PKF Francis Clark Reviews 9

We have been in the safe hands of Sharon Austen, brilliantly assisted by Sam Cook and Chelsea Broadway for many years. The professional service we have experienced has always been exceptional, efficient, and personal. We cannot thank them enough for their advice and guidance. Accountancy done the way it should be!

We have a great relationship with PKF Francis Clark, they are helpful, professional and a critical part of our business. I can’t speak highly enough of our contact Giles Hutchings who is on hand to advise and support during the hard times and the better times! His experience with family businesses in the area is extensive and helps to guide us strategically. Would highly recommend and we are very happy with the service we receive.

Following a period working abroad whilst a UK tax resident, I engaged Francis Clark for two consecutive years of self-assessment tax returns, working with Karen and her team.

In the first year, despite submitting my documents months in advance and providing multiple nudges, I did not receive my tax return for review until after working hours the day before submission. It had numerous errors and omissions, and the time it took to resolve this nearly led me to miss my tax deadline. In the second year, I received incorrect instructions that resulted in HMRC chasing me for additional tax that I did not owe. Francis Clark denied they were to blame and charged me for the time they spent fixing their own mistakes. Following countless hours accumulating evidence with HMRC, I was finally able to get a refund from Francis Clark after submitting a formal complaint and threatening to go to the financial ombudsman. At least, I was able to get a refund eventually - they couldn’t even manage to be competent in this, as their first cheque bounced due to a further administrative error.

I have put so many hours into battling against Francis Clark’s incompetence, I wish I had just dealt with my affairs directly and saved thousands of pounds. In my experience, they can’t even write a cheque, let alone complete a tax self-assessment – and they will try and charge you for their own failures to boot. My case should have been incredibly simple for self-alleged international tax experts. I leave the reader to judge whether they wish to trust them with anything more complex.

Accurate information, and lots of knowledge.
And same price as less switching on accountants .

The employees of PKF FRANCIS CLARKE are useless bumbling fools..the only thing they are good at is lying and ripping you off...they are a total clownshow...avoid them if you don't want to get scammed

We commissioned PFK to provide a business valuation as one of 2 organisations. This was initially conducted by Nick Woodmansey. They sent over an initial set of generic questions. They were delayed, and clearly uninterested, they did not follow up or come to visit the business. When challenged on their approach against the stated terms they halted work and called into question the conduct of our MD with no validation for this, when pressed as a formal complaint Andrew Richards tried to swerve the issue finally accepting 'I would agree that the word “conduct” was not well chosen and not one I would have used. However, as this had been fed back to another party the damage had been done with no repercussions or justification. As a business that has traded for over 16 years on the South Coast, I would avoid PFK at all costs the experience and their approach to any client issues is to deny and avoid.

Paul from Torquay branch was excellent with IHT planning advice so we have consulted them on a CGT query. I have just been shocked and infuriated by a bill for £450 for asking one simple, specific question. I was charged for unsolicited advice. Today I have told them that their service are no longer required.

Systematically misleading with their costs, which contradicted their own letter of engagement on multiple levels. I had wild costs on my ledger for other individuals. Aggressively enforced deputed invoice. I would avoid unless you have deep pockets and don't mind surprising bills.

We wanted advice regarding making our Wills and Inheritance Tax so booked an hour with Simon in Exeter branch, sorry don’t know surname, who was so kind and efficient. We left feeling more confident and knowledgeable and hopefully wiser. Thank you Simon.