The verdict in three sentences
A custom accounting firm platform runs between GBP 55,000 and 130,000 in 2026, with support of GBP 1,300 to 3,000/month. The real gain is not the software: it is the time handed back to your team, on the order of 10 to 15 hours/month each, once deadline tracking, client portal and DMS are automated. Past 8-10 staff, the return on investment is measured in months, not years.
The modules that make the difference
A London firm is not trying to replace its accounting production engine, but to orchestrate around it: chasing missing documents, tracking filing deadlines, signing and submitting, and client communication. 2026 ranges (estimate, order of magnitude).
| Module | Indicative timeline | Custom cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Client portal (uploads, invoices) | 4-6 weeks | 13,000 - 24,000 |
| Automated deadline tracker | 3-5 weeks | 11,000 - 20,000 |
| DMS + auto-filing | 3-4 weeks | 9,000 - 18,000 |
| Firm billing + fees | 2-4 weeks | 7,000 - 15,000 |
| Production software connector | 3-6 weeks | 11,000 - 26,000 |
| Partner dashboard | 2-3 weeks | 5,000 - 13,000 |
| Full project | 5-8 months | 55,000 - 130,000 |
Cost vs hours saved per team member
The quantified promise: each team member recovers 10 to 15 h/month of low-value tasks (chasing, filing, re-keying). At a loaded cost of GBP 32/h, here is the annual value freed by firm size.
| Team members | Hours saved/month | Annual value (GBP) | Payback on a GBP 90,000 project |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 60 | 23,040 | ~3.9 yrs |
| 8 | 96 | 36,864 | ~2.4 yrs |
| 12 | 144 | 55,296 | ~1.6 yrs |
| 18 | 216 | 82,944 | ~1.1 yrs |
| 25 | 300 | 115,200 | ~9 months |
| 35 | 420 | 161,280 | ~7 months |
These figures assume 12 h/month per member, a conservative estimate. In practice, cutting manual chasing and re-keying during filing season generates far higher peaks of gain, while reducing team stress and the risk of missed deadlines.
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Mini case study
Ms. Harper, partner at a 14-person accounting firm in London, dreads every January filing rush: chasing documents by email and tracking deadlines on a shared spreadsheet. A custom client portal at GBP 92,000 automates chasing and the deadline tracker. Assuming 12 h/month saved per member at GBP 32/h, the firm frees about GBP 64,500/year. After support of GBP 2,300/month (GBP 27,600/year), the net annual gain is close to GBP 37,000 from the first full year, and the project pays back in a little over two years.
FAQ
Do we have to replace our production software? No; in 8 cases out of 10 we build a connector around what you have, for GBP 11,000 to 26,000, with no risky migration.
How much is the client portal alone? A document-upload portal with automated chasing starts around GBP 13,000 and ships in 4 to 6 weeks.
What support budget after delivery? Expect GBP 1,300 to 3,000/month depending on module count and the pace of regulatory changes you want covered.
How soon do we see the time savings? From the first filing season after go-live, with 10 to 15 h/month freed per member in steady state.
Is the project eligible for funding? Often yes: R&D tax relief can cover part of it; expect 15 to 30 % of the budget depending on your profile and the tax year.
Let's scope your project. Share your headcount, current production software and priority modules (portal, deadlines, DMS). Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
