Small business accountants in Oxford

An independent chartered accountancy firm, helping small businesses with accounting and tax since 2008.

Corporation tax, VAT, payroll and tax planning for limited companies — in Oxford, Oxfordshire and nationally.

Clear advice. Smarter decisions. Better results.

See how we can help
Colourful shopfronts on a street in central Oxford

CHALLENGES

Running a small business is hectic enough...

As a business owner you wear many hats. You're the CEO, sales director, the HR and the legal department, and sometimes the accountant too.

Before working with us, our clients were losing sleep over HMRC deadlines, spending hours trying to understand their tax obligations, wrestling with payroll, and delaying investor funding rounds because they couldn't figure out share releases.

We handle the accounting so you can focus on growth

Your time is valuable – don't waste it on admin. We handle the accounting and tax so you can focus on what drives your business.

Why work with us? We would be a good choice if you:

  • Want a responsive accountant who takes time to understand your goals.
  • Want to work with an independent not a faceless franchise.
  • Value competitive, fair and transparent fees.
  • Want to work with an experienced ICAEW registered, chartered accountant who provides qualified, professional expertise you can trust.

FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS

OUR SERVICE

Complete small business accounting

Our service covers everything your business needs to stay compliant and tax-efficient.

Compliance & tax

  • Corporation tax & annual accounts — prepared accurately and filed on time
  • VAT returns — monthly or quarterly, with advice on the right VAT scheme
  • Payroll setup & PAYE management
  • Cloud accounting setup and support — FreeAgent, Xero, QuickBooks, and others
  • HMRC correspondence — we handle all communications on your behalf

Advisory & support

  • Management accounts — regular reporting so you always know where you stand
  • Business advisory — growth planning, cash flow management, and strategic financial guidance
  • Unlimited phone and email support
Simon Maughan & Co offices on Warnborough Road, Oxford

We are based in Oxford and we work with small businesses across the city, including Jericho, Summertown, Headington, Cowley, and Botley, and throughout Oxfordshire.

But our clients aren't just local. We work with businesses across the UK, from Gloucestershire to London and beyond, with the same personal service wherever you are.

Happy to meet in person or work together remotely — whatever suits you best.

Young entrepreneur planning new limited company formation, representing startup clients supported by Simon Maughan & Co

Starting a new business?

We'll guide you through limited company formation help you choose the most tax-efficient structure, and set up all your accounting systems from day one. Get started on the right foot with professional support.

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Established small business owner analysing financial statements and growth metrics, representing mature businesses served by Simon Maughan & Co accountants

Already running a small business?

We'll review your current setup, identify tax savings opportunities, and ensure you're compliant with all HMRC requirements. Seamless switching process guaranteed.

Contact us

Meet the founder

Simon enjoys helping small business owners understand their finances and grow. He began his career at KPMG and has spent two decades helping businesses of all sizes make sense of their finances, from new limited companies to established businesses. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the most senior designation the institute awards. If you become a client, that experience is what you get, directly.

Simon M. Antonis, founder of Simon Maughan & Co, chartered accountant in Oxford

What our clients say

Simon has been a huge help to our business since its formation in 2017. He is knowledgeable, friendly, and always quick to respond. He comes with the highest recommendations.

Dr Scott Thacker Managing Director at Oxford Infrastructure Analytics Ltd

Simon has been my accountant and financial adviser for a number of years. He is a patient, detail oriented and knowledgeable professional who is always helpful in explaining my financial statements, accounting and forecasts.

James Thirlwall Founder at Tiny Tea House, Oxford

Small business accounting — frequently asked questions

We work with small business owners on two levels. The first is making sure the compliance side is handled properly — annual accounts, corporation tax, VAT returns, payroll — so you're never caught out by a deadline or an HMRC obligation you didn't know about.

The second, and often more valuable, is having someone to call when you're making a decision: whether to take on a member of staff, how to structure a new contract, when to register for VAT, or how to plan around a tax bill. That ongoing advisory relationship is where we think we add the most value.

Accounting fees vary because no two businesses are the same. A limited company with straightforward income and basic compliance needs far less accounting support than one with VAT, payroll, multiple directors and employees, CIS returns, or complex transaction volumes. Rather than a one-size-fits-all price, we look at what you actually need and quote accordingly.

Limited company packages are available from £90+VAT per month, while a typical package is £120+VAT per month. The exact fee depends on whether you're VAT registered, the number of monthly transactions, whether you run a payroll, and whether you need bookkeeping and CIS returns. Pricing is always agreed before any work starts, so you know what you're paying before you commit.

As a comparison, sole traders typically pay £45–£90/month + VAT (depending on transaction volume). If you'd like a quote for your specific situation, book a free discovery call and we'll give you a clear, honest number.

Yes — and it's one of the most valuable points to get right. The structure you start with (sole trader, limited company, LLP) has a direct impact on how much tax you pay, your personal liability, and how easy it is to take on investment or sell the business later. We help you think through the options for your specific situation, handle the Companies House registration, and make sure your accounting and tax obligations are set up correctly from day one — so there are no nasty surprises six months in.

Yes, and it's easier than most people expect. We handle everything — contacting your previous accountant, obtaining your records, and reviewing where things stand. If there are gaps in your compliance or tax efficiencies you've been missing, we'll flag them early. Most clients who switch tell us they wish they'd done it sooner.

We're a small, independent practice based in Oxford, which means when you become a client, you deal directly with Simon. He's a Fellow of the ICAEW, the most senior designation the institute awards, and has spent two decades working with businesses of all sizes — from new start-ups to established companies. His background goes beyond compliance: he's the kind of accountant who'll help you think through a business decision, not just file your returns. You get that experience directly, without paying a large firm's overheads.

Yes. We handle VAT registration, advise on the right VAT scheme for your business — flat rate, cash accounting, standard — and manage your quarterly or monthly returns. VAT is one of those areas where small mistakes can result in penalties or cash flow problems, so having it managed properly from the start is worth it.

Yes — while we're based in Oxford, we work with small businesses across Oxfordshire, in London, and further afield. Most of our client work happens remotely, and cloud accounting makes that straightforward. If you'd prefer to meet in person, our Oxford office is always an option.

Questions? Book a free discovery call.

Meet at our Oxford office or talk remotely — whichever works for you.

Contact us