Business Details
Your Trusted Accountants for SME Growth and Compliance
Established by Paul Austen, a seasoned professional with over 28 years of experience in accounting and finance, our firm specialises in delivering tailored financial solutions to SMEs across Cheshire and Staffordshire. Our approach combines the rigour of big-firm expertise with the agility and personal touch required by growing businesses. We prioritise proactive guidance, leveraging technology and automation to streamline processes while maintaining a focus on tax efficiency and strategic growth. With a proven track record in both corporate and SME environments, including seven years at a Big Four accounting firm, we offer clarity on compliance, payroll, bookkeeping, and business advisory services.Our commitment to transparency ensures no hidden fees, while our digital innovation empowers clients to make informed decisions. By embedding ourselves in our clients' operations, we identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency improvements, and long-term sustainability, as evidenced by testimonials highlighting substantial tax reductions and enhanced financial planning.
Services
Tax Compliance
Payroll Support
Bookkeeping
Business Advisory
Tax Enquiry Protection
Digital Transformation
IR35 Planning
Company Formation
VAT Registrations
CIS Services
Highlights and features
- Fully qualified accountants with industry-specific expertise
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or unexpected costs
- Tailored solutions aligned with your business's unique needs
- Proactive identification of tax-saving and growth opportunities
- Leverage cutting-edge accounting software for enhanced accuracy
Associations and certifications
- Chartered Accountants
What people say
Substantial tax savings
Proactive guidance
Personalised service
Exceptional responsiveness
Strategic growth support
Services
Tax Compliance
We manage all tax compliance requirements including VAT, PAYE, corporation tax, and self-assessment returns. Our proactive approach ensures accurate submissions while identifying tax-saving opportunities. Clients benefit from strategic planning to optimise liabilities and maintain HMRC compliance.
Payroll Support
Full payroll administration, CIS services, and workplace pension setup are provided with precision. We ensure adherence to employment regulations while streamlining payroll processes through digital solutions, reducing administrative burdens for business owners.
Business Advisory
Our advisory services focus on strategic growth, digital transformation, and business protection. We deliver tailored recommendations for expansion, tax efficiency, and risk mitigation, supported by financial forecasting and systems implementation guidance.
Bookkeeping
Comprehensive bookkeeping and management reporting services provide real-time financial insights. We implement automated systems for cash flow tracking, month-end reporting, and year-end financial statements to support informed decision-making.
Tax Enquiry Protection
We offer proactive protection against HMRC audits through compliance reviews and risk mitigation strategies. This service includes tax enquiry resolution support and implementation of safeguards to prevent costly investigations.
People
Paul Austen
Founder
With over 28 years of experience, including seven years at a Big Four firm, Paul specialises in SME accounting and tax strategy. He combines corporate expertise with entrepreneurial understanding to deliver growth-focused solutions.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for SMEs?
We provide tax compliance, payroll, bookkeeping, business advisory, and tax enquiry protection services tailored to SME needs.
How do you differ from larger accounting firms?
We combine Big Four expertise with personalised service, offering cost-effective solutions and proactive growth strategies without corporate bureaucracy.
Can you help with tax savings?
Yes, our proactive tax planning identifies savings through reliefs, allowances, and structural optimisations while maintaining full compliance.
Do you offer digital accounting solutions?
We implement cloud-based systems and automation tools to streamline bookkeeping, reporting, and financial management for efficiency.
How do you support business growth?
Through strategic reviews, cash flow forecasting, and digital transformation guidance, we help businesses scale sustainably and profitably.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve SMEs in Cheshire and Staffordshire, with remote support available nationwide.
Reviews (3)
David Healings
Sep 21, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Absolute first class accountants, very professional and always responsive to your requests, with clear advice . Im a director of two companies and Paul and his team look after the accounts for both and we always get accounts back at year end in a timely manner. First class company with first class team.
Absolute first class accountants, very professional and always responsive to your requests, with clear advice . Im a director of two companies and Paul and his team look after the accounts for both and we always get accounts back at year end in a timely manner. First class company with first class team.
Robert Warburton
Jul 19, 2020
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I have used Paul Austins services since I set my plumbing business up in 2008 . I have always been able to Speak to them about anything get great advice and guidance as the business has expanded. Amazing service and knowledge.
Anthea Fosti
Oct 26, 2016
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At Zeus PR we switched to Paul Austen Associates from a very large accountancy firm 6 years ago, and it was the best move we made. Paul and his team offer a very responsive, highly personalised around the clock service to provide not only all the services you would expect from a chartered accountancy practice, but they also advise us on key business and management strategy. We cannot recommend them highly enough.
