Accounting for Creatives

From designers to digital agencies, our accounting for creatives services help freelancers and agencies manage tax and bookkeeping efficiently.

At Palmers, we understand the unique challenges of running a creative business and offer accounting solutions designed specifically for the creative sector.

Free up your time

so you can focus on creating

Stress-free finances

Easier tax planning, bookkeeping
and growth strategy

From compliance to growth

Solid financial support with actionable financial insights

Common Pain Points for Creatives

Running a creative business often means juggling client work with admin — and financial management can be a major headache.

We understand your the creative field and are experts at optimising your accounting and finances.

Problems we solve for creative professionals

I’m drowning in spreadsheets—I just don’t get the numbers.

We turn overwhelming data into clear dashboards, trend charts, and visual insights designed for creative thinkers. You’ll finally see which services, clients, or projects are making you money—and where to focus your energy.

Cash flow is a nightmare—I never know if I can afford to grow.

Our VFD suite delivers cash flow forecasting and margin management. You’ll spot risks early, control costs, and grow with confidence—no more cash flow panic.

I feel like I’m guessing every time I make a big decision.”

We provide scenario planning and forecasting that shows you the real impact of key decisions before you make them. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to informed, strategic growth.

Some clients are draining us—we’re busy but not profitable

We track client and project-level profitability so you know where to raise prices, renegotiate, or walk away. You’ll focus your time on the work that truly moves your business forward.

KPIs don’t mean much to me—they’re too generic.

Our tailored KPIs give you a real-world view of what matters: billable hours, client retention, project overruns, revenue per client, and more. The numbers finally tell a story that makes sense.

I can’t afford a full-time Finance Director, but I need the guidance.

Our Virtual Finance Director service delivers FD-level expertise at a fraction of the cost. We don’t just deliver numbers—we interpret them, create action plans, and give you a clear roadmap to growth.

Creative Professionals we support

Our services free up your time so you can focus on what you do best — creating. Whether it’s tax planning, bookkeeping, or growth strategy, we’re here to make your finances stress-free and transparent.

Problems we solve

Graphic designers & illustrators

manage irregular income and freelance projects efficiently
Web developers & UX designers

optimise project-based billing and VAT compliance
Marketing, PR & advertising agencies

scale operations with streamlined financial processes
Photographers & videographers

track equipment, travel expenses, and overseas clients
Content creators, influencers, bloggers & podcasters

simplify tax and cash flow for multiple revenue streams
Copywriters & branding consultants

focus on creative work while we manage the numbers

Why Choose Palmers?

We are specialists who understand accounting for creatives
and how to help your business grow

We are specialists who understand accounting for creatives and how to help your business grow.

The Palmers Virtual Finance Director (VFD) reporting suite is designed to give creative businesses the same kind of financial insight and structure that larger companies get from having a full-time Finance Director but at a fraction of the cost.

Benefit from:
KPIs Tailored for Creatives
Strategic Growth Insights
Decision-Making Support Without a Full-Time FD

& much more!

I have worked with a couple of different accountants since setting up my business, both were excellent at what they do but neither provided the insightful information on my business that Palmers have. I can see at a glance the revenue drivers, profitability, average order value, customer retention rate and net worth of the company, plus plenty of other useful detail. These are all vital to help me grow my business.

Palmers have been my accountants since I first started my business; they have helped me find my feet and been a huge support. The team are able to explain even the most complex accounting concepts in plain English and always offer no-nonsense, pragmatic advice on broader areas than purely accountancy.

I love working with Palmers Accounting, they treat my business like it’s their business.

Palmers has provided me with invaluable advice and support as my business has grown and evolved. I’ve worked with them since setting up my business and the team is fantastic. They've looked after all my day-to-day accountancy needs whilst also providing insightful reporting; helping me to manage my business effectively. I’d highly recommend working with them.

When we decided to start a new business venture and buy the freehold to our local pub, the advice and guidance Adam and the team at Palmers provided was invaluable. From advising on the right company structure and setting up our operation and securing a significant VAT refund, Adam has been instrumental in ensuring we have the thriving business we always dreamed of.

Comprehensive and Specialist Accounting Services for Creative Professionals

Palmers provides accounting for creatives including VAT support, growth planning and Virtual Finance Director for Creatives

Bookkeeping for Creative Professionals

Streamlined, cloud-based accounting using Xero or QuickBooks.

Self-assessment & Tax Returns

Stress-free, accurate, and on time.

VAT Support

Especially useful for agencies offering mixed services.

Company Accounts & Compliance

From limited company setup to annual filings and directors’ responsibilities.

Cash Flow Forecasting & Growth Planning

Plan for project peaks, manage late payments, and develop growth strategies.

VFD for Creatives

Financial insight, structure & direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here some quick answers to accounting matters related to the creative industry.

How does accounting for creatives differ from standard bookkeeping?

Creative professionals often have irregular income, project-based billing, and complex expense patterns. Specialist accountants for creatives understand these unique challenges, ensuring taxes are correct, VAT is handled properly, and financial planning supports business growth.

How can Palmers help freelance designers and agencies with VAT?

Palmers provides tailored VAT support for creative businesses, including mixed services like digital and physical products. We ensure correct VAT registration, accurate quarterly filings, and guidance on reclaiming allowable expenses, keeping your agency fully compliant.

Can Palmers assist with cash flow and business growth for creatives?

Yes — Palmers offers cash flow forecasting, project-based budgeting, and growth planning for creative professionals. By monitoring income, expenses, and upcoming tax liabilities, we help freelancers and agencies make informed decisions and scale profitably.

What is a Virtual Finance Director for Creatives?

Clear, Visual Financial Reporting

Creative businesses often thrive on ideas but can struggle with traditional spreadsheets and dense financial data. Our VFD reporting suite provides visual dashboards, trend charts, and easy-to-digest reports that translate numbers into meaningful insights. This helps creative founders quickly see which services, clients, or projects are most profitable.

Cash Flow & Margin Management

Many creative firms—design agencies, marketing consultancies, video production houses—experience lumpy income and unpredictable expenses. Our VFD suite models cash flow forecasts, highlights margin pressure, and helps identify where to tighten cost control without stifling creativity. That means businesses can grow with confidence, knowing they won’t hit a cash crunch during expansion.

Strategic Growth Insights

Our reporting doesn’t just show historical performance, critically we can help you build forward-looking forecasts and scenario plans. For example:

What happens if you hire two new designers?
How much extra revenue is needed to sustain new studio space?
What impact will a client loss have on profitability?

These insights help creative owners make informed, low-risk growth decisions rather than guessing.

Client & Project Profitability

In creative industries, not all clients or projects are equally profitable. The VFD suite highlights:

Which clients deliver the best margins.
Which projects consistently run over budget.
Where to adjust pricing or scope.

This allows firms to prioritise high-value work and say no to projects that drain time without profit.

KPIs Tailored for Creatives

Instead of generic accounting ratios, the VFD suite tracks KPIs relevant to creative businesses, such as:

Billable hours vs. non-billable.
Average revenue per client.
Project overruns.
Client retention rates.

This keeps teams focused on the operational levers that directly drive sustainable growth.

Decision-Making Support Without a Full-Time FD

Hiring a Finance Director can be too costly for small creative businesses but working with Palmers offers FD-level insight at a fraction of the price, giving owners both confidence and accountability. Palmers’ advisory support ensures that the numbers aren’t just delivered, they’re explained, interpreted, and turned into action plans for growth.

In short, we help creative businesses grow by giving them clarity, control, and confidence, transforming financial data into strategy, enabling creative founders to focus on what they do best—delivering standout work—while making smarter business decisions.

Now is the time to become proactive in your business. Get in touch today