Are you frustrated with your current accounting provider, or just new to the self-employed world and not sure where to start? We get it - accounting can be overwhelming.

Crunch was founded to address the shortcomings of traditional accounting. Our team is filled with people who have been self-employed, which is why we’re proud to be the go-to accounting option for those working for themselves. 

The business was built from the ground up, so it faced the same challenges as our client. This grassroot approach means we truly understand what it takes to achieve your business goals and strive for independence.

The Crunch difference: empathy, innovation and real support

We help everybody from those making a little extra with a side hustle to established enterprises. For many of our customers, we’ve been the only accounting provider for them. But many have also come to us desperately searching for accounting alternatives to their current provider. 

So to help you decide whether we’re the accounting solution you’re looking for, we’ve put together seven real stories of people just like you. Including the reason why they chose Crunch over other alternative accounting providers. 

1. They were looking for personalised support

Emily O’Brien felt overwhelmed by everything. She was looking for accounting providers that wouldn’t treat her as just a number. This is why she turned to Crunch. For Emily (of Create Serendipity Ltd), the personalised support from Crunch was transformative. “Everyone I’ve dealt with at Crunch is very friendly and supportive, and I’ve received excellent service in completing all my accounting needs,” she shares. 

Emily particularly values the guidance from her client manager, Patrick. “He has guided and taught me so much throughout the years and made it simple for me to understand what I need to do and why.” She goes on to say that she appreciates the balance between managing things autonomously whilst also having the opportunity to pick up the phone when needed.

This level of personal interaction and dedicated support is a hallmark of Crunch, making accounting less daunting and more manageable. And is the reason why we were an obvious choice for online accounting for her business. 

2. That it’s an all-in-one accounting solution - software and real accounting experts

A problem that Andrew faced was he needed the mixture of accounting software and real accounting experts. With many accounting alternatives only offering one of these options, he was faced with having to choose which he’d rather. Until he found Crunch. 

Andrew Stephens (from Dandy Marketing Agency Ltd) experienced substantial business growth thanks to Crunch’s integrated approach. “Getting a great accountant with the software to match is the best thing you can do to set your business up for success,” he asserts. 

Crunch’s real-time financial insights and responsive support during critical times, like his mortgage application, have been invaluable. “Crunch even helped with my mortgage application; when I required company accounts to be fast-tracked, they delivered the accounts, helping me secure a new home.” Andrew’s story underscores the tangible benefits of Crunch’s comprehensive service, demonstrating its positive impact on business growth and personal milestones.

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3. Access to real people who are accounting experts

Much like Andrew, Ioana was facing the choice between great accounting software or real accounting experts. This is because other accounting software providers often don’t value the human element like Crunch. But accounting software in itself isn’t enough for overwhelmed business owners. 

Ioana Dragomir (of Dragom marketing consultancy) highlights the value of personal interaction with Crunch. “The best thing about Crunch is definitely the people working there. Don't get me wrong, the software is powerful too, very easy to use, and super quick to set up,” she says. “But in a world where everything is automated, the access to advice and the collaboration with actual accountants made this a no-brainer for me. And if you think of the costs involved, it's hard to beat what Crunch has to offer.” 

While there may be other accounting alternatives, none of them get the balance between accounting software and accounting experts like Crunch do. It’s a sentiment that many echo, from new joiners to long-standing clients. They love that they get the best of both worlds so that they’re able to manage their business more efficiently. 

4. Easily find relevant information

Melissa Holloway (SmartStart Health) says she struggled with understanding complex tax and finance information relevant to her business. “Working out which tax and finance information is relevant to me was overwhelming,” she recalls. Discovering Crunch provided her with a balanced mix of control and expert advice. 

Everybody here at Crunch is so passionate about educating self-employed professionals to give them the tools they need to succeed. “Using Crunch has given me the right balance of control over my business finances and good advice to steer me right. I have learned how lots of things work and gotten a sense of best practices, whilst having qualified accountants on hand to help when I’m out of my depth.” This personalised support and educational aspect highlight our empathetic approach to customer needs.

5. VAT and expenses support

Managing VAT and expenses can be a significant burden for contractors. From finding information to making sure everything submitted was correct - it can be a lot! That’s why Toby Osbourn (Tosbourn Ltd) opted for Crunch.

He found that Crunch’s innovative software and expert team made this process much simpler. “Crunch has taken a lot of the legwork away from us. Their easy-to-use online accounting software and expert accountants make it really simple when it comes to VAT and expenses,” he explains. Toby appreciates how Crunch’s technology and professional expertise streamline processes that are often cumbersome with traditional methods.

6. Looking for accounting alternatives to traditional accounting

Crunch was started because traditional accounting is broken. And it’s clear to see that we aren’t alone in believing that. Tadas Tamosauskas (OK Do!), one of our long standing customers explained, “I had considered hiring a face-to-face accountant, but I like the transparency that the Crunch software gives you – I can see the current or past state of my accounts any time I want,” he says. 

Tadas appreciates the asynchronous communication via the Crunch app and email, which allows him to manage his accounting whenever he has a spare moment. This flexibility and clarity are essential for those who juggle multiple responsibilities. This was why Crunch stood out to Tadas as the preferred accounting alternative. for self-employed individuals seeking a reliable and comprehensive accounting solution. 

7. Exceptional customer service

Managing finances is seldom a new business owner’s favourite part of their day, and Sophia Spencer (Callisto Associates) is no exception. “I absolutely loathe anything to do with accounts to the point where I will ignore deadlines, forget to send invoices, and leave reconciling transactions until the last moment,” she admits. However, Sophia found the perfect solution to her problem with Crunch.

“Crunch takes all this burden off my shoulders and does everything for me; they're amazing! This leaves me free to concentrate on the work I love and making my clients happy.” Sophia highlights the exceptional customer service provided by Crunch: “Everyone on the team is super friendly and beyond patient with me; I feel really well looked after, which I never felt anywhere else. Crunch offers exceptional value for money. I also think the Community Forum is an incredibly powerful resource and look forward to making the most of it.”

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How to switch accountants

So you’ve decided to go with an accounting alternative, but where do you start? It can be daunting thinking of swapping over, but a good accounting alternative like Crunch will guide you through the process. And it’s definitely worth swapping - bad accounting can actually cost you valuable time and money. 
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Where do you start if you want to change accountants?

The first step is to review your contract’s terms and conditions. Often accounting providers will have some sort of notice period before you can stop paying and switch accountants. 

Your new accountant can help streamline the process by sending a professional clearance letter to your old accountant. This is basically where they request all necessary information and documents. Now, as long as your accountant is registered with a professional body, they are required to provide this information. 

Occasionally accountants may only respond to you directly. Which is why it’s so important to make sure that you tell your accountant that you’re changing providers. 

What information should your previous accountant be sending?

Make sure to request the following information from your accounting provider:

• Full financial statements, including profit and loss accounts, and Year Ends.
• Analysis of fixed assets, trade debtors, bad debt provisions, other debtors, prepayments, trade creditors, accruals, other creditors, and capital account movements. 
• Details of any hire purchases or finance lease agreements with appropriate calculators.
• Bank reconciliations for all accounts.
• Summaries of stock and work in progress, if applicable.
• A copy of Corporate Tax computations.
• A copy of the most recent CT600 submitted, including any supplementary pages.
• Any information affecting the company’s future liability.
• Form CT620 issued by HMRC for the last accounting period.
• Confirmation of disengagement sent by the accountant.
• Any other relevant documentation or outstanding matters, including PAYE scheme reference and PAYE Accounts Office reference, if applicable.

Ready to switch to Crunch?

Switching to Crunch is easy. All you need to do to get started is get in touch! Our experts will talk you through the process and help you find the best accounting solution for your business.

Alternatively, you can give us a call on 0330 127 8570. Our lines are open Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:30pm. 

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