Accounting, Tax & Payroll Services | Hunts Accountants, Dorset

Established in Sherborne in 1994 – and still here 32 years later – we hold the hand of business owners in Dorset and beyond. With us in your corner, you can enjoy the freedom of ‘doing you’ whilst leaving the number crunching to us. Thanks to our decades of accounting expertise, our team is a step beyond traditional accountancy, and we pride ourselves on delivering a service that saves you time, money, and effort.

Using the latest cloud technology, we give our clients a real-time snapshot of their finances, meaning you can decide and act upon our expert advice with confidence. We listen to you, understand that your business – big or small – is your baby and give honest advice. We are part of your team.

Our services – enjoy your freedom

As one of our clients, you will have someone in your corner who will save you both time and money whilst always looking to the future. We take care of our clients, making time to know you and your business inside out – no matter how big or small. Your finances are in safe hands, and you are more than just a number to us.

Accounts preparation

Our financial reporting is beyond standard. Access real-time accounts with our flexible and responsive service.

Business tax

From start-ups to clients turning over more than £10m, we give thorough, honest advice regarding your business.

Taking a holistic approach to tax planning, we seek creative solutions to efficiently navigate the UK’s tax system – one of the most complex in the world. We are proactive in easing the pressure of acquiring and selling a business, maximising all available tax allowances and reliefs.

Fee protection

Tax investigations are on the increase, with many individuals and companies alike facing more scrutiny than ever.

It can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly for the party involved. We want to protect you where possible, which is why we offer a Fee Protection Insurance service, covering professional fees associated with a tax investigation. The cost for this protection varies depending on your company status, so contact us for a bespoke quote.

VAT

VAT can seem like a burden, despite the Government’s efforts to lessen this challenge for businesses.

It’s still a time-consuming task. We work closely with you to prepare and submit your VAT return on time and also offer book-keeping services. We help you choose the right VAT scheme, meaning you could make potentially significant savings on your HMRC payment, all while reducing the risk of errors made on your submission, saving time and money if subjected to a HMRC visit.

Payroll

Whatever your business type, efficient payroll systems are crucial and we help you simplify this laborious process.

We like to make things simple, and with the platform we use it means from the moment your payroll run is finalised, the necessary entries in Xero and Quickbooks are made automatically, saving you time and ensuring your accounts are accurate and available quickly.

We offer a full and flexible service, tailored to you, to improve the performance of your business:

Weekly/monthly/annual payroll
PAYE registration
Advice on PAYE/CIS/National Insurance liabilities and due dates
Administration of statutory payments
Completion of statutory forms, including yearend returns to issue to your employees and submit to HMRC
Administration of starters and leavers
Advice on taxable employee benefits (e.g. Company cars, employee loans)
Administration of incentive schemes and bonuses
Administration of pension schemes
P11D advice and completion

Company formations

Using a software-based system, we are able to offer same-day company formations.

Thanks to our direct link to Companies House, this means that maintaining and amending your statutory records and filing confirmation statements can be done on a same-day basis.

Company secretarial

We use a software-based system for this which maintains the electronic file facility with Companies House.

This means that maintaining and making amendments to your statutory records and filing confirmation statements can be made on a same day basis.

Personal tax

Navigate HMRC’s new system of penalties with confidence by having our accountants on hand.

We’ll help you complete your annual self-assessment tax return, giving you peace of mind and saving you time. We also maximise your allowances and reliefs, mitigating inheritance tax liabilities and advise on capital gains issues.

Cloud accounting

With the right accounting software, you can simplify the administrative processes of your finances.

Our Cloud Accounting software partners makes working together easy – you choose which areas you handle, while we work on the rest. With both parties having access to the full financial picture in real-time, it’s easier to make decisions and plan for the future. We use Quickbooks, Xero and Sage and will give you all the practical advice and support you need.

End of Year accounts done and corporation tax for intaconsult Limited and Intalet Limited worked out. Thanks to @Hunts_Sherborne for looked after me for over 16 years, and I have no problem recommending them @Hunts_Sherborne

John Griffin / Google Reviews

First class service. Nick and his team are truly passionate about what they do. Nothing is ever too much trouble.

James Ottewill / Google Reviews

Meet the team

Founder Nick Hunt established Hunts Accountants 32 years ago, building a talented and personable team of accountants. Completing a YTS apprenticeship when he was 16, Nick’s passion for offering others the same level of professional development has inspired the company’s award-winning and comprehensive apprenticeship and training scheme – giving locals the same opportunity to thrive.

NICK HUNT
managing Director

F.M.A.A.T

Accounting from the tender age of 16, before establishing Hunts Accountants in 1994, Nick has provided insight, strategy, and accounting support to over 1,500 clients and is a keen surfer in between.

Luke Vivash
Accountant

A.C.C.A, F.M.A.A.T

Luke joined us as an apprentice, completing his AAT and ACCA exams and is involved in all areas of accountancy, managing a wide client portfolio. Outside of Hunts, he’s a keen runner, which helps with two young children!

Tom Pike
Accountant

A.C.C.A BA Hons

After University Tom completed his ACCA exams with Hunts and is involved in all areas of accountancy, managing a wide client portfolio. Outside of work, he enjoys keeping active.

Claudia unwin
administrator

CISI

Claudia joined Hunts in 2021, having gained the CISI Investment Operations Certificate and becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments. She loves cooking and countryside walks.

Maria Sobczyk
Accountant

A.A.T

Since the age of 17, Maria’s working life has been in accountancy – from gaining her AAT and freelancing to becoming full time at Hunts. Off duty, she’s never happier than with her children, travelling or in the garden.

HAILEY PITMAN
Trainee Accountant

A.A.T LEVEL 4

Hailey manages clients’ software on a weekly and monthly basis, consisting of coding transactions, matching, and creating invoices. When not at work, she’s a Dorset foodie who loves netball.

Natasha Wiltshire
Accountant

MAAT

Starting as an apprentice in 2007, Natasha is our longest-serving team member. She continues to grow in her role, while sharing valuable experiences. When not in the gym, she spends her time looking after her two children.

Emma Budden
Practice manager

A.A.T

Emma joined as an apprentice, gaining her AAT, before becoming Practice Manager. As one of our longest-serving team members she’s been a key part of our growth. Originally from Zimbabwe, she enjoys travelling in her free time.

Leanne Sellings
Accountant

A.A.T

Leanne joined Hunts with 2/3 years management accounting experience, and has since gained her AAT with us. When not at work she loves long walks with her beagle, keeping fit with Zumba and any live music that she can listen to!

Nel Chapman
Accountant

Nel joined Hunts in 2024 with four years of experience in payroll, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. Always eager to expand her skills, she embraces every opportunity to learn and grow. Outside of work, Nel enjoys quality time with her family and pets.

Cameron Butler
Trainee Accountant

A.A.T LEVEL 2

Cameron began pursuing accountancy immediately after GCSEs at age 16. He is currently undergoing Level 3 A.A.T on Apprenticeship with us. Outside of work he is a big adrenaline junkie, particularly enjoying motocross. Has also trained in martial arts for 5+ years.

Deanne Charles
Client Bookkeeping support

A.A.T LEVEL 3

Deanne brings over 20 years of experience in hospitality and customer service. She decided to pursue a new path and began her training with the AAT and now manages our clients bookkeeping and VAT returns. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and socialising with friends.

Fig
Office DOG

Fig belongs to Tom Pike. When she’s not keeping everyone company in the office, she’s happiest out on a long walk. A friendly face and expert at boosting morale, Fig takes her role as office dog very seriously