Business Details
17 Years
experience
Trusted Accounting Services in Cardiff
Total Books is a professional firm dedicated to providing comprehensive accounting, bookkeeping, and tax advisory services. With over 30 years of combined experience, our AAT-licensed team serves businesses across Cardiff, Newport, Bristol, and nationwide through our Virtual Finance Office. We prioritise strategic financial oversight, compliance, and tailored solutions, leveraging advanced technology like Xero and HMRC-recognised software.Our commitment to ethical practice, client education, and proactive support ensures businesses achieve growth and financial clarity. Recognised for excellence, we maintain stringent compliance standards through our AAT accreditation, offering peace of mind to clients.
Services
Accountancy
Bookkeeping
Taxation
Payroll
Virtual Finance Office
Consultancy
VAT Services
Digital Disclosure
Foreign Tax
Tax Planning
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We are AAT-licensed accountants with strict compliance oversight.
- Nationwide coverage through our Virtual Finance Office service.
- Strategic financial direction from experienced Virtual Finance Directors.
- Tailored solutions for sole traders, SMEs, and high-net-worth individuals.
- Proactive tax planning and compliance support using HMRC-recognised software.
Associations and certifications
- AAT
- Xero Advisor Certified
- ICPA
What people say
Excellent service
Professional and efficient
Tax savings
Proactive support
Jargon-free advice
Services
Accountancy
Our certified accountants provide seamless financial management for businesses of all sizes. Services include statutory accounts preparation, management accounts, and compliance reporting. We ensure accurate record-keeping aligned with HMRC regulations, using cloud-based software for real-time financial insights. Clients benefit from tailored advice to improve profitability and long-term financial health.
Taxation
Specialist tax services covering personal and corporate tax returns, capital gains tax, and VAT. As HMRC-registered agents, we ensure compliance while optimising tax efficiency. Our proactive planning minimises liabilities through legitimate reliefs and allowances, supported by digital tools like Xero for MTD-ready submissions.
Payroll
Full payroll outsourcing with RTI compliance, auto-enrolment pensions, and statutory payment calculations. We use BACS-integrated software to ensure timely, error-free payments and HMRC submissions. Services include holiday accrual tracking, salary-sacrifice schemes, and GDPR-compliant data handling for businesses of all sizes.
Virtual Finance Office
Outsource your entire finance function with 24/7 access to expert Virtual Finance Directors. Services include budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and strategic growth planning. Businesses save up to 60% compared to in-house teams while gaining real-time financial oversight and advisory support for scalable growth.
Consultancy
Tailored financial consultancy for business growth, including tax planning, compliance strategies, and operational efficiency improvements. Our AAT-licensed advisors provide actionable insights on pensions, HR, and digital transformation, leveraging 30+ years of industry experience to support informed decision-making.
People
Buhir Rafiq
Managing Accountant
MAAT-qualified with over 30 years of experience in accounting and finance. Founded Total Books in 2009 after roles at Haines Watts and the National Audit Office. Specialises in cloud accounting and tax strategy, with a focus on client relationships and ethical practice.
Questions
Do I need to register my limited company with HMRC?
Yes, register with HMRC for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting business activities. Additional registrations may apply for VAT or PAYE.
What are the costs involved in running a limited company?
Costs include Companies House fees, Corporation Tax, payroll, professional fees, and operational expenses. Proper planning helps optimise these costs.
When can I start trading with my new limited company?
You can start trading immediately after Companies House registration, provided all tax and regulatory requirements are met.
Do I need an accountant for capital gains tax?
While not mandatory, an accountant ensures accurate calculations, maximises reliefs, and avoids penalties, especially for complex transactions.
Reviews (7)
Nikki Kamminga
Dec 23, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
Buhir and the team have been second to none in their professionalism, responsiveness and with reasonable pricing. I will continue to recommend them to friends, family, clients and other business contacts.
Buhir and the team have been second to none in their professionalism, responsiveness and with reasonable pricing. I will continue to recommend them to friends, family, clients and other business contacts.
Giu Seppe
Nov 24, 2021
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I am truly impressed with Total books in Cardiff. Very helpful to understand my problems with self assessment and personal tax return. Highly recommended!!
Giuseppe Arico
Nov 10, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
I am truly impressed with Total Books in Cardiff. Very helpful to understand my problems with self assessment and personal tax return. I highly recommend them!
I am truly impressed with Total Books in Cardiff. Very helpful to understand my problems with self assessment and personal tax return. I highly recommend them!
Oliver Thomas
Nov 02, 2021
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I've worked with Totalbooks for years. They've always been able to handle my returns and questions in a calm straightforward and helpful way. I would definitely recommend them.
Joe Adams
Oct 18, 2021
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Positive:Quality
I spoke to Buhir today for advice on a specialized field of accountancy. Although I was willing to pay Buhir stated he didn't want to just take my money and referred me on to a firm who specializes exactly in the nature of my query that were able to support me best.
I spoke to Buhir today for advice on a specialized field of accountancy. Although I was willing to pay Buhir stated he didn't want to just take my money and referred me on to a firm who specializes exactly in the nature of my query that were able to support me best.
Gary Marshall
Oct 13, 2021
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Called with assistance to reclaim work related expenses & mileage. Typed in Tax specialists in Cardiff, rang the number and Bhavir answered - what a guy! Talked me through everything I needed to know and helped me out no end. Couldn't be happier with their or his service.
Dr. Muna Abdi
Oct 01, 2021
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We have been working with Total Books for a year and the level of professionalism and quality of work has been second to none. All of the team go above and beyond to help us understand and confidently work with our finances. We are grateful for their patience and wealth of knowledge and expertise. We would unreservedly recommend Total Books to businesses of all sizes.
