If you've ever found yourself wondering whether you need an accountant, a bookkeeper, or a financial advisor, you're not alone. 

At Curve Accountancy, we've had countless conversations with Crawley-based business owners and individuals who aren't quite sure who to turn to for their financial needs.

So let’s break it all down (in plain English) and help you understand what each of these roles actually does, how they’re different, and when (and why) you might need them.

What’s the Difference Between an Accountant, a Bookkeeper, and a Financial Advisor?

At a glance, all three professionals work with money. But they do very different things. Here’s the quick overview:

• Bookkeepers: Handle the day-to-day financial records — tracking income, expenses, receipts, invoices, payroll, and so on.
• Accountants: Interpret financial data, offer strategic advice, and ensure compliance with tax and reporting requirements. Often stepping in at year-end, or providing monthly/quarterly support.
• Financial Advisors: Help individuals and businesses make plans for the future, especially when it comes to investing, retirement, pensions, and wealth management.

Let's Break it Down Further

What Does a Bookkeeper Do?

Think of your bookkeeper as the person who keeps your financial house tidy on a daily or weekly basis. Their main job is to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records.

Typical tasks include:

• Recording daily transactions
• Managing accounts receivable and payable
• Handling payroll
• Reconciling bank accounts
• Generating basic financial reports

Bookkeepers don’t usually give financial advice or deal with tax planning, that’s where an accountant comes in.

When do you need a bookkeeper?

• When you’re spending hours in spreadsheets instead of running your business
• When your receipts are piling up and things are getting missed
• When you need help staying organised day-to-day

Typical Fees: Bookkeeping services can vary widely based on the size and complexity of your business. You might expect:

• Hourly rates: £20–£40 per hour
• Monthly packages for small businesses: £100–£500/month depending on volume and services

At Curve, many of our clients in Crawley and across West Sussex use us for both bookkeeping and accounting, so everything stays under one roof.

What Does an Accountant Do?

Accountants step in to give you the bigger picture. They take the financial data (often provided by a bookkeeper) and use it to make strategic decisions, keep you compliant, and help your business grow.

Typical tasks include:

• Preparing annual accounts
• Filing tax returns (self-assessment, VAT, corporation tax)
• Providing financial forecasting and analysis
• Business advisory and planning
• Helping you save money legally and efficiently

When do you need an accountant?

• When tax season rolls around and you want to avoid penalties
• When your business is growing and you need strategic advice
• When you want to plan for the future, exit, or succession

Typical Fees: Accountant fees depend on the level of service:

• Self-assessment returns: £150–£400
• Limited company year-end accounts: £750–£2,000+
• Ongoing monthly support (advisory, VAT, payroll): £150–£800+/month depending on scope

What Does a Financial Advisor Do?

Financial advisors are all about the long-term plan. While accountants and bookkeepers focus more on the here and now of your business, financial advisors help individuals (and sometimes businesses) make decisions about wealth building, retirement, and investments.

Typical tasks include:

• Creating investment strategies
• Retirement and pension planning
• Life insurance and estate planning
• Tax-efficient investing (in collaboration with accountants)

When do you need a financial advisor?

• When you’re thinking about long-term wealth
• When you want to retire and need a plan
• When you’ve received a lump sum (e.g. inheritance, business sale)

Typical Fees: Financial advisors charge differently from accountants:

• Fixed fees for advice: £500–£2,500 for a financial plan
• Percentage of assets under management (AUM): 0.5%–1% annually
• Hourly rates: £150–£300 per hour

While Curve doesn't offer financial advising services in-house, we work alongside trusted Crawley-based advisors when clients need that extra layer of support.

Who Should You Call First?

It depends on your situation. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Situation: You’re launching a business in Crawley

Who You Need: Accountant & Bookkeeper

Situation: You’re behind on invoicing and receipts

Who You Need: Bookkeeper

Situation: You’re facing a tax bill and don’t know why

Who You Need: Accountant

Situation: You’ve sold your business and want to invest the money

Who You Need: Financial Advisor (with accountant support)

Situation: You want to make sure your business finances are future-proof

Who You Need: Accountant

Can One Person Do It All?

Short answer: Not really, and if someone says they can, be cautious. 

These roles require different qualifications and regulatory bodies:

• Bookkeepers may be certified by IAB, AAT, or ICB
• Accountants are often ACCA, ACA, or CIMA qualified
• Financial Advisors are regulated by the FCA and must follow specific protocols for advising on investments and pensions

That’s why at Curve, we focus on what we’re best at: accounting, bookkeeping, and advisory.

Why Local Matters: The Value of a Crawley-Based Accountant

When you’re working with someone on your finances, local expertise makes a difference.

We know the ins and outs of West Sussex regulations, grants, and business support schemes. We understand the challenges local tradespeople, consultants, and growing SMEs face.

A local accountant isn’t just someone who files your taxes — they’re a partner in your success.

So whether you need help untangling your books, preparing for year-end, or mapping out your business future, Curve Accountancy is here for you.

Final Thoughts: Think Team, Not Titles

Rather than thinking "Do I need an accountant or a bookkeeper or a financial advisor?" Think about building a team of trusted professionals who can support you at every stage.

And if you're not sure where to start, start with us. We're always happy to have a no-obligation chat to see if we're the right fit.