How to Choose the Right Online Accountant for Your Business
It’s a situation we’ve heard a lot recently:
“I was with Ember for my accounting, but now they’re shutting down. I feel stranded—what do I do next?”
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Many UK freelancers, sole traders, and small business owners trusted Ember to keep their books in order. But with the platform winding down, thousands of people are suddenly left wondering:
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Who’s going to manage my accounts now?
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Will I lose access to my records?
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Do I go back to spreadsheets, or do I need to find a new accountant fast?
The truth is, it’s stressful—but it’s also an opportunity. This could be the perfect time to upgrade your financial support from a faceless app to a real accountant who knows your business inside out.
And that’s where Rothstone Accountants step in.
Why People Loved Ember (and What They’ll Miss)
Ember wasn’t just software. It was simple, automated, and affordable—perfect for start-ups, contractors, and the self-employed. But what many clients are realising is this:
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When a digital-only provider disappears, you’re left with zero personal support.
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There’s no advisor to pick up the phone when HMRC sends a confusing letter.
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Automated systems don’t replace tax planning—they just log numbers.
It worked until it didn’t. And when things change, you need people, not just an app.
What to Look for in Your Next Accountant
If Ember was your first accountant, you may not know what to look for next. Here’s a good way to think about it:
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Will they understand my business model?
A freelance designer has different needs than a construction contractor. A good accountant adapts, not standardises. -
Do they blend tech with human advice?
Software is great (and Rothstone uses the latest tools like Xero and QuickBooks), but when the software stops, the people keep going. -
Can they scale with me?
Maybe you’re a sole trader today, but what about when you hire staff, register for VAT, or go limited? -
Are they proactive?
An accountant shouldn’t just submit tax returns. They should warn you in advance about tax bills, help with cashflow, and spot opportunities.
Why Rothstone Is Different
At Rothstone, we’re accountants and business advisors. That means:
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You still get the convenience of digital bookkeeping tools—linked to your bank, automated, and paperless.
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But you also get a real person to talk to when you’re unsure about a payment, grant, or HMRC letter.
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We don’t just do compliance—we do strategy: tax efficiency, business growth advice, and financial planning.
Here’s what new clients coming from Ember tell us:
“I liked the simplicity of Ember, but I didn’t realise how much I was missing until Rothstone explained my tax options. I’ve saved thousands already.”
Quick Guide: Switching from Ember to Rothstone
👉 Step 1 – Get your data from Ember. Don’t panic—it’s yours. We’ll guide you through exporting everything securely.
👉 Step 2 – Choose your software (Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent—we’ll advise based on your needs).
👉 Step 3 – We’ll reconcile your old data with your new system. Nothing gets lost.
👉 Step 4 – Relax, knowing your next VAT return, tax deadline, or payroll run is in safe hands.
It’s smoother than you think. Most clients are fully onboarded within a week.
A Final Word
The end of Ember might feel like the rug’s been pulled from under your business. But it could actually be the push you needed to get proper financial support—support that grows with you, not just software that crunches numbers.
At Rothstone Accountants, we’re helping dozens of former Ember clients transition without missing a beat. We’ll make sure your books stay clean, your taxes are optimised, and your business feels supported—today, tomorrow, and as you grow.
📞 Ready to move on from Ember? Let’s talk. Visit www.rothstone.uk and see how we can help.
