How to Find an Etsy Accountant in the UK

By Elspeth Cordray, UK Go-To-Market Manager, A2X

Are you an Etsy seller looking for an accountant in the UK?

This guide will help you find an accountant or bookkeeper with expertise in Etsy businesses – someone who understands the platform’s unique financial challenges, from VAT compliance and Marketplace Facilitator rules to Etsy’s fees, lump sum payouts, and profit optimisation, ensuring your business stays financially healthy.

As the UK Go-To-Market Manager at A2X (and a Certified Bookkeeper), I have often worked with Etsy sellers and accountants, helping them bridge the gap between ecommerce and the right financial expertise.

Below, I’ve outlined key factors to consider and common questions sellers ask when choosing professional financial help.

Key takeaways:

• The quickest and easiest way to find an Etsy accountant is by using the A2X Ecommerce Accountant & Bookkeeper Directory. This free tool connects Etsy sellers in the UK with A2X-certified accountants who specialize in ecommerce and understand Etsy’s financial complexities.
• When choosing an Etsy accountant, look for ecommerce expertise, knowledge of UK tax laws, and experience handling Etsy-specific finances. An ideal accountant should be familiar with Etsy’s financial reports, VAT rules, and accounting software integrations like Xero or QuickBooks Online.
• Hiring an accountant early can prevent costly mistakes and help scale your business. Whether it’s managing VAT obligations, optimizing pricing and profit margins, or transitioning to a limited company, a knowledgeable accountant provides strategic financial guidance to support growth.

Watch this video to learn how to easily connect with an Etsy accountant in the UK using our free Ecommerce Accountant & Bookkeeper Directory.

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What should I look for in an Etsy accountant?

Running an Etsy shop in the UK comes with unique financial challenges, such as handling lump sum payments from Etsy, dealing with Marketplace Facilitator VAT rules, and managing fluctuating cash flow.

When choosing an accountant for your Etsy business, look for:

• Ecommerce expertise – Your accountant should have experience with online selling platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay and understand their unique transaction structures.
• UK tax law knowledge – They must be familiar with HMRC regulations, including VAT, self-assessment, Making Tax Digital (MTD), and small business tax reliefs.
• Understanding of Etsy-specific finances – Etsy combines sales, fees, refunds, and VAT into bulk deposits, making reconciliation tricky. Your accountant should know how to work with Etsy’s financial reports.
• Experience with Etsy reports & integrations – They should be comfortable using Etsy’s CSV reports and know where to find specific transaction information,
• Accounting software and integration proficiency – They should have expertise in Xero or QuickBooks Online, and tools that integrate Etsy with accounting software, such as A2X.
• Clear and proactive communication – Your accountant should be able to explain financial matters in simple terms and provide strategic advice to help grow your business.

When should I hire an accountant for my Etsy business?

It’s best to hire an accountant early to set up your finances correctly and avoid costly mistakes.

However, if budget is a concern, consider hiring one when:

• You’re approaching or exceeding the UK VAT threshold (£90,000). Etsy automatically applies Marketplace Facilitator VAT for some transactions, but you may still need to register for VAT and handle other tax obligations.
• Bookkeeping is taking too much time. If managing finances is stopping you from focusing on sales and product creation, it’s time to outsource.
• You’re expanding to international markets. Selling outside the UK can bring additional tax implications, including EU VAT rules and import/export considerations.
• You need help with profit margins and pricing. An accountant can help you optimise costs and set the right prices to maximise profitability.
• Cash flow is becoming difficult to manage. With Etsy’s payment schedules and possible refund delays, a professional can help you smooth out financial fluctuations.
• You want to transition to a limited company. If your business is growing, you may want to switch from sole trader status to a limited company for VAT efficiency.

Do I need an accountant if I already use accounting software?

Yes! While accounting software automates bookkeeping tasks (e.g., automatically generating financial reports), it doesn’t replace professional expertise.

An accountant can:

• Ensure VAT compliance – Even if Etsy handles some VAT, you still need to report correctly to HMRC.
• Optimise tax efficiency – They can help you legally reduce tax/VAT liabilities through deductions, allowances, and structuring your business correctly.
• Handle complex financial situations – Including multi-currency transactions, business structure changes, or additional income streams.
• Provide financial insights – An accountant helps turn raw numbers into actionable business decisions to improve profitability.

Software is a great tool, but pairing it with an accountant ensures accuracy and compliance.

Can my accountant help me scale my Etsy business?

Absolutely! A good accountant isn’t just about VAT compliance – they can actively help you grow.

They can:

• Analyse profit margins – Helping you understand the true cost of production and improve pricing strategies.
• Manage cash flow – Ensuring you have enough working capital to reinvest in stock, advertising, and growth initiatives.
• Advise on VAT and business structure – Determining when it’s beneficial to register for VAT or switch to a limited company.
• Assist with forecasting and budgeting – Helping you plan for stock purchases, seasonal trends, and business expansion.
• Provide insights on scaling strategies – Such as diversifying your product range, selling internationally, or introducing subscription models.

If you want to turn your Etsy shop from a side hustle into a full-time business, an accountant is a valuable partner in that journey.

How much does an Etsy accountant cost?

The cost varies depending on the services required – for example, you might need a combination of the following services:

• Ongoing bookkeeping & tax advice
• VAT registration & filing
• Full-service accounting for limited companies

When evaluating pricing, look for:

• Fixed pricing vs. hourly rates – Fixed fees provide clarity, while hourly rates may lead to unpredictable costs.
• Ecommerce-specific packages – Some accountants offer tailored plans for online sellers.
• Transparency – Ensure there are no hidden fees for extra services like VAT returns or financial reports.

What questions should I ask before hiring an Etsy accountant?

Most accounting/bookkeeping practices will offer a free consultation before you hire them.

Before committing, ask:

• Do you have experience with Etsy and ecommerce businesses?
• How do you handle Etsy’s Marketplace Facilitator Tax?
• What accounting software do you recommend, and can you integrate it with Etsy?
• How do you charge for your services (fixed fee or hourly)?
• Can you help with financial planning and business growth?
• Will you provide ongoing support or just year-end accounts?
• Do you assist with HMRC audits or tax inquiries?

The right accountant should not only handle compliance but also help you improve profitability and efficiency.

Where can I find recommendations for an Etsy accountant in the UK?

The A2X Ecommerce Accountant & Bookkeeper Directory is a free tool that helps you connect with recommended accountants and bookkeepers who work with Etsy sellers in the UK.

All listed firms are A2X-certified and have extensive, proven experience working with ecommerce sellers.

How to use the A2X Accountant Directory

There are two ways you can use the A2X Ecommerce Accountant Directory to find an accountant for your Etsy store: filter and browse, or get matched by the A2X team.

Use filters

Go to the A2X Ecommerce Accountant Directory and scroll down to the filter section:

Select relevant filters (e.g., Country/Territory → United Kingdom; Sales Channel → Etsy) and browse the recommended practices.

You can contact any firm by visiting their profile and clicking the orange ‘Contact’ button. Expect a response within 48 hours.

Get matched

A2X provides a service where we’ll match you with an accountant/bookkeeper from our directory that best fits your needs.

To get matched, visit the Ecommerce Accountant Directory and click the ‘Get matched’ button.

You’ll be prompted to fill out a form. Once submitted, our team will match you with an accountant or bookkeeper who we believe will be a great fit for you.

Here’s what happens next:

• The selected accountant/bookkeeper will reach out to you within 48 hours.
• The A2X team will also check in to make sure you’re happy with your match.

Take your Etsy business to the next level

A knowledgeable Etsy accountant can simplify your finances, ensure VAT compliance, and provide a solid financial foundation for growth. By working with a specialist who understands ecommerce, marketplace fees, and the best accounting tools, you’ll save time, reduce tax burdens, and gain the confidence to scale your business efficiently.

Need help finding an accountant? Use the A2X Ecommerce Accountant & Bookkeeper Directory today!