored financial advice. She contributes to our startup mentoring programmes and business workshops.
Questions
What accountancy services do you offer for limited companies?
We provide full accountancy services for limited companies including annual accounts, corporation tax returns, payroll, VAT returns, and management accounts. Our Derby-based team supports businesses nationwide with compliance and financial reporting needs.
How do you support law firms with legal cashiering?
We offer outsourced legal cashiering services compliant with Solicitors Accounts Rules, including client accounting, billing, credit control, and regulatory reporting. Our team provides dedicated cashiers with supervisor oversight and business continuity coverage.
What startup services do you provide?
We support startups with business formation, financial forecasting, funding applications, and compliance setup. Our services include selecting legal structures, registering with Companies House, and connecting entrepreneurs with complementary business services.
How can I switch accountants to Ascentant Accountancy?
Switching accountants is straightforward with our seven-step process. We handle all transition requirements including HMRC notifications and data transfers, ensuring minimal disruption to your financial operations.
Do you offer cloud accounting solutions?
Yes, we implement cloud accounting software like Xero for real-time financial management. We help businesses set up digital bookkeeping systems with document management integration for efficient financial operations.
What are your office locations and hours?
We operate from Derby (DE1 3DY) and Ripley (DE5 3AG) offices, open Monday-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm. We offer remote services nationwide with flexible appointment options including out-of-hours by arrangement.
Reviews (4)
Seleena Creedon
Oct 14, 2021
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When you think of an accountant if you're only thinking numbers for your business then you are missing a trick. Of course number competency is hugely important and Ascentant Accountancy as a team have that in bucket loads. The support is what makes this accountancy company stand out from my perspective as a Limited company who started in 2020. No question is left unanswered, often information or support is provided before I even ask! Having accountants who can help you focus, understand the numbers in context to your business and goals has been the difference between pootling along nicely and
Steve Shaw
Jun 21, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Great team of people and have been really helpful with the setting up of my new business. Always available to speak to and happy to answer any questions. Would recommend!
Great team of people and have been really helpful with the setting up of my new business. Always available to speak to and happy to answer any questions. Would recommend!
Lucy Hoad
Apr 30, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
I have been using Kevin and the team for over 3 years now as a Sole Trader. They have been so helpful from day one, nothing is too much trouble and they are a pleasure to work with.
I have been using Kevin and the team for over 3 years now as a Sole Trader. They have been so helpful from day one, nothing is too much trouble and they are a pleasure to work with.
Byron Scott
Apr 16, 2021
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Second year now we have worked with Kevin and the team. Will never look elsewhere. To have the trust and confidence in your accountant takes a huge amount of stress of you when trying to start a business. They have the knowledge, skills and honestly to advise and guide you all throughout the filing process. Additional to this both years now the team have gone above and beyond to try and meet my expectations. Kevin especially has taken plenty of my calls and txt during our working relationship and is always please to help. Many thanks guys and keep it up
