Specialist Accountants for Pharmacies & Locum Pharmacists

Pharmacist Accountants in London

CruseBurke provides specialist accounting and tax support for pharmacists and pharmacy businesses across London, from locum pharmacists and self-employed prescribers to independent pharmacy owners and pharmacy partnerships. Our Pharmacist Accountants understand how pharmacy income actually arrives — NHS payments, private prescriptions, retail sales, locum fees and partnership drawings — and how that mix affects your bookkeeping, Self Assessment, Corporation Tax and VAT position. We keep the numbers clear, the deadlines handled and the advice practical, so you always know where your business stands. Whether you need annual accounts prepared, payroll for dispensary staff, or straightforward guidance on expenses and record keeping, you get fixed, transparent packages with no hidden fees and a team that talks in plain English rather than jargon.

4.9/5.0

Google Reviews

⭐ What Clients Say About Us

See what doctors, dentists, and care providers say about working with us.

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Jamie Fletcher profile picture
Jamie Fletcher
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It was a pleasure working with Anum on our accounts. The whole process was swift and effortless, and it was one less thing to worry about. I'd highly recommend them.
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Mansur Liman profile picture
Mansur Liman
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Accotax have been our accountants for many years now. We maintained them, because of their professionalism. In the last coiple of years, i have working with Imran, who has been very professional and helpful in guiding us through the whole process explaining and clarifying every aspect of it. Very prompt in responding to questions and patient with us even when we seem to be slow. I really enjoy working with him. Thank you
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Muna Mohamoud profile picture
Muna Mohamoud
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I highly recommend Imran to anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable accountant. He helped me sort out a very complicated backlog of accounts and prepared my overdue tax returns with professionalism and attention to detail. Throughout the process, he was incredibly patient, took the time to answer all of my questions, and explained everything clearly. He guided me through each step and helped rectify issues that had built up over time, making what felt like an overwhelming situation much more manageable. I'm very pleased with the service I've received and truly appreciate his support. If you need help with your accounts or taxes, I would highly recommend Imran.
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Sergey M profile picture
Sergey M
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I had a positive experience with Accotax. The work was completed promptly, my tax return was successfully filed, and I received a refund of overpaid tax. I found the cooperation efficient and helpful. Special thanks to Muhammad Saifullah for his assistance.
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Ebba Qureshi profile picture
Ebba Qureshi
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Fabulous team at ACCOTAX - very efficient and good response time . Honest and professional with their work. I would highly recommend them even if you’re a young start up - or a large business they have it covered .
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Mael Leboucher profile picture
Mael Leboucher
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We worked with a few different accountants before finally settling with Accotax, and we’re really glad we did. Their team is great. Abdul is responsive and easy to reach whenever I have a question, which makes a big difference. They take the time to understand how our business works and what our needs are. They are very knowledgeable, and when they don’t have the answer straight away, they take the time to look into it and get back to us quickly. Anum, who looks after our account on a day-to-day basis, including reconciling invoices and preparing the annual accounts, is amazing. She is professional, efficient, and follows the processes we have put in place together. She's also very quickin getting back to us whenever needed. We’re very happy to work with her and hope to continue doing so for as long as possible. Overall, Accotax has made our accounting experience much smoother and easier. We see them as a long-term partner as our business continues to grow. I would 100% recommend them.
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3rd Hub profile picture
3rd Hub
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Imran provides a very dependable and straightforward accounting service. He is always responsive and professional when managing our accounts. Excellent support.
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Martin Tyrrell profile picture
Martin Tyrrell
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I have really impressed to date with all dealings with Accotax highly enough. From day one, they've made what can often be a complicated and stressful part of running a business feel straightforward and hassle-free. A special mention has to go to Anum, who has been friendly, incredibly responsive, and genuinely cares about providing the best possible service. No question is ever too much trouble, and she consistently goes above and beyond to make sure everything is dealt with efficiently. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for an accountant they can genuinely trust.
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Matthew Lyon profile picture
Matthew Lyon
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Great speedy service and very personable. Anum dealt with my income certificate and did everything quickly and helped me out massively. Very happy with the service provided.
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Pharmacy Clients We Work With

Our Pharmacist Accountants in London work with the full breadth of the pharmacy profession, because no two pharmacists face quite the same accounting picture. We support community pharmacists running busy high-street dispensaries, locum pharmacists moving between contracts and sites, and self-employed pharmacists invoicing for clinical services or consultancy work. We also act for pharmacy owners and independent pharmacies managing stock, staff and supplier costs, as well as pharmacy partnerships where profits are shared and each partner needs their own Self Assessment position handled correctly. Alongside these, we help pharmacy contractors, online and distance-selling pharmacies, pharmacy locums operating through a limited company, and pharmacists building a portfolio of several pharmacies or additional business interests. Whatever your set-up, the focus stays the same: accounting and tax support built around how pharmacy businesses actually earn and spend money, with records kept in order and returns filed on time.

Community Pharmacy Owners

NHS and private income reconciliation, stock valuation, capital allowances on dispensing robots, and profit extraction for owners.

Locum Pharmacists

Self-assessment, IR35 status on agency work, mileage and expense claims, and limited company versus sole trader comparisons.

Independents & Small Multiples

Management accounts per branch, acquisition and goodwill advice, and funding forecasts for buying a second or third pharmacy.

Online Pharmacies & Wholesalers

VAT on zero-rated and standard-rated lines, e-commerce bookkeeping and stock control for distance-selling pharmacies.

Our Accounting Services for Pharmacies

Our Pharmacist Accountants in London provide a complete accounting service designed around pharmacy work. That includes annual accounts preparation for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, together with Corporation Tax computations and returns where you operate through a company. For self-employed and locum pharmacists, we handle Self Assessment, and where you fall under Making Tax Digital we keep digital records updated so nothing is left to the last minute. Bookkeeping sits at the heart of what we do — we help you record NHS and private income, locum fees, retail takings and dispensary costs accurately and consistently, then turn those records into meaningful management accounts you can actually use. We run payroll for pharmacy staff, including dispensers, counter assistants and locums paid through the business, dealing with PAYE, National Insurance and pension duties as they arise. VAT support is available where your turnover or activities mean registration applies, covering returns and the treatment of mixed income streams. We also provide tax planning, help with choosing or reviewing your pharmacy business structure, and ongoing financial record keeping so every deadline is met without a scramble.

We reconcile EPS and NHS schedules against till takings, track stock movements and keep your books ready for review at any point in the year.

VAT for Pharmacies

Dispensed NHS medicines are zero-rated while over-the-counter sales and services are standard-rated. We get the split right and reclaim what you are due.

Company or sole trader returns prepared with every allowable cost claimed, from GPhC registration and indemnity to training and fixtures.

Payroll for pharmacists, technicians, dispensers and delivery drivers, plus workplace pension auto-enrolment and statutory pay.

Locum Pharmacist Tax & IR35

Status reviews on agency and locum engagements, expense claims and the most efficient trading structure for your level of income.

Accounting Challenges Pharmacies Face

Pharmacy accounting comes with a distinctive set of pressures, and the way income, expenses and tax are treated often depends on your individual circumstances and business structure. The points below cover the areas pharmacists in London most often ask us about.

  • Separating NHS income, private prescription income and over-the-counter retail sales so each stream is recorded and reported correctly
  • Tracking locum income across multiple contracts, agencies and sites, and knowing which expenses can reasonably be claimed against it
  • Recording professional expenses such as registration and indemnity cover, continuing professional development, uniforms and specialist equipment
  • Running accurate payroll for dispensary and counter staff, including PAYE, National Insurance, pensions and any locum payments made through the business
  • Managing stock levels, supplier costs, wastage and stock valuation so your accounts reflect what is really happening in the dispensary
  • Keeping day-to-day bookkeeping up to date rather than facing a year of unrecorded transactions at the deadline
  • Getting Self Assessment right when you have several income sources, partnership profits or dividend income alongside your pharmacy earnings
  • Understanding VAT considerations where registration applies, including how different income types are treated
  • Choosing between sole trader, partnership and limited company structures, and reviewing that choice as the business grows
  • Managing cash flow when NHS payment cycles, supplier terms and seasonal retail trading do not line up neatly
  • Maintaining accurate financial records for Companies House, HMRC and any future finance or sale discussions

Why Pharmacists Choose CruseBurke

Pharmacists and pharmacy owners work with our Pharmacist Accountants in London because the conversations are quicker and the advice is more relevant. We already understand how a dispensary operates, why NHS and private income need to be treated separately, and where locum work creates extra reporting obligations — so you spend less time explaining your business and more time getting useful answers. That means clear communication, with responses in plain English and no assumption that you enjoy reading balance sheets. We help you keep pharmacy income and expenses properly recorded, claim the professional costs that are legitimately available to you, and understand your tax position before the bill arrives rather than after. Beyond the annual accounts, we stay available throughout the year for questions about payroll, VAT, structure changes or a new contract, so your accounting keeps pace with the business instead of lagging behind it. The aim is practical support: reliable filing, sensible tax guidance and a team you can reach when it matters.

Real Pharmacy Knowledge

Drug tariff, category M, EPS reconciliation and stock valuation — no explaining required.

Named Pharmacy Accountant

One qualified point of contact who knows your branch, your numbers and your plans.

Cloud Software Set Up for You

Xero, QuickBooks or Sage linked to your bank and till so figures are current, not six months old.

Margin & Profit Insight

Management accounts showing dispensing margin, retail margin and profit per branch.

Fixed Fees, No Surprises

One agreed monthly fee with no hourly billing and no unexpected invoices.

Healthcare Sector Focus

We work with pharmacies, GP practices, dentists and clinics, so the sector is all we do.

Our Simple 3-Step Process

Getting started with our Pharmacist Accountants in London is deliberately straightforward. First, you get in touch and tell us a little about your situation — whether you are a locum pharmacist, a self-employed prescriber, a pharmacy owner or part of a partnership — and we arrange an initial conversation at a time that fits around your rota. Second, we talk through your accounting and tax requirements in detail: how your income arrives, what records you already keep, whether you operate as a sole trader, partnership or limited company, and what you need from us going forward. From there we agree a clear scope of work and the right level of support for your circumstances. Third, you receive ongoing help throughout the year, covering bookkeeping, payroll, VAT where applicable, Self Assessment, annual accounts and Corporation Tax, along with prompt answers whenever a question comes up. If you are moving from another accountant, we handle the handover and liaise on your behalf so the transition is smooth and your filing deadlines stay protected.

1. Initial Consultation (It’s Free):

We begin by getting to know your practice and understanding your unique needs. This step ensures we have a clear picture of your operations and your goals.

2. Customised Plan:

Based on our initial discussion, we create a personalised plan designed specifically for you. The aim is to keep everything organised and easy to follow. You can rest assured that your numbers are being handled with expert precision.

3. Ongoing Support & Updates:

From there, we take care of the ongoing work and keep you updated with reports. You’ll always know what’s happening, and we’re always here to answer your questions, ensuring you have a clear picture of your financial health at all times.

Built for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Businesses

Accounting support for pharmacists works best when it is shaped around pharmacy rather than fitted to a generic template. Our Pharmacist Accountants in London tailor the service to the way your business actually runs: NHS and private income recorded in a way that stands up to scrutiny, locum fees and self-employed earnings tracked properly, professional expenses such as registration, indemnity cover and specialist equipment captured where they apply, and stock, supplier and dispensary costs reflected accurately in your books. We handle bookkeeping and financial record keeping so your records are current, run payroll for pharmacy employees and any locums paid through the business, and manage the tax administration side — Self Assessment, annual accounts, Corporation Tax and VAT where registration applies — on a timetable that suits you. We also help you review your business accounting and structure as circumstances change, whether you are taking on a second pharmacy, bringing in a partner or moving from self-employment into a limited company. Everything is explained clearly and reviewed with you, so you understand the position you are in and the decisions in front of you.

Technology Driven

Using the latest technology to offer customised financial strategies that help healthcare practices grow and thrive.

Named Pharmacy Accountant

A dedicated accountant who understands pharmacy margins, stock and NHS reimbursement.

Ongoing Support

Our team is here whenever you need guidance. We offer unlimited support to ensure your financial management is always on point.

Experienced Team

Our team has over 100 years of combined accountancy experience.

Free - Email Reminders

Never Miss any deadline with our automated email reminders.

Yes, We Are Chartered!

We’re an ICAEW, ACCA & AAT accredited Firm.

How to Switch to Our Pharmacy Accountants

Take a back seat and let our pharmacy accountants handle everything. Switching mid-year is simple and you never need to contact your old accountant:

Get in touch

Reach out to us, and we’ll discuss your needs and how we can help your healthcare practice thrive.

Letter of Engagement

We’ll send over a simple letter to formalise our partnership and get everything in motion.

Previous Accountants

If you're switching, we’ll take care of contacting your previous accountants to make the transition smooth.

We Do the Rest

From there, sit back and relax. We’ll manage your accounts, taxes, and everything in between, keeping your practice running smoothly.

FAQs

The core service covers annual accounts, Self Assessment or Corporation Tax returns, bookkeeping support and financial record keeping, with payroll and VAT support available where they apply to your business. Most pharmacists choose a package that reflects their structure — locum or self-employed, partnership, or limited company — and we agree the scope clearly in advance so you know exactly what is covered. Throughout the year you can ask questions about income, expenses, payroll or tax as they come up, rather than waiting for the year end.

They are built for pharmacists and pharmacy businesses of every size: locum pharmacists, self-employed pharmacists providing clinical or consultancy services, community pharmacists, pharmacy owners and independent pharmacies, and pharmacy partnerships. We also work with pharmacists operating through a limited company and those with interests in more than one pharmacy. If your income comes from pharmacy work in any form, the accounting approach is tailored to that rather than to a general small business model.

These income streams are recorded separately so that your accounts and returns show clearly where the money has come from. NHS payments, private prescription income, over-the-counter retail takings and any additional services are tracked individually, which makes it easier to review performance, spot trends and answer questions from HMRC or your bank if they arise. The precise accounting and VAT treatment of each stream depends on your individual circumstances and business structure, so we review your position before advising.

If you are self-employed, work as a locum, receive untaxed income, or are a partner in a pharmacy partnership, you will usually need to file a Self Assessment tax return. Directors of limited companies are often required to file one as well, and additional income such as rental or dividend income can also bring you into the system. We confirm your position based on your circumstances, prepare the return, and make sure any payments on account and deadlines are diarised so nothing is missed.

Costs such as professional registration, indemnity insurance, ongoing training and continuing professional development, specialist uniforms and equipment, and business mileage can often be claimed, but the rules are specific and the treatment depends on your individual circumstances. We review your outgoings properly rather than assuming, keep evidence organised, and make sure only legitimate claims are made — which protects you if HMRC ever asks questions. If you are unsure whether something qualifies, we would rather you ask than guess.

Yes. We handle bookkeeping for pharmacies with multiple income streams and run payroll for dispensers, counter assistants, pharmacists and other employees, including PAYE, National Insurance and pension duties. We can also process payments to locums made through the business where that is appropriate. Keeping payroll and bookkeeping under one roof means the figures in your accounts tie up correctly and you are not chasing several providers when something needs adjusting.

Where your turnover or activities mean VAT registration applies, we prepare and submit returns and advise on how different income types should be treated. The position varies considerably between pharmacies, particularly where retail sales, prescription income and professional services are mixed, so this is an area where individual circumstances matter a great deal. We look at your specific situation, explain the treatment clearly, and keep the records in a form that supports the returns you file.

Getting in touch is the first step, and from there we arrange an initial conversation about your pharmacy work, your current set-up and what you need. We agree the scope of support, handle the handover from your existing accountant and liaise with them directly, and set up your records so deadlines are protected from day one. Between moving from a locum role into a limited company, or taking on a partnership share, we can also review your structure and advise on what would suit you best.

Speak to an Expert

Need Pharmacist Accountants in London Who Understand Your Numbers? Get clear, practical support from a team that knows pharmacy.

If your bookkeeping has slipped behind, your Self Assessment is approaching and you are not sure which locum expenses you can claim, or your pharmacy payroll and VAT obligations feel like guesswork, CruseBurke can take that weight off your shoulders. Our Pharmacist Accountants in London handle accounts, Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, bookkeeping and payroll so your records stay current and your filing deadlines are met without a last-minute panic. You get straightforward advice, transparent fixed packages and a team that responds when you need them — so your accounting stops being a source of stress and starts working in your favour.