Comparison Guides
Is Novabook or Cooper Parry better for a UK startup?
Cooper Parry has a large presence in the accounting industry, so when searching for an accounting firm, they are among the first names to come to mind. They are a great partner for financial audits, financial due diligence, and other complex insolvency work.
Novabook is focused on UK startups based in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. Their accountants, trained at the likes of PwC, focus on answering all of your accounting questions in minutes, not hours. They have their own in-house technology that streamlines the accounting experience and minimises the admin burden pushed onto founders. Think receipt capture, batch payments and automated payroll all in one place. Novabook’s services are usually a good bit cheaper than established firms, with bookkeeping services for £22/month.
Features | Novabook | Cooper Parry | Winner for startups |
|---|---|---|---|
Software | Custom-built in-house workflows to minimise founders' admin. Free ERP automating HR, Payroll, Invoicing and Document Storage problems. Novabook works with any accounting software (or ledger), from Xero to Sage, QuickBooks to FreeAgent. | Traditional third-party software packages e.g. Karbon, Apron. More complex implementations like NetSuite. | Novabook |
Service approach | Novabook provides a high-touch service from responsive clients across the core workflows of bookkeeping, payroll, confirmation statements, accounts, VAT,corporation tax, EMI valuations, SEIS and EIS Advance Assurance and Compliance Statements, all provided by the best Big 4 accountants in the UK. Focuses on providing a full service, with your Big 4 trained accountant responding to all of your accounting questions in minutes, not days. Your accountant handles everything, giving you a point of contact with full context on what is happening in your business. | A larger accounting firm catering to small business & enterprise customers with services, including Audit, Financial Transformation and other areas. Provides core services such as audit, tax structuring and risk advisory. | Novabook for speed & focus / Cooper Parry for Enterprise customers |
Price point | Book-keeping only services start at £22/month. Typical plans including Annual Accounts, Corporation Tax, Bookkeeping, Payroll and Company Secretarial services cost £129/month. | Fees for bookkeeping, annual accounts and other services can vary. Audit fees usually cost around £15,000 per year depending on the complexity. | Novabook / Cooper Parry for Audit. |
Frequently asked questions
Is Cooper Parry good for startups?
Cooper Parry has a strong reputation for audit, financial due diligence and often works with larger companies. Startups have different requirements, and need an accountant who has experience in their industry and understands the unique challenges your business faces. Novabook’s accountants work with clients who have just incorporated up to those whose companies have valuations of $13bn.
How much does Novabook cost?
A typical Novabook plan starts at £129 a month, and there are no extra fees for calls. Your dedicated chartered accountant will answer all of your accountancy questions.
Does Novabook help with SEIS and EIS?
Yes. Novabook can support companies with both SEIS and EIS advanced assurance applications, as well as the compliance statements and certificates for investors (SEIS3 and EIS3s).
Can Novabook look after a UK subsidiary of a Delaware company?
Yes. Novabook works with UK companies that have a US parent, including Delaware, and offers US accounting support.
Which accounting software does Novabook work with?
Novabook works with any ledger you already use, including Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and FreeAgent. Novabook's in-house platform sits on top of any general ledger to take admin off founders' plates.