Business Details
17 Years
experience
Trusted Accountants in Cardiff
Total Books is a professional accounting firm dedicated to providing expert bookkeeping, tax advisory, and financial consultancy services. Established with a commitment to clarity and client-focused support, we serve businesses across Cardiff, Bristol, Newport, and nationwide through our Virtual Finance Office. Our team, led by Managing Accountant Buhir Rafiq, combines over 30 years of collective experience with cutting-edge digital tools like Xero to deliver accurate, efficient, and compliant financial solutions. Regulated by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and registered with HMRC, we prioritise transparency, ethical practice, and tailored advice to help businesses navigate complex tax landscapes and achieve sustainable growth.Our services range from outsourced finance functions to strategic tax planning, ensuring clients receive both technical expertise and proactive guidance. With a proven track record of client satisfaction and a focus on long-term relationships, we aim to be the trusted financial partner for businesses seeking clarity, compliance, and confidence in their financial operations.
Services
Accountancy
Bookkeeping
Tax Planning
Payroll Services
Virtual Finance Director
VAT Returns
Corporation Tax
Digital Disclosure Service
Foreign Tax Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of combined experience in accountancy and tax advisory.
- Our AAT-regulated team ensures strict compliance and ethical standards.
- Virtual Finance Office solutions reduce costs by up to 60% compared to in-house teams.
- Local expertise with nationwide service coverage via cloud accounting technology.
- Proven client satisfaction with 201+ 5-star Google reviews in Cardiff.
Associations and certifications
- AAT
- Xero Advisor Certified
What people say
Exceptional tax savings
Proactive compliance support
Jargon-free explanations
Timely and accurate service
Expert Virtual Finance Director
Services
Virtual Finance Office
Our Virtual Finance Office provides comprehensive outsourced financial management, combining bookkeeping, payroll, tax compliance, and strategic advisory. Led by an expert Virtual Finance Director, businesses save up to 60% compared to in-house teams while gaining real-time financial oversight. Ideal for SMEs seeking cost-effective, scalable solutions with HMRC-compliant reporting and cloud-based transparency.
Tax Planning
Specialist tax planning services cover personal, corporation, and capital gains tax, alongside HMRC compliance. We optimise tax efficiency through strategic planning, digital disclosure, and Let Property Campaign support. Clients benefit from AAT-regulated expertise and proactive advice to minimise liabilities while ensuring adherence to evolving tax legislation.
Bookkeeping
Cloud-based bookkeeping using Xero and BrightPay ensures accurate, real-time financial tracking. Services include bank reconciliations, invoice management, and MTD-ready reporting. Designed for businesses requiring streamlined processes, reduced errors, and seamless integration with payroll and tax functions under AAT-regulated oversight.
Payroll Services
Full payroll management covers salary processing, auto-enrolment pensions, and statutory payments. Compliant with RTI and GDPR, our solutions include CIS payroll for construction firms and BACS integrations. Clients receive timely, error-free processing with secure data handling and expert support for HMRC submissions.
Xero Cloud Accounting
Xero-certified advisory services include software setup, data migration, and integration with Dext and Hubdoc. We enable real-time financial visibility, automated reconciliations, and HMRC-compliant digital record-keeping. Ideal for businesses transitioning from manual systems or seeking scalable, cloud-based financial management tools.
People
Buhir Rafiq
Managing Accountant
Buhir Rafiq (MAAT) is a licensed AAT accountant and Xero-certified expert with over 30 years of experience. He founded Total Books in 2009 after roles at Haines Watts and the National Audit Office. He specialises in SME finance, tax strategy, and cloud accounting, with a focus on ethical practice and client education.
Questions
Do I need to register my limited company with HMRC?
Yes, UK limited companies must register with HMRC for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting business activities, plus VAT or PAYE if applicable.
What are the costs of running a limited company?
Costs include Corporation Tax, Companies House fees, payroll, insurance, and professional fees. Total Books offers transparent pricing to optimise expenses.
When can I start trading after company formation?
You can trade immediately after Companies House registration, provided you meet tax and regulatory requirements.
Do I need an accountant for capital gains tax?
While not mandatory, an accountant ensures accurate calculations, maximises reliefs, and avoids penalties, especially for complex transactions.
Is your bookkeeping MTD-ready?
Yes, our Xero-integrated bookkeeping ensures compliance with HMRC's Making Tax Digital requirements for VAT and income tax.
