Finding the Best Accountant for Creative Businesses in London and South East

Introduction

You’re a creative - maybe a musician, filmmaker, designer or actor and you’re juggling clients, passion projects, royalties, gigs, workshops… the list never ends. But when it comes to tax, bookkeeping and accounting, things can quickly feel overwhelming. That’s where the right accountant makes all the difference. In this post, we’ll go through what you need to look for when finding the best accountant for creative businesses in London and South East, so you can make informed choices and protect your finances. Accounting for creatives isn’t just about crunching numbers it’s about understanding your world.

What Makes Accounting for Creative Businesses Unique

1. Multiple Revenue Streams

You may be earning from teaching, commissions, royalties, grants or merchandise, often all at once. Each source has different tax impacts, timing issues and reporting rules. A great accountant will help you keep track of each stream properly, so nothing slips through the cracks.

2. Irregular Cash Flow

One month you might have several paid gigs; the next could be a drought. Predictable budgeting often doesn’t work. The best accountants for creatives will help with cash flow forecasting, setting aside money for quieter periods, and advising on how to smooth out your income.

3. Creative Industry Tax Reliefs & Credits

In the UK, there are specific reliefs aimed at the creative sector. These include:

• The Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (AVEC) and Video Games Expenditure Credit (VGEC) for film, TV, animation and video games. GOV.UK+3BFI+3GOV.UK+3
  

• Theatre, Orchestra, Museums & Galleries Exhibition tax reliefs. From 1 April 2025, these have been permanently set at 45% for touring productions and all orchestral work; 40% for non-touring theatre and galleries. GOV.UK+2Saffery+2
  

These reliefs can make a big difference but only if your accountant knows them well, stays up to date with changes, and helps you make valid claims.

Key Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Accountant

Here are what you should check, with London & South East creatives in mind:

• Do they have the right qualifications and experience?

Answer to look for:

• ICAEW (Chartered Accountants)

• ACCA (Chartered Certified Accountants)

• AAT (Accounting Technicians)

These tell you they understand UK tax law, bookkeeping standards, HMRC rules, etc. And ask whether they’ve worked with creative businesses before. They need to “speak your language” -know what royalties are, how contracts work, what counts as creative expenses.

• Are they up to date with the creative sector reliefs & credits?

Make sure they fully understand AVEC, VGEC, theatre & museum reliefs and the changes from April 2025. For example:

• The increase in AVEC rate for certain VFX costs and removal of the 80% cap for UK VFX work. GOV.UK+2KPMG+2
  

• That after 1 April 2025, non-UK/EEA expenditure generally no longer qualifies under these reliefs. GOV.UK+1
  

• How do they handle your income mix & expenses?

You need someone who can:

• Track royalties, teaching fees, grants, etc. separately

• Know which expenses are allowable for each income type (e.g. studio costs, travel, gear)

• Help with home studio / desk-space / equipment deductions
  

• Do they offer ongoing cash flow and financial management?

Because creative incomes swing, good accountants will:

• Help with cash flow forecasts

• Suggest how to build reserves for quiet months

• Help plan for periods when tax bills or VAT payments are due
  

Important Considerations (Red Flags to Watch Out For)

When interviewing or reviewing potential accountants:

• Generic accountants who don’t show sector knowledge. If they can’t explain AVEC or new relief rates, that’s a warning.

• Opaque fee structures. Ask up front what you’ll pay and what’s included: tax returns, bookkeeping, advice, catch-ups.

• Bad communication. If they’re slow to respond, or use jargon without explanation, it’ll cost you time (and maybe mistakes).

• Poor use of tech. Cloud bookkeeping, digital receipt capture, invoicing tools, these matter. They save time and reduce errors.
  

Why a Specialist Accountant Adds Value

When you work with someone who understands creatives, you’ll usually get:

• Maximal relief claims and fewer missed opportunities

• Advice on whether you should be a sole trader or a limited company, depending on income & risk

• Help cleaning up your finances if you need to apply for funding, grants, or certifications

• Support managing international income or royalties (if you work overseas or with foreign clients)
  

Practical Steps to Choosing the Right Accountant in London & South East

Here’s what you can do to make the decision easier:

1. Ask around your network. Fellow creatives can point you to accountants who “get it.”

2. Check reviews & references. Look for feedback from other creatives.

3. Check their insurance & credentials. Professional indemnity insurance + valid accountancy qualifications = peace of mind.

4. Meet (even virtually). Use a consultation to see how they communicate and whether you feel understood.

5. Clarify what you need. If your business has multiple income streams, ask if they’ve helped with those kinds of clients before.
   

Conclusion

Your creative work deserves more than just generic financial support. Finding the best accountant for creative businesses in London and the South East means choosing someone who knows your world, knows AVEC, VGEC, knows that income isn’t steady, knows what expenses matter. When your accounting is in safe hands, accounting for creatives becomes a tool to give you confidence, not stress.

Call to Action

Let Creative and Numbers take care of the accounts, bookkeeping and tax reliefs so you can focus on your craft. If you’re ready for an accountant who truly understands creative businesses, reach out today.

Book a free 30-minute consultation with Creative & Numbers today.