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TaxSpex Accounting

UK / HOW IT WORKS

How outsourced accounting works with TaxSpex

Outsourced accounting works best when everyone knows what is being done, who does it and when it comes back for approval. This page explains how TaxSpex takes on work for UK businesses and UK accountancy practices, from the first call to delivery. The same seven steps apply to both, and the differences are set out below. Work is delivered from Pakistan.

From first call to delivery

  1. 1
    Initial call

    We start with a conversation about what you need. We ask about your records, the software you use, the deadlines you are working to and whether any periods are behind. Practices tell us about the type of work they want to allocate and where their team needs capacity. The enquiry form is for starting this conversation only, so please do not use it to send records.

    • The services or work you are considering
    • The condition of your records and any backlog
    • Your accounting software and reporting needs
    • Known deadlines
  2. 2
    Scope letter

    We then set out the proposed work in writing, with fees quoted in pounds sterling (GBP). The scope states what we will do, what you will provide and how the work is reviewed and approved. Nothing is included unless the written scope says so.

    • The tasks and deliverables in scope
    • Your responsibilities and ours
    • Review and approval steps, and any filing support where agreed and authorised
    • Fees, with software, statutory and other third-party costs shown separately
  3. 3
    Access

    Once the scope is agreed, we set up how records and access will work. Where the work needs software access, you grant it through your own software's user permissions, so you control it and can revoke it. Records are exchanged only through the secure channels agreed for your engagement. Never send HMRC online services or Government Gateway credentials, Companies House authentication codes or personal codes, and do not use the enquiry form for records or personal financial information.

  4. 4
    Handover

    If you are moving from another accountant, or your records are behind, we review the position before ongoing work starts. We look at the handover information, opening balances and any catch-up periods, then confirm that work and its fee in writing before a start date is agreed. Practices allocating a backlog follow the same approach, with the files and periods agreed first.

    • Prior accounts, returns and working papers from your previous accountant
    • Opening balances for the first period we work on
    • Catch-up work, scoped and priced separately from ongoing work
  5. 5
    Preparation

    We prepare the agreed work from the records you provide, following the timetable set out in your scope. Where information is missing or unclear, we raise a query so you can provide the context or documents. For practices, queries go to your nominated contact, who decides whether and how to put them to the client.

    • Work follows the agreed scope and timetable
    • A list of queries and missing records for you to resolve
    • Practice work prepared in your templates or software where agreed
  6. 6
    Review

    Prepared work comes back to you for review and approval before anything is finalised. The person or firm responsible for the work approves it, and we make any agreed corrections. For practices, your reviewer raises points and the finished work goes back to your client from your firm.

    • Directors review and approve the company's accounts
    • The employer approves payroll
    • Individuals review their own tax return
    • Practices keep client ownership, final review, approval and filing
  7. 7
    Delivery

    Once the work is approved, we deliver the outputs set out in your scope, such as reconciled records, management reports or draft accounts. Any submission is made only where agreed and authorised. Ongoing work then continues on the agreed cycle, and the scope can be revisited if your needs change.

For businesses and for accountancy practices

The steps are the same for both, but who approves the work and who deals with the end client are different.

  • UK businesses: TaxSpex works for you directly. You provide the records, answer queries and approve the work, and filing support is included only where agreed and authorised.
  • Accountancy practices: TaxSpex works as an extension of your production team. Your firm allocates the work, routes queries, reviews and signs off each file, and keeps the relationship with its clients.

For practices, client records are shared only once the delivery arrangements are in place. Before any client data is shared, your firm and TaxSpex agree the contracting entities, where the staff working on your files are located, confidentiality, processor terms and any safeguards required for international transfers under UK data protection law. Because work is delivered from Pakistan, the transfer position is part of the discussion from the start.

A practice can begin with a small, defined pilot batch before deciding what to allocate next. The scope and fee for a pilot are agreed in writing.

What we need from you

  • Complete and accurate records for each period, sent through the agreed channel
  • Software access through your own user permissions, where the work needs it
  • Answers to queries and any missing documents
  • A named person to review and approve the work
  • Early notice of changes to your business, staff or deadlines

Your scope letter lists the records and inputs for your engagement, so you know what to provide and when.

What stays your responsibility

Outsourcing the preparation does not move the legal responsibility for the work.

  • Directors remain responsible for approving the company's accounts and making sure its obligations are met
  • Employers remain responsible for approving and funding payroll and for their employer duties
  • Individuals remain responsible for their own tax return and for paying the tax due
  • Practices keep client ownership, final review, approval and filing, unless a different lawful arrangement is expressly agreed

The work is prepared from the information you provide. It is not an audit or assurance engagement, and any submission to HMRC or Companies House is made only where agreed and authorised.

Last reviewed: 5 November 2026

YOUR STARTING POINT

Start with a conversation

Tell us about your business or practice, the work you need, your software and any deadlines or backlog. We will set out the scope, responsibilities and fee in writing before any work begins. Please do not include records or personal financial information in your enquiry.

Discuss your requirements

YOUR NEXT STEP

Start with a conversation

Tell us about your business or practice, the work you need, your software and any deadlines or backlog. We will set out the scope, responsibilities and fee in writing before any work begins. Please do not include records or personal financial information in your enquiry.

Discuss your requirements