Accounting Firms in Southampton: 6 Options for Businesses and Individuals
Choosing between accounting firms in Southampton mostly comes down to what you need done and how big your business is. Some firms focus on audit and corporate finance, while others look after owner managed companies or handle outsourced bookkeeping and payroll.
This guide covers six firms. Five have a physical office in Southampton, and the sixth is Henleaze Tax Consultancy, a Bristol firm that supports clients remotely. We have not ranked them, because the best fit depends on who you are and what you need.
In This Guide
How We Chose These Accounting Firms in Southampton
We chose firms with a verified office address, a clear list of services and recognised professional credentials, rather than ranking by online reviews. Each address was checked against the firm's own page, the ICAEW register or Companies House.
None of the five Southampton firms publishes its fees, so ask each one for a written quote before you decide.
Tip before enquiring: Request a written, itemised scope of work so you can compare whether routine telephone queries, year-end adjustments, or software licenses are included in the price or billed extra.
Quick Comparison Table
The table shows where each firm is based and who it suits best.
| Firm | Office | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| PKF Francis Clark | Southampton Science Park | Larger companies needing audit or corporate finance |
| Carpenter Box | Grosvenor Square | Businesses and individuals wanting joined up tax advice |
| Moore (South) | Ocean Village | Growing businesses and private clients with complex tax |
| Hayhursts | Ocean Village | Businesses wanting outsourced accounting and payroll |
| Fiander Tovell | The Avenue | Owner managed businesses and directors |
| Henleaze Tax ConsultancyRemote | Bristol, remote service | Contractors, sole traders, landlords and small limited companies |
The 6 Firms in Detail
Here is an in-depth look at each of the six accounting practices, covering their verified office locations, accreditations, core services and key aspects worth knowing.
1. PKF Francis Clark
PKF Francis Clark suits established companies that want audit, tax and corporate finance from one team. The Southampton office is in the South Wing of Kenneth Dibben House, Enterprise Road, Southampton Science Park, SO16 7NS.
It opened in 2022 and is ACCA and ICAEW accredited. Services include accounts, audit, tax, payroll, cloud accounting and debt advisory.
Worth knowing: the office sits beside the M27 on the edge of the city, and the offer leans towards larger businesses.
2. Carpenter Box
Regional GroupCarpenter Box suits businesses and individuals who want accounts and tax advice from one firm. The office is at 15 to 17 Cumberland Place, SO15 2BG, in Cumberland House on Grosvenor Square, around a 15 minute walk from Southampton Central station.
It works with start ups, growing businesses, established companies, individuals and families. Services cover accounts, audit, business tax, payroll, corporate finance and property taxation.
Worth knowing: there is no on site parking, and the firm is part of a wider regional group.
3. Moore (South)
Free First ConsultationMoore (South) suits growing businesses and private clients with more involved tax needs. It is based at The Quay, 30 Channel Way, Ocean Village, SO14 3TG, and offers a free first consultation online or at the office.
Its tax work covers tax returns, VAT, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, trusts and estate planning, retirement planning and family investment companies. The wider firm also provides audit, cloud accounting and payroll.
Worth knowing: it is a larger advisory firm, so a sole trader with simple affairs may not need that range.
4. Hayhursts
Outsourced SpecialistHayhursts suits businesses that want to hand over their finance function, particularly pubs and licensed trades. The office is at Second Floor, Grove House, 6 Meridians Cross, Ocean Way, SO14 3TJ.
Established in 2005, it provides outsourced accounting, payroll, VAT returns, statutory accounts, iXBRL tagging and company secretarial services.
Worth knowing: the website focuses on business clients and does not list personal tax, so individuals may want to look elsewhere.
5. Fiander Tovell
ICAEW RegisteredFiander Tovell suits owner managed businesses and directors who want business and personal planning in one place. The office is at Stag Gates House, 63 to 64 The Avenue, SO17 1XS, and the firm is ICAEW registered.
It describes itself as an independent, director led practice that supports businesses from start up through to exit. Services include personal tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, audit and company secretarial work.
Worth knowing: a small team of directors leads the work, so ask who will handle your account.
6. Henleaze Tax Consultancy
Fixed-Fee SpecialistHenleaze Tax Consultancy suits contractors, sole traders, landlords and small limited companies who want clear advice at a fixed fee. Its office is in Bristol, so it has no Southampton address, and support for Southampton 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 Southampton, one of the five local firms above will suit you better.
Looking for clear advice at a transparent fixed fee?
Speak directly with Henleaze Tax Consultancy about your contractor, landlord or small business accounting.
How to Choose an Accountant in Southampton
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.
What ICAEW, ACCA and AAT Mean
They are professional bodies whose members must meet training and conduct standards, which gives you somewhere to check or complain.
ICAEW
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Rigorous chartered qualification with strict ethical standards, professional indemnity requirements, and disciplinary procedures.
ACCA
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Global professional accounting body recognised for financial management, strategic audit, taxation, and business compliance.
AAT
Association of Accounting Technicians
Respected practical qualification focusing on accurate day-to-day bookkeeping, payroll, VAT and core accounting fundamentals.
Business Accountants or Accountants for Individuals?
Business owners usually need help with year end accounts, VAT, payroll and corporation tax, while individuals mostly need help with Self Assessment, capital gains and planning. Many firms cover both, but their strengths differ.
Limited companies and growing businesses
Suit firms such as PKF Francis Clark, Moore (South) and Hayhursts that provide statutory audit, corporate finance, larger-scale payroll, or complete outsourced finance functions.
Directors and owner managers
Often want a mix of business and personal planning, as offered by Carpenter Box and Fiander Tovell, where business growth and personal wealth protection are handled together.
Sole traders, landlords and contractors
Usually need simpler compliance with predictable fees, where a fixed fee firm such as Henleaze Tax Consultancy fits well with transparent packages and dedicated remote support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
When comparing accounting firms in Southampton, the right choice depends on your size, your sector and whether you need business advice, personal advice or both. Larger names such as PKF Francis Clark and Moore (South) sit alongside independent practices like Hayhursts and Fiander Tovell. 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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