Accounting Firms in Manchester: 8 Firms for Businesses and Contractors
The right accounting firm in Manchester depends on whether you run a company, work as a contractor or need personal tax help, and on how much support you expect. The city has large international firms in the centre, regional groups and smaller practices that work closely with contractors and owner managed businesses.
This guide compares eight firms. Seven have a Manchester office, and the eighth is Henleaze Tax Consultancy, a Bristol firm that supports 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 Manchester
We chose firms with a verified Manchester address, a clear list of services and recognised professional credentials, rather than ranking by online reviews. Addresses were checked against each firm's own site wherever it published one.
Most of these firms do not publish their fees, so ask each one for a written quote before you decide.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 shows where each firm is based and who it suits best.
| Firm | Office | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Forvis Mazars | St Peter's Square | Larger, complex businesses needing audit, tax or advisory |
| Azets | King Street | Owner managed businesses, SMEs and private individuals |
| Xeinadin | Barbirolli Square | Owner managed businesses, landlords and start ups |
| Streets | Spinningfields | Private clients and growing businesses |
| UHY Williamson Croft | York Street | Growing businesses needing audit and advisory support |
| Mitchell Charlesworth | Peter Street | Owner managed businesses and contractors |
| Clearcut Accounting | Princess Road | Contractors, small companies and healthcare professionals |
| Henleaze Tax ConsultancyRemote | Bristol, remote service | Contractors, sole traders, landlords and small limited companies |
Seven Accounting Firms With a Manchester Office (1 Serving Remotely)
These firms all have a Manchester office, from international networks in the city centre to a practice that focuses on contractors.
1. Forvis Mazars
International NetworkForvis Mazars suits larger and more complex businesses that want audit, tax and advisory work from an international network. Its Manchester office is at One St Peter's Square, M2 3DE, a short walk from Oxford Road and Piccadilly stations.
The firm describes Manchester as its largest office outside London, offering accounting, tax and advisory services.
Worth knowing: its scale and focus make it a stretch for sole traders, contractors and very small companies.
2. Azets
National SME FirmAzets suits owner managed businesses, SMEs and larger companies that want a broad range of services from one office. The Manchester team is at Ship Canal House, 98 King Street, M2 4WU, and has around 100 colleagues.
It works with family owned businesses, private equity backed firms, international businesses and private individuals. Services include audit, accounting, tax, corporate finance, VAT, employment taxes and restructuring.
Worth knowing: the range is wide, so confirm who will handle your account if your needs are simple.
3. Xeinadin
Landlords & Start-upsXeinadin suits owner managed businesses, landlords and start ups that want accounting, tax and payroll from a large group. Its Manchester office is at 100 Barbirolli Square, and the group has more than 135 offices across the UK and Ireland.
Services include accounts, bookkeeping, cloud accounting, payroll, tax planning, audit and corporate finance, with dedicated pages for landlords and start ups.
Worth knowing: with more than 2,500 team members, it is worth asking which local team will look after your work.
4. Streets
Private Client & AdvisoryStreets suits private clients and growing businesses that want accounting, tax and advice from an established firm. The Manchester office is at 3 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, M3 3EB.
The firm has operated for over 100 years and offers accountancy, audit, tax, business advice, corporate finance and financial planning. Private client work covers tax compliance, wealth management, inheritance tax and probate.
Worth knowing: with offices across the UK, ask whether your work will be handled in Manchester.
5. UHY Williamson Croft
Audit & AdvisoryUHY Williamson Croft suits growing businesses and individuals that want a mid sized firm with audit and advisory strength. It is at York House, 20 York Street, M2 3BB, and is part of the UHY Hacker Young network.
Services include accountancy, audit and assurance, transaction services, forensic accounting, R&D tax credits and tax advice for companies and individuals. Payroll and cloud accounting are also offered.
Worth knowing: its listed services lean towards audit and advisory work, so a contractor needing straightforward accounts may prefer a smaller practice.
6. Mitchell Charlesworth
Contractor & Regional FirmMitchell Charlesworth suits owner managed businesses and contractors who want accounts, tax and payroll from a regional firm. Its Manchester office is on the third floor of 44 Peter Street, M2 5GP, between St Peter's Square and Spinningfields.
Services include accounting, audit, payroll, tax, VAT, trusts and estates, wealth management and Xero cloud accounting. Warr & Co, a practice that has specialised in contractor accounting since 1994, merged with the firm in October 2025.
Worth knowing: the merger is recent, so ask which team would handle contractor work.
7. Clearcut Accounting
Contractors & MedicalClearcut Accounting suits contractors, small companies and healthcare professionals that want a Manchester practice with contractor services. It is at Parkway 5, 300 Princess Road, M14 7HR, and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.
Services include accounting and compliance, tax planning, payroll, umbrella services, R&D tax relief and IR35 advice, plus medical accountancy for GPs, dentists and pharmacies.
Worth knowing: the office is south of the city centre, so check your travel before visiting.
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 Manchester address, and support for Manchester 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 Manchester, 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 Manchester
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. Large firms suit complex needs, while a smaller practice may suit a contractor or sole trader better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
When comparing accounting firms in Manchester, the right choice depends on your size, your sector and whether you need business, contractor or personal tax support. Forvis Mazars, Azets and UHY Williamson Croft suit larger needs, while Mitchell Charlesworth and Clearcut Accounting work with contractors. Larger firms also feature in our top 10 accounting firms in the UK comparison.
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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