Guide · Adviser types
Financial adviser vs accountant: who do you need?
An accountant and a financial adviser can both discuss money, but they normally solve different parts of the problem.
What does a financial adviser do?
A regulated financial adviser can make personalised recommendations in areas covered by their permissions, such as investments, pensions or protection. Financial planning may also cover retirement, cashflow and wider personal goals.
What does an accountant do?
Accountants commonly handle accounts, tax compliance, business reporting and tax advice within their professional scope. The exact service depends on the accountant and firm.
When might you need both?
Business ownerCompany accounts and tax can interact with personal pensions and investments.
Business saleTransaction and tax work may need to coordinate with planning for the sale proceeds.
Complex remunerationCompany and personal decisions can overlap.
Inheritance or estateTax, legal and investment questions may need different professionals.
Do not assume one professional covers the other's regulated work
Ask who is responsible for each part of the advice and check appropriate regulatory or professional credentials. Good advisers and accountants often work collaboratively rather than pretending one role replaces the other.
Sources & further reading