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Business Details
20 Years
experience
Expert Accountants in Exeter
Merlin Accountancy Services was founded in 2006 with a commitment to transforming the financial health of small and medium-sized businesses across Exeter and beyond. Our approach extends beyond traditional accounting, focusing on empowering clients to make informed decisions that align with their personal and professional goals. With over 18 years of experience, we specialise in demystifying financial data to uncover hidden profits, optimise tax strategies, and improve work-life balance for business owners. Our team combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of local market dynamics, offering tailored solutions that adapt to evolving business needs.

We prioritise transparency, fixed-fee pricing, and proactive advice, ensuring clients maintain control over their financial future without unexpected costs. Our reputation for exceptional service is reflected in long-standing client relationships and testimonials highlighting our responsiveness, professionalism, and ability to deliver measurable results. As active members of the ICAEW, we uphold the highest standards of ethical practice while maintaining a personal touch that sets us apart in the accounting profession.
Services
Annual accounts preparation Tax planning advice Bookkeeping support Payroll management Business valuation
Details
  • Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
  • We offer fixed-fee packages with unlimited advisory support
  • Our team holds ICAEW professional accreditation
  • 18 years of specialist experience in SME accounting
  • Proven track record improving business financial health
  • Personalised approach combining technical expertise with local market knowledge
Associations and certifications
  • ICAEW
What people say
Fixed price package Friendly and accessible Exceptionally great professionals Quick to respond No regrets
Services
Annual accounts preparation
We prepare comprehensive annual accounts that provide clear financial visibility for business decision-making. Our service includes statutory compliance, performance analysis, and strategic recommendations to improve financial health. Clients receive detailed reports that highlight key trends and actionable insights tailored to their specific business needs.
Tax planning advice
Our expert tax planning service identifies legitimate opportunities to minimise tax liabilities while maintaining compliance. We specialise in year-round tax advice, including corporation tax, personal tax, and VAT planning. Our approach ensures businesses maximise available reliefs and allowances while avoiding costly mistakes.
Bookkeeping support
We maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records that form the foundation for effective business management. Our bookkeeping service includes transaction recording, account reconciliation, and real-time financial reporting. This ensures clients always have reliable data to support business decisions and regulatory requirements.
Payroll management
Our payroll service handles all aspects of employee payment processing and compliance. We manage salary calculations, tax deductions, and statutory reporting requirements while ensuring adherence to HMRC regulations. Clients benefit from timely, accurate payroll processing with complete regulatory compliance assurance.
Business valuation
We provide professional business valuations for owners considering sales, mergers, or succession planning. Our analysis considers financial performance, market position, and growth potential to determine accurate business valuations. This service helps owners understand their company's worth and identify value-enhancing opportunities.
People
Giles Corby
Founder
Giles established Merlin Accountancy in 2006 after a career in local business advisory. He specialises in helping SMEs achieve strategic goals through financial insight. His expertise in transforming business performance stems from 18 years of hands-on experience working with Exeter-based companies across various sectors.
Karen
Senior Accountant
Karen brings extensive experience from both charity and corporate sectors to her role. She focuses on delivering practical financial solutions while maintaining exceptional client relationships. Her background in company administration provides valuable operational perspective when advising business clients on financial management.
Niki
Apprentice Accountant
Niki joined the team in 2023 to pursue her accountancy apprenticeship. She combines bilingual communication skills with diverse sector experience to support client needs. Her proactive approach to learning and client interaction makes her a valuable addition to the service delivery team.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for small businesses?
We provide comprehensive services including annual accounts, tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll management, and business valuation tailored to small business needs.
Do you offer fixed-fee accounting packages?
Yes, we offer three fixed-fee packages (Essentials, Growth, and Potential) with unlimited advice and no hidden charges for our core services.
How do you help businesses improve financial performance?
We analyse financial data to identify growth opportunities, reduce tax liabilities, and improve cashflow through strategic planning and benchmarking reports.
Are you qualified accountants?
We are ICAEW Chartered Accountants with specialist expertise in SME advisory services and over 18 years combined experience in business finance.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve businesses in Exeter and surrounding Devon areas, with clients across various sectors including retail, professional services, and hospitality.