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When you’re running your own business, every single penny counts. Not only are you keeping your company afloat, but this is your source of income too.
Small business owners, contractors and freelancers will naturally look for ways to reduce costs wherever possible, especially in their early stages. Because of this, if a free piece of accounting software or a low-cost accountancy package comes along, it’s no surprise that many will take a look at what’s on offer and even jump at what appears to be a bargain.
But there’s always a catch.
Free or budget accounting support may look attractive on the surface. However, once you begin using it, the limits become obvious.
Essential features are locked behind paywalls, additional services start to creep in, and before long, the total cost quietly rises far beyond what you expected. Even worse, you still might not have the expert guidance you need to make confident financial decisions.
At Gorilla Accounting, we take a different approach. Our accountancy packages are designed to give you everything you need upfront – including the use of cloud-based software solutions, FreeAgent at no extra cost or Xero at a discounted rate.
There are no hidden extras, no confusing upgrades and no unexpected invoices, just unlimited support, modern accounting tools, and a dedicated accountant for a simple all-inclusive monthly fee.
So why does “free” so often end up costing more? And why does an all-inclusive accounting service often provide far better value in the long run?
Be Aware of the Word ‘Free’
The word “free” has a powerful pull. These offers grab your attention and promise a simple solution at no financial cost. But as many business owners eventually discover, “free” rarely means what it seems.
Most free accounting platforms are designed to do only the basics. They’ll help you raise simple invoices or keep track of income and expenses, but anything beyond that becomes a problem. You might discover that filing VAT returns isn’t included, running payroll requires an add-on, or integrating with your business bank account means paying extra each month.
Suddenly, the platform that costs nothing to download is costing you both time and money just to perform tasks most businesses rely on every day.
More importantly, free software won’t tell you if you’re doing things correctly. It won’t warn you that your tax return contains an error, or that you’re missing an opportunity to optimise your finances. If you need advice, you’ll either be waiting in long queues for generic responses or paying a premium for support that doesn’t really know your business.
You might not be paying for the software, but you are paying for everything around it that you need.
When Cheap Turns Complicated
A similar problem arises with “low-cost” accounting packages. Many firms offer what appear to be great deals at first, but once you look more closely, you’ll find that the initial fee only covers the bare minimum.
Perhaps you’re only getting your year-end accounts produced, while self-assessment is charged separately. Sometimes the accounting software itself isn’t included at all, leaving you to pay for it independently. Before long, the “cheap” package you signed up for has become a bundle of individual charges that adds up to far more than you expected.
It’s not just about cost, either. These limited packages can leave you without the support you need throughout the year. If you have a question, whether it’s about expenses, dividends, or tax planning, you might be waiting days to hear back from a shared inbox, or you may be charged every time you ask for advice. Support becomes reactive instead of proactive, and you’re left managing the admin yourself.
This is where accounting stops being an asset and starts becoming a drain. The responsibility falls back on you, and the time you should be spending on your business disappears into spreadsheets and tax deadlines.
Your time is more expensive than anything else.
The Gorilla Accounting Difference
We believe that accounting shouldn’t be complicated. You shouldn’t have to keep track of add-on fees, or worry about whether a service you assumed was included will actually result in an extra invoice.
Instead of offering narrow, basic packages that constantly require upgrades, Gorilla Accounting provides a single, transparent monthly service designed to do everything a small business, contractor or freelancer needs.
Our package includes the major essentials you would normally expect to see separated elsewhere, including:
- Year-end accounts
- Self-assessment
- Quarterly VAT returns
- Corporation tax filing
- Payroll for one employee
- and unlimited business advice.
You’ll also have your own dedicated accountant who will get to know your business and be available throughout the year whenever you need support. We don’t have call centres, shared inboxes or delays at Gorilla Accounting.
This is backed up by our Client Service Guarantee. Simply contact us before 3pm on a working day, and we’ll get back to you the same day. It’s simple, straightforward, and ensures you can make decisions and get the advice you need quickly.
On top of this, and perhaps one of the most valuable parts of our service, is what other accountancy firms often charge separately for, and that is your cloud accounting software.
FreeAgent or Xero Included
The right accounting software can make managing your finances dramatically easier. FreeAgent and Xero are both industry-leading platforms that give you a real-time picture of your finances, help you automate repetitive tasks, and make staying on top of bookkeeping far more manageable. For many business owners, these platforms form the backbone of day-to-day financial management.
However, while these platforms can save time and reduce stress, they normally come with a monthly subscription fee. You can end up paying hundreds of pounds a year just to access the software.
Many accounting firms simply pass that cost directly to you but we provide full FreeAgent access inclusive at no extra cost or a Xero license at a discounted rate meaning you get the best software and save money.
For many clients, this alone makes switching to Gorilla worthwhile. Saving you a significant amount each year simply by having the software included can make a noticeable difference, especially for small businesses and freelancers as well as ensuring compliance with Making Tax Digital regulations.
The Real Price of Good Accounting
The price you pay for accounting is only one part of the equation. The real value comes from what the service enables you to do. With Gorilla, you have access to unlimited advice, an expert dedicated accountant and technology that lets you stay organised with minimal effort.
Instead of worrying about whether you’ve filed everything correctly or whether you’re paying too much tax, you can rest easy knowing a dedicated expert is supporting you. You can plan ahead, make informed decisions, and focus your time where it belongs… growing your business.
And because our service is all-inclusive, there’s no concern in asking for help.
Switching to Gorilla Accounting
Changing accountants can feel like a big step, but the process is much easier than most people expect.
Once you join Gorilla Accounting, we’ll take care of the handover for you, by contacting your previous accountant, gathering the necessary information, and ensuring everything is set up correctly.
From there, we can help you choose whether you want FreeAgent or Xero included in your package, and your dedicated accountant will help you become familiar with the software.
You’ll have immediate access to support, and you can get in touch at any time with questions. Before long, the accounting side of your business will feel more manageable, more transparent, and more cost-effective.
The Real Cost of ‘Cheap’
Free or budget accounting solutions aren’t necessarily the cost-saving tools they appear to be. The hidden fees, limited software access, and lack of dedicated support can lead to unnecessary stress, wasted time, and ultimately higher costs over the life of your business.
Gorilla Accounting offers a clear, all-inclusive monthly fee that covers everything you need, including expert support, tax filing, and industry-leading accounting software. It’s a smarter, more transparent way to manage your finances, and one that allows you to concentrate on what you do best.
If you’re ready to take the hassle out of accounting and make a genuine saving each year, switching to Gorilla Accounting could be the most valuable business decision you make.
