Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Accounting Services in Brighton
Established in 1962, Atkinsons Chartered Accountants have built a legacy of delivering proactive and personalised accounting services to small and medium-sized businesses across Brighton, Hove, London, and the South East. Our family-run firm combines decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to provide tailored financial solutions that empower clients to focus on growth. With a team of qualified professionals, including specialists in corporate tax, cloud accounting, and auditing, we prioritise transparency, compliance, and strategic advice. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments ensures clients receive up-to-date guidance on tax planning, digital transformation, and business management. By fostering long-term relationships, we align our expertise with our clients' goals, offering bespoke support that adapts to evolving needs. From startups to established enterprises, we deliver reliable, client-centric services that simplify financial complexities and drive sustainable success.
Services
Cloud Accounting
Tax Solutions
Statutory Audits
VAT Returns
Payroll Services
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of experience in accounting and tax advisory services.
- Our team specialises in cloud accounting software like Xero for real-time financial management.
- We provide tailored solutions for startups, SMEs, and contractors.
- Our partners hold advanced qualifications in corporate tax and auditing.
- We combine family-run values with cutting-edge technology for client-centric service.
Associations and certifications
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
What people say
Proactive service
Cloud accounting expertise
Tailored support
Strategic tax advice
Reliable compliance
Services
Cloud Accounting
Our cloud accounting services leverage platforms like Xero to provide real-time financial visibility. We help businesses transition from traditional bookkeeping to secure, accessible digital systems, ensuring compliance with HMRC's Making Tax Digital initiative. By automating tasks such as invoicing and bank reconciliation, we enhance accuracy and efficiency. Clients benefit from 24/7 access to financial data, enabling informed decision-making and streamlined collaboration between businesses and our accounting team.
Tax Solutions
We offer comprehensive tax advisory services, including corporate tax returns, R&D tax relief, and international tax structuring. Our experts ensure compliance while identifying opportunities to minimise liabilities through strategic planning. Services extend to capital gains tax advice, offshore company structuring, and dispute resolution with HMRC. With proactive guidance, we help businesses navigate complex tax landscapes and optimise financial outcomes.
Statutory Audits
We conduct statutory and voluntary audits for SMEs, charities, and international groups, adhering to UK accounting standards. Our audits assess internal controls, identify risks, and provide assurance on financial reporting accuracy. For clients not requiring full audits, we offer cost-effective financial reviews. Our team combines technical expertise with sector-specific insights to deliver actionable recommendations that strengthen governance and compliance.
VAT Returns
Our VAT services include scheme selection, registration, and submission of quarterly returns. We advise on flat-rate and accrual schemes, import/export compliance, and MOSS returns. By staying updated on regulatory changes, we ensure clients avoid penalties while optimising cash flow. We also assist with VAT recovery and resolving disputes with tax authorities, providing tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Payroll Services
We manage payroll processing for businesses with one to 100+ employees, ensuring Real Time Information (RTI) compliance. Services include salary calculations, payslip distribution, PAYE reporting, and auto-enrolment pension administration. By automating payroll through cloud technology, we reduce errors and administrative burdens. Clients receive timely summaries and support for starters, leavers, and year-end reporting, ensuring seamless compliance.
People
Oliver Atkinson
Chartered Accountant
Oliver qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2006 after training at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He joined Atkinsons in 2009, specialising in corporate tax, property businesses, and auditing. With over 15 years of experience, he serves larger corporate clients and provides strategic financial advice.
Alex Atkinson
Chartered Accountant
Alex began his career at Morgan Stanley before joining Atkinsons in 2002. He focuses on supporting freelancers and small businesses in Brighton, offering growth strategies. With over 20 years of experience, he manages a large client portfolio and provides tailored accounting solutions.
Gregory Atkinson
Chartered Accountant
Greg qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2011 and specialises in cloud accounting transitions. He helps businesses adopt digital tools like Xero, improving management reporting and financial efficiency. His expertise lies in modernising accounting processes for startups and established firms.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for startups?
We provide company formation, VAT registration, cloud accounting setup, payroll services, and tax planning tailored to startups. Our team ensures compliance while helping new businesses establish efficient financial systems.
How can cloud accounting benefit my business?
Cloud accounting offers real-time financial visibility, automated processes, and secure data access. We implement platforms like Xero to streamline bookkeeping, improve collaboration, and ensure compliance with HMRC's digital requirements.
Do you handle international tax compliance?
Yes, we advise on offshore company structures, international tax codes, and cross-border transactions. Our expertise includes group structures, asset transfers, and compliance with global tax regulations.
What VAT schemes do you recommend?
We assess your business to recommend the most tax-efficient VAT scheme, including flat-rate, accrual, or cash accounting. Our guidance ensures compliance while optimising cash flow and reporting simplicity.
Can you assist with audit requirements?
We conduct statutory audits for SMEs, charities, and international groups. Our services include risk assessment, internal control evaluation, and tailored financial reviews for businesses not requiring full audits.
How do you support contractor accountants?
We offer payroll management, IR35 compliance, VAT returns, and tax-efficient structuring for contractors. Our cloud-based solutions ensure seamless financial management and HMRC compliance.
Reviews (16)
Charlotte Ricca
Jul 25, 2025
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As someone who finds EVERY aspect of accounting utterly confusing, I highly recommend Atkinsons. They patiently answered all my inane questions and helped me navigate some tricky times with my business. They make complex issues easier to understand and, more importantly, you know your accounts are in safe hands.
Andrea A.
Jun 19, 2024
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As new business owners, Atkinsons have provided us with fantastic support and advice. We cannot recommend them highly enough. They have made our first year easy and manageable and been there to answer any questions we have.
Andy Stone
Mar 19, 2022
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Alex and his excellent team are a pleasure to work with and my business runs smoothly because of them. They are on top of things even in the busiest of times. Alex's advice has always been sound and I will be staying with them for the support needed to grow my businesses. It is much appreciated. Andy
Jamie Coltman
Dec 25, 2020
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Atkinsons were really helpful and managed to turn everything around really quickly, would highly recommend!
Richard Daemon
Apr 22, 2019
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Any Co.or person who needs a first class accountants call their phone number now. Have been with them for a number of years and always a friendly first class service, my highest regards to Alex and Phil. who no matter how small my problem may seem always solve any issues I may have. Best wishes to you all. Richard.
Zachary Gottlieb
Mar 15, 2019
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I've been using Atkinsons for a few years now and they've been an enormous help to my business. Having tried a different Brighton accountancy first, they were a big step up, offering a more personal level of service. Greg in particular has been great, from coaching me on how to use Xero to helping me through the VAT registration process more recently. Top marks.
Pascal Gillan
Jan 08, 2018
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We've used Atkinson's for two years. They've been excellent - reasonable charges, clear return documents and always available to answer any small question. Recommended.
Ross Murley
Dec 28, 2017
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Great customer service. The advice I had was spot on, the staff were nice and friendly. I would definitely recommend them.
Ruth P.
Nov 09, 2017
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I have used Atkinsons Chartered Accountants over the past year and I would highly recommend them. They provide an excellent service, and are willing to answer any questions promptly and in detail. I feel rest assured that they are taking good care of my accounts.
Russell Blythe
Nov 03, 2017
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I have used Atkinsons for 4 years now and the service and advice i have received has always been excellent.
David Meadows
Aug 13, 2012
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I have been a client for over 6 years. They explain things in an easy to understand way and advise me on aspects of running my business that no other accountant has ever done. I recommend to everyone that runs their own business.
Fady Arthan
Apr 11, 2012
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I have used Atkinsons for my retail store in Hove for three years now. Excellent service and they are very knowledgeable in many areas of business. I have recommended to various business colleagues.
Jane Howard
Apr 01, 2012
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I swiched to using Atkinsons 2 years ago to do my accounts. The service I receive has always been helpful, professional and friendly.
Lizzy Ferrer
Feb 27, 2009
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Atkinsons have worked for me for 4 years. They have done my bookkeeping and accounts for that time. Exceptional and professional service.
Tim
I switched to Atkinsons last year after trialling xero with them. It has saved me many hours. Thanks Mark!
Peter G.
Never regretted using Atkinsons. Always find them quick, efficient and know the way round a calculator. Will continue to use them in the future and would highly recommend.