Business Details
25 Years
experience
Trusted Chartered Accountants in Chester
Established in 2001, L J OBrien is a chartered accountancy practice based on the outskirts of Chester, near Ellesmere Port. Our team comprises fully qualified Chartered Accountants regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), ensuring adherence to rigorous professional standards and continuous development. With extensive experience across diverse sectors, including NHS internal audit, industry, commerce, and private business, we provide tailored financial solutions that alleviate administrative burdens. Our expertise spans accounts preparation, tax compliance, payroll management, and strategic business advisory services. We specialise in implementing computerised accounting systems, offering part-time financial director support, and delivering key performance analysis to enhance business efficiency.Our commitment to client-centric service ensures businesses can focus on growth while we handle complex regulatory requirements. The practice expanded in 2013 with the addition of a second Chartered Accountant, enhancing our capacity to serve clients effectively. Our deep understanding of operational challenges stems from decades of hands-on experience in both practice and industry roles. We prioritise transparency, accuracy, and proactive communication to build long-term trust with clients. Whether advising on business structure, managing VAT returns, or designing financial models, our approach combines technical excellence with practical insights to deliver measurable value.
Services
Final Accounts
Tax Returns
Payroll Services
VAT Returns
Business Advisory
Accounting Systems
KPI Reporting
Financial Modelling
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of combined experience in accountancy and business finance.
- Our team includes Chartered Accountants regulated by ICAEW with rigorous CPD compliance.
- We understand business pressures through direct experience in industry and commerce.
- We implement leading accounting software solutions including Xero and QuickBooks.
- We offer part-time FD services at cost-effective rates for small businesses.
Associations and certifications
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
Services
Final Accounts
We prepare statutory accounts for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies in compliance with accounting standards. Our service ensures accurate filing at Companies House with minimal disruption to your business operations. We also assist with existing accounting systems to maintain ongoing compliance.
Tax Returns
We handle tax computations and submissions for businesses and individuals to HMRC, including advice on payment deadlines. Our team manages HMRC investigations and provides tailored guidance on personal tax matters. We ensure compliance with current tax regulations while optimising liabilities.
Payroll Services
Full payroll administration including RTI and MTD compliance, payslip generation, and end-of-year returns. We advise on auto-enrolment pension contributions and ensure adherence to employment tax regulations. Our service minimises risks associated with payroll processing errors.
Accounting Systems
Implementation and support for computerised accounting systems including Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage. We configure systems to match business needs and provide training for efficient operation. Our expertise ensures accurate financial data management through system conversions and reconciliations.
Business Advisory
We offer strategic advice on business structure, financial planning, and cashflow management. Our services include budgeting models, business plans, and part-time financial director support. We help businesses improve decision-making through KPI analysis and forecasting tools.
People
Lorna J O'Brien
Founder & Chartered Accountant
Qualified in 1994 with ICAEW, Lorna has extensive experience in practice, NHS audit, and industry roles. She established L J OBrien in 2001 after working as finance manager in commerce sectors. Her expertise spans accounts preparation and business advisory services.
John R O'Brien
Chartered Accountant
A Chartered Accountant since 1992, John has worked as finance director in private businesses and specialises in financial modelling. He joined L J OBrien in 2013, bringing expertise in online accounting systems, KPI reporting, and business process optimisation.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for small businesses?
We provide accounts preparation, tax returns, payroll management, VAT returns, business advisory, and accounting system implementation tailored to small businesses.
Can you help with HMRC compliance and investigations?
Yes, we prepare and submit tax computations, handle HMRC enquiries, and provide guidance during investigations while ensuring compliance with current regulations.
Do you support online accounting software?
We implement and support Xero, QuickBooks, Sage 50/200, and provide training for efficient system use in day-to-day operations.
What is your part-time financial director service?
We offer experienced financial expertise on a part-time basis, including budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial management at cost-effective rates.
How do you handle payroll compliance?
We manage RTI and MTD requirements, produce payslips, and advise on auto-enrolment pensions to ensure full compliance with payroll regulations.
