Accounting Firms in Derby: 8 Accountants Compared
The right accounting firm in Derby depends mostly on what you need and how big your business is. Derby has large regional groups based at Pride Park, established independents and small practices focused on sole traders and limited companies.
This guide compares eight firms. Seven have an office in Derby, and the eighth is Henleaze Tax Consultancy, a Bristol firm that works with clients remotely. We have not ranked them, because the best fit depends on your circumstances.
In This Guide
How We Chose These Accounting Firms in Derby
We chose firms with a verified Derby address, a clear description of their services and recognised professional credentials, rather than ranking by online reviews. Addresses were checked against each firm's own page, the ICAEW register or Companies House.
Most of the firms below do not publish their fees, so ask each one for a written quote before you decide.
Tip before enquiring: Request a written, itemised quote detailing what is covered (annual accounts, corporation tax, personal tax returns, payroll, software subscriptions) so you can make a like-for-like comparison.
Quick Comparison Table
The table below shows where each firm is located and who they suit best.
| Firm | Office | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| PKF Smith Cooper | Pride Park | Growing and larger businesses needing audit, tax or corporate finance |
| Duncan & Toplis | Pride Park | Businesses wanting audit, tax and payroll from a national group |
| DJH Derby | Pride Park | Owner managed businesses wanting accounting, tax and IT support |
| Maple Accountancy | Wyvern Business Park | Owner managed and family owned businesses |
| David Williams & Co | Belper Road | Small businesses wanting a long established local practice |
| IKM Accountants | Normanton Road | Small businesses wanting bookkeeping and accounts support |
| RDG Accounting | Raynesway | Start ups, sole traders and limited companies |
| Henleaze Tax ConsultancyRemote | Bristol, remote service | Contractors, sole traders, landlords and small limited companies |
Larger and Regional Accounting Firms in Derby
These eight firms all have a Derby office except Henleaze Tax Consultancy, ranging from large regional groups to small independent practices.
1. PKF Smith Cooper
Regional GroupPKF Smith Cooper suits businesses from growing SMEs to large corporations that want audit, tax and corporate finance from one regional firm. Its Derby office is at Prospect House, 1 Prospect Place, Millennium Way, Pride Park, DE24 8HG.
Founded in 1985, it is the PKF member firm for the Midlands. Services include audit, tax advisory, corporate finance, business recovery, business services and private client work.
Worth knowing: it is a large, partner led firm, so a sole trader with simple affairs may find the range more than they need.
2. Duncan & Toplis
National GroupDuncan & Toplis suits businesses that want audit, tax and payroll support from a large national group with a local office. Its Derby office is at Pinnacle House, 1 Pinnacle Way, Pride Park, DE24 8ZS.
The group is more than 100 years old and arrived in Derby by acquiring Underwood Green, a local practice. Its services cover audit, tax, corporate finance, payroll and business support.
Worth knowing: Derby is one of many offices in the group, so ask who will handle your account.
3. DJH Derby
Accountancy & ITDJH Derby suits owner-managed businesses that want accounting, tax and advisory support, with IT support available through a related business. It is at 5 Prospect Place, Millennium Way, Pride Park, DE24 8HG, and marked 20 years at Pride Park in 2026.
The office was formerly Ashgates, which joined the DJH group in July 2024 and became DJH Derby the following year. It offers accountancy, tax and business advisory services, plus managed IT through DJH Tech Partners.
Worth knowing: DJH has 16 offices across the UK and Ireland, so confirm which team will look after your work.
4. Maple Accountancy
Chartered Management AccountantsMaple Accountancy suits owner managed and family owned businesses that want accounts, tax and business advice. It is at Carter House, G2 Wyvern Court, Stanier Way, Wyvern Business Park, DE21 6BF, after moving from Friar Gate in 2024.
It describes itself as a firm of chartered management accountants, with services including payroll, VAT, tax planning, Xero cloud accounting and business start ups.
Worth knowing: Wyvern Business Park is about two miles east of the city centre, so check parking and travel before you visit.
5. David Williams & Co
ICAEW Registered AuditorDavid Williams & Co suits small businesses that want a long established local practice. The office is at 66 Belper Road, DE1 3EN.
The firm has been based in Derby since 1991 and provides audit, accountancy and taxation services to local businesses and to clients elsewhere in the UK and overseas. It is led by David Williams FCA, a chartered accountant and registered auditor.
Worth knowing: the website is brief, so ask directly about services such as payroll and cloud software.
6. IKM Accountants
Small Business SpecialistIKM Accountants suits small businesses that want bookkeeping and accounts support. The office is at Rosehill Business Centre (Room 23), Normanton Road, DE23 6RH.
It is a limited company with more than ten years of experience, working across a range of sectors, and bookkeeping is one of its listed services.
Worth knowing: public information about the firm is limited, so ask about qualifications, software and fees before you commit.
7. RDG Accounting
Start-ups & MentoringRDG Accounting suits start ups, sole traders and limited companies that want a small, hands on practice. It is based at Chatsworth House, Prime Business Centre, Raynesway, DE21 7SR.
It describes itself as an established practice serving clients across the Midlands, and it offers business start up advice and business mentoring.
Worth knowing: as a small firm, it is worth checking how it handles busy deadline periods.
8. Henleaze Tax Consultancy, a Remote Option from Bristol
Fixed-Fee SpecialistHenleaze Tax Consultancy suits contractors, sole traders, landlords and small limited companies that want clear advice at a fixed fee. Its office is in Bristol, so it has no Derby address, and support for Derby clients is remote.
Fixed fees mean you know the cost before any work starts. If you are weighing up accountants as a contractor, our guide to how to choose a contractor accountant explains what to look for.
Worth knowing: if you want face to face meetings in Derby, one of the seven local firms above will suit you better.
Looking for transparent fixed fees with zero surprises?
Speak directly with Henleaze Tax Consultancy about your contractor, landlord or small business accounting requirements.
How to Choose an Accountant in Derby
Check their professional qualifications, confirm they handle your type of work and get fees in writing. HMRC's guidance on choosing a tax agent points out that anyone can call themselves a tax agent and that HMRC does not regulate agents, so professional body membership matters.
Use this checklist:
Ask for a few quotes and compare what each one covers, not only the price. Larger firms suit more complex needs, while a small practice may suit a sole trader better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
When comparing accounting firms in Derby, the right choice depends on your size, your sector and the kind of advice you need. Pride Park is home to larger names such as PKF Smith Cooper, Duncan & Toplis and DJH Derby, while firms such as David Williams & Co and RDG Accounting serve smaller businesses.
Whatever you choose, check qualifications, ask for fees in writing and be clear about what you need. If you are a contractor, sole trader, landlord or small limited company and want clear advice at a fixed fee, take a look at Henleaze Tax Consultancy accounting services page.
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