The specialist accountancy service
designed for the staffing sector
Why do you need an accountant with staffing sector expertise?
Running a recruitment agency is not like running any other business.
Most generalist accountants don’t understand the nuances of contingent worker engagement, umbrella models, or the evolving compliance landscape. The result? You could end up burdened with extra admin, costly fines, or missed opportunities. Whether you’re a lifestyle recruiter or scaling to sell, you need more than just an accountant, you need a specialist partner.
Our sector-specific service gives you confidence that your accounts, compliance, and contractor payments are always in order. We speak your language.
We know your risks. We help you grow safely and efficiently.
Why is the staffing sector so different?
Recruitment agencies face unique legal and financial obligations when placing contingent workers. These obligations can’t be ignored, and many generalist accountants miss them entirely.
Sector specific compliance requirements:
- Intermediaries reporting: Quarterly reports to HMRC detailing workers not paid via PAYE.
- Key Information Documents (KIDs): Must be issued before placement.
- Funding worker payments: Funding options like invoice finance and early payment structures.
- Contingent worker pay models: Limited Company (PSC), Umbrella PAYE, CIS or Umbrella CIS.
- Legislation Advisory: IR35, Section 44 ITEPA (SDC), VAT and umbrella chain compliance.
What should agencies be aware of?
1. What to file and when
Your annual compliance calendar as a limited company
| Task | Deadline |
|---|---|
| RTI PAYE submissions | On or before each payday |
| PAYE / NIC payment | 22nd of the following month (electronic payment) |
| VAT return filing | 1 month + 7 days after VAT quarter end |
| VAT payment | Same as return (usually 1 month + 7 days after VAT period) |
| Task | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Corporate tax payment | 9 months + 1 day after accounting year-end |
| Corporation tax return (CT600) | 12 months after accounting year-end |
| Statutory accounts to companies house | 9 months after accounting year-end |
| Confirmation statement | Every 12 months, due within 14 days of review date |
| P11D submission | 6th July (following tax year) |
| Class 1A NIC payment | 22nd July (following tax year) |
| Director’s self-assessment | 31st January (following tax year end) |
2. Worker engagement models and legislation
Recruitment agencies often use a mix of Limited Company contractors, Umbrella workers, and CIS subcontractors. Each engagement model carries its own legal obligations, reporting requirements, and tax risks, which most standard accountants are not equipped to handle.
Common engagement types:
| Worker type | Description | Common risks |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Company (PSC) | Contractor invoices through their own LTD company | IR35 risk, off-payroll working rules |
| Umbrella PAYE | Workers are employed by an umbrella company | Supply chain risk, correct KID issue |
| CIS/Umbrella CIS | Used for freelancers/ subcontractors | SDC and section 44 compliance |
How does AgencyBooks help?
We help you navigate key legislation:
-
IR35 (chapter 8 & 10)
status determination & documentation -
Section 44 ITEPA
SDC tests under CIS
-
Intermediaries reporting
quarterly HMRC submission -
Key Information Documents (KID)
required pre-placement -
Offshore intermediary risks
ensuring compliant structures
We provide cashflow, funding & commercial advice to help you grow
Recruitment agencies often pay workers before they get paid by clients, creating cashflow pressure that canstall growth or force costly borrowing. We understand these commercial realities and work alongside you toprotect margins, improve payment cycles, and unlock funding options tailored to staffing businesses.
Managing cashflow in a recruitment agency:
Recruitment agencies face a unique cashflow challenge: weekly payroll obligations for workers, but client payment terms that can stretch 30 to 60 days—or even longer.
Late client payments can put your payroll and HMRC commitments at serious risk. Most generalist accountants don’t factor this into their advice. We do.
Our advice covers:
- Cashflow forecasting linked to contract and timesheet cycles
- Real-time reporting tools to spot risks early
- Guidance on VAT deferrals, PAYE payment plans, seasonal dips
- Advice on funding options for staffing businesses
Compare our plans
Sector-specific service tiers built for your agency’s stage
We offer tailored accountancy packages designed specifically for recruitment businesses, from your first placement to scaling nationwide. All packages include core compliance, but grow to meet your complexity.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure which tier is right, we’ll help you choose based on where you are today and where you want to go.
AgencyBooks Starter
For new agencies placing under 10 workers per week with up to 2 internal staff-
Company registration & PAYE/VAT setup
-
Director selfassessment
-
Statutory accounts & CT600
-
Quarterly VAT returns
-
Dedicated accountant with recruitment knowledge
-
Access to Key Information Document templates
-
Ongoing advice on allowable expenses
-
Annual filing reminders & compliance calendar
AgencyBooks Plus+
For agencies placing 10-100+ workers per week with up to 10 internal staff-
Payroll processing for internal and external staff
-
Intermediaries reporting (quarterly HMRC returns)
-
IR35 assessments + documentation support
-
Section 44 / SDC advisory for CIS
-
CIS registration & monthly returns (if applicable)
-
Real-time cashflow dashboard & advisory
-
Umbrella partner review and compliance risk assessment
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Monthly or quarterly management accounts
-
Strategic tax and dividend planning
-
Group structure and SPV setup advice
-
Support with due diligence or exit planning
Ready to get started with AgencyBooks?
Our friendly team are on hand to provide you with more information about all our services, and answer your questions.
