Great — here are practical places and ways to outsource accounting in the UK, plus what to expect and how to choose.

Where to outsource (by type)

• Cloud accounting firms / “cloud accountants” — fixed-fee, UK-based businesses that run your bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and year‑end using Xero, QuickBooks, Sage or similar (good for SMEs and startups). Examples and searchable directories: Xero’s advisor directory and specialist cloud-accountant agencies. (Xero.com)
• Online/accounting platforms — vendor services that combine software + outsourced support (e.g., QuickBooks/QuickBooks Live) — useful if you want integrated software + human help. (QuickBooks.intuit.com)
• Specialist small‑business/accountancy firms — companies such as Crunch, Accotax and many local chartered/accounting practices that offer outsourced bookkeeping, payroll and tax for small/medium businesses. (crunchaccounting.co.uk)
• Outsourcing/BPO providers and virtual finance teams — larger firms (or specialist BPOs) that can act as your outsourced finance function or finance director for scale-ups and larger SMEs (examples include SmartPA and other outsourced bookkeeping teams). (smart-pa.com)
• Freelancers and marketplaces — freelance bookkeepers and accountants available via Upwork, PeoplePerHour, Bark and specialist UK bookkeeping services (good for ad‑hoc work or very small businesses). (Bark.com)

Where to find and compare providers

• Xero Advisor Directory — browse certified Xero accountants/bookkeepers by location and specialism. (Xero.com)
• Company websites & comparison sites — Crunch, Accotax, SmartPA, Bookkeeping Team, local chartered firms and many niche providers publish packages and pricing. (crunchaccounting.co.uk)
• Marketplaces (Bark, Upwork, PeoplePerHour) — useful to get quotes from freelancers and small teams quickly. (Bark.com)

Typical services you can outsource

• Bookkeeping (bank reconciliations, transaction coding)
• VAT returns / Making Tax Digital compliance
• Payroll and auto-enrolment
• Management accounts and cashflow forecasting
• Corporation tax / self-assessment and year‑end accounts
• CFO / part‑time finance director services
• Credit control / supplier & invoice management. (crunchaccounting.co.uk)

Typical cost guidance (UK)

• Small sole trader / basic monthly package: from ~£60–£150/month.
• Growing SME / more comprehensive packages: ~£200–£600+/month.
• Hourly bookkeeping/accounting rates: often £25–£60+/hour; specialist tax work higher.
• One‑off tasks (self-assessment, annual accounts): from a few hundred pounds depending on complexity.
  (Estimates vary by provider and complexity — recent UK guides and provider price pages show ranges like these). (expertmarket.com)

How to choose the right outsourcer — quick checklist

• Credentials: chartered/ACCA/ICAEW/AAT or Xero/QuickBooks certification. (Xero.com)
• Specialism: experience in your sector (e‑commerce, construction/CIS, charities, contractors). (crunchaccounting.co.uk)
• Software & integrations: do they use the accounting package you prefer (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage)? Can they integrate with your bank, payroll, ecommerce, POS? (QuickBooks.intuit.com)
• Data security: UK/EU data hosting, encryption, secure file transfer.
• Pricing model: fixed monthly fee (predictable) vs hourly (can rise) — ask what’s included (VAT, payroll, filings). (expertmarket.com)
• SLAs & communication: turnaround times, reporting cadence, named contact or dedicated account manager. (Middlers.co.uk)
• Compliance & filing support: they should file Companies House, HMRC returns and be MTD‑ready where required. (Xero.com)
• References & reviews: Trustpilot, Google reviews and client case studies.

Practical next steps (fast)

1. Decide scope: bookkeeping only, full accounts & tax, payroll, FD services?
2. Shortlist 3 providers: use Xero directory if you use Xero; otherwise search “outsourced bookkeeping UK” + your sector/location. (Xero.com)
3. Ask for a written proposal showing monthly fee, what’s included, start‑up/migration costs, and SLA.
4. Check credentials and client references; confirm data transfer and access arrangements.
5. Trial month or short notice terms if possible so you can exit if it’s not the right fit.

If you’d like, I can:

• shortlist 4–6 providers that match your business size and software (tell me: sole trader / limited company / turnover band and which software you use), or
• draft an email template to request proposals and pricing from shortlisted firms.

Which would you prefer?