We have collected together the questions that we are most frequently asked by prospective clients. Click any of the questions listed on the right for our response. Or if your question is not listed, then please contact us.

How much should I expect to pay?

We base our quotes on the volume of work required for each of the services you request. However, if you need the services of a full-featured finance department, it's likely that the cost will be comparable to that of hiring a full-time bookkeeper. Contact us today to receive a quote tailored to your needs.

Do I need to take the full service package?

IMA provides a modular service, meaning you can pick the elements of our service that you most need. Taking a full service package will however get you access to all kinds of other benefits such as the quarterly business review meetings, attendance of board meetings and ad-hoc advice on other business matters.

What about help and advice?

We often hear Managing Directors and business owners say that their accountants are not supportive enough and don't really help them. If this sounds like you, then we're exactly what you need. Providing help, advice, support and customer service is core to what we do. We really are your finance team. Imagine you had a finance department, staffed by experienced, motivated and helpful staff. That's us!

Do you come and work at my site?

We're able to deliver excellent service at highly competitive rates because of the way we run our business. We carry out your work at our premises. Each of our staff carries out a specific job role, on behalf of numerous different clients. This cuts travel costs and introduces tremendous efficiency gains. Many of our clients also appreciate the fact that they do not have to find a desk, computer, etc. for an extra person.

That's not to say we don't visit your site to regularly review progress and help with your process. Its just that everyday routine work is not done there.

How do I get information to you?

We can get information from and to you in a number of ways. In addition to receiving hard copies of material by post or courier, we can receive e-mailed files, and our clients can also upload information through an easy-to-use, secure Web portal. We're highly flexible and we'll work with you to devise a process that works best for you.

Do I need an accountant as well?

If you turn over more than £5.6m per annum then there is a statutory requirement to audit, and you will need to hire accountants to do this. If you turnover less than this and wish to use an accountant to prepare your end of year accounts, then that is your choice.

What about tax advice?

IMA are not tax advisors but we do work with a tax partner to whom we can outsource advice. What's more, should you require it we can arrange for you to have an annual tax review.

What is a secure web portal?

In simple terms, a web portal is a place where you, and you alone, can view information that is personal to you. In our case, we provide you with secure access to all your financial information, reports and ledgers. Unlike emails, which can be intercepted and read by anyone on the Internet, our web portal uses security measures similar to those used by Internet banking applications to allow you access while keeping away any prying eyes.

Will my data be safe?

We have used computer security experts to configure our networks and Internet connections and we maintain strict security policies for those machines which hold client data. We run daily backups and keep everything of importance in fireproof cabinets overnight. The physical security of our offices is also well protected.

What other services do IMA offer?

We have a number of trusted partners whose services we recommend for small and growing businesses. See our partners page for links to their web sites.