The 5 best accountants in Edinburgh who can make your finances simple
When tax season rolled around last year, I found myself staring at a pile of receipts and spreadsheets. I wondered how on earth I could balance it all alongside work and family life. I know that doing it alone was more stressful than it was worth.
That’s when I realised the value of having a good accountant. They can take the weight off and make sense of the numbers.
After that, my team helped me look for the best accountants in Edinburgh. Of course, it’s better to share our findings than keep them for ourselves. So if you’re also looking for one, keep reading.
How much do accountants in Edinburgh charge for their services?
Accountants in Edinburgh typically charge about £200 for a self-assessment tax return, with prices ranging from £100 to £350. Small business packages start around £40–£100 per month, while limited companies often pay £300–£400 monthly.
1. Cowan & Partners Limited
Address: 60 Constitution St, Leith
Phone: +44 131 554 0724
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 1 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
We loved how Cowan & Partners Limited prioritise building lasting relationships with their clients. We’ve seen a lot of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and individuals working with them throughout the years.
From the feedback we heard, one consistent theme is how approachable and communicative they are.
Everything was explained in plain terms. For example, one client said they were dealing with tax affairs, and the Cowan team not only sorted everything out but kept them updated every step of the way.
On the practical side, their flexible fees and payment plans are a big advantage. If you’re a small business trying to manage cash flow, that predictability is helpful.
They also throw in free initial consultations and tax reviews. To us, that shows they want to make it easy for new clients to get started without feeling pressured.
That said, they seem to be more for smaller-scale businesses than the bigger companies.
They saved me a great deal of time and worry
“Cowan & Partners has provided my company with exceptional payroll, accounts, and problem-solving for tax questions, which has saved me a great deal of time and worry. The staff are helpful, professional, and great communicators. Cowan & Partners are a credit to the long-standing reputation of Scottish accountants.”
– Martin Purbrick, Google review
They make complex accounting tasks straightforward and stress-free
“Cowan & Partners have been fantastic accountants, both for my personal finances and our company. Their expertise and attention to detail have consistently provided peace of mind, making complex accounting tasks straightforward and stress-free. The team is always responsive, approachable, and proactive in giving excellent advice tailored to our needs. Highly recommended to anyone looking for reliable and professional services!”
– Cillian Brewitt, Google review
2. Zen Consultants Ltd
Address: 85 Glasgow Rd
Phone: +44 131 467 7859
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Friday: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Based on Zen Consultants Ltd’s reputation, we’ve heard a lot of feedback saying how friendly they are, and so we decided to dig further.
They seem to have a different approach. Founder Saj Sharif has cultivated a mindful and positive environment that flows through the whole team, and clients rave about it.
One has been with them for nearly six years and remains impressed with how they operate. Another praised the firm for aligning with their high values and spiritual vibe.
For us, this suggests that working with them not only delivers professional service but also a sense of peace of mind.
They’re very upfront about pricing, and it’s already listed on their website. We didn’t see that often in other firms.
Their corporation account starts from £396 + VAT, interim accounts from £180 + VAT, and they even offer complimentary confirmation statements.
However, their small size means that larger businesses might find their services less scalable. SMEs would probably benefit more from them.
Cannot recommend them enough
“I have been a client for 2 years now and cannot recommend them enough. It’s refreshing to work with a team that goes the extra mile to ensure communication is prompt, clear and concise. No more hassle when it comes to filing my tax returns.”
– Callan Headrick, Google review
A well-rounded accountancy business with integrity
“I’ve been using Zen consultants for my holistic therapy business for the past 4 years. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Not only have they delivered a highly efficient service and saved me money, they are friendly and match my high values and spiritual vibe. A well-rounded accountancy business with integrity.”
– Clare Arnold, Google review
3. Bracey’s Accountants Edinburgh
Address: 112 George St
Phone: +44 131 357 5757
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Bracey’s Accountants is more than just a compliance-focused firm. They focus on helping their clients save on taxes, reduce risks, and align accounting with business goals.
One thing we found impressive is that they reach out at least three months before the financial year-end to discuss opportunities for tax savings and planning.
For any business wanting to stay ahead rather than scramble at the last minute, that proactive approach is a big treat.
From what we’ve heard, every client gets a dedicated account manager who knows the ins and outs of their business.
A great example is when a client needed an accountant’s letter to apply for an Amex credit card as an international student. Jack, their account manager, handled everything professionally and confidently. It made the stressful process easy.
However, their pricing can occasionally be inconsistent. One client reported being charged £1,020 for a tax return when they were initially quoted £400.
For those on tight budgets or looking for a purely transactional relationship, this is a big drawback.
Our business practices have definitely improved
“After the retirement of our accountant, we needed to find a replacement. After having a good chat with several options, I just knew that Kirsty McGuckin at Braceys was the perfect fit for us. Her attention to detail and extensive knowledge were just what we needed. She is incredibly approachable, always happy to help when I get my numbers in a pickle! She has been a joy to work with, and as a result, our business practices have definitely improved. Would highly recommend to any small business looking for that additional support.”
– Zoe Emmerson, Google review
Easy to deal with, proactive, and it always feels like they’ve got your back
“Bracey’s are hands down the best accountants I’ve worked with. They’re easy to deal with, genuinely proactive, and it always feels like they’ve got your back. If you want peace of mind and the confidence that everything’s being taken care of properly, I’d highly recommend them.”
– Andy Francos, Google review
4. TaxAssist Accountants
Address: 30 Glasgow Rd
Phone: +44 131 202 9888
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
What immediately stood out to us about TaxAssist Accountants was how much they focus on getting to know their clients.
They take the time to understand both your business and personal financial goals. It means whether you need full hands-on accounting support or just a set of annual accounts, the service is tailored to fit your needs.
Their office itself reflects this. With an open-plan layout, we felt welcome when we visited. Many clients (and we, as well) appreciate this accessibility.
TaxAssist also offers a wide range of services, including tax returns, annual accounts, payroll, and more. Clients said they explain things in simple terms and avoid complicated jargon.
On top of this, they also have fixed monthly pricing. It can be a relief for those who are used to surprise fees at the end of the year.
No firm is perfect, though. Some clients have noted that video or online consultations with them can be slow. We recommend meeting them in person so you can get the fastest results.
I am very pleased with their service
“I’ve been a client of TaxAssist Corstophine for the past 7 years, and I can only praise them for their service. Renee, Rowena, Richard, abs many others who have worked with us are always very helpful and available. They all show great knowledge and have no fear to search and go after new information when needed. I am very pleased with their service.”
– Henrique Santos, Google review
High quality, great value
“Big thank-you to Richard and the team! They are very helpful and responsive to keep us on track with any questions we have. The extra work they have done and continue to do during the pandemic, in terms of daily/weekly updates with information and putting through furlough claims. High quality, great value. Highly recommend.”
– Snowdrop Services, Google review
5. One Accounting
Address: 2 Belford Rd
Phone: +44 131 220 0152
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 9 AM – 2:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
One Accounting can make your life easier since it offers a wide range of services.
They go beyond basic bookkeeping, but also review finances proactively, and often uncover ways to increase profits. They also help set up consistent budgeting systems, KPIs, and business-specific dashboards.
A major strength is their use of cloud-based platforms like Xero and FreeAgent. This allows real-time access to financial information.
Combined with automated routines—invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliations—we think this not only saves time but also reduces human error.
On the collaboration side, we like that multiple users can securely access financial data at the same time.
For growing businesses, this means accountants, advisors, and internal teams can all work together without delays. We looked into it, and they seem to practice serious security protocols, which is reassuring.
However, we don’t think they’re ideal for those who only have simple accounting needs since they offer their services in packages.
We are really impressed with their support and service
“We moved our business accounts from a large firm to One Accounting, and it’s been a great move. Moving our accounts across was seamless, and the training and support getting set up on Xero with David was excellent. We are really impressed with the support and service we receive from Neil and Craig. Wish we had moved sooner.”
– Abigail Ferguson, Google review
Highly recommend their services!
“Neil and the team at One Accounting are such a trusted partner for us – as we are growing our small business, they are really helping us produce the key information we need to help run it. They have helped us set up a consistent budgeting and financial management system, useful KPIs, and throughout are so enjoyable to work with. Highly recommend their services!”
– Sarah Miller, Google review