Selling through Amazon FBA can be incredibly rewarding—but when it comes to accounting, it’s rarely straightforward. Between marketplace fees, VAT rules, cross-border sales, inventory movement, and complex reports, Amazon sellers face accounting challenges that traditional businesses simply don’t.
That’s why choosing the right Amazon FBA accountant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a seller.
If you’re based in Birmingham or operate your Amazon business from the region, working with a local accountant who understands FBA inside out can make a huge difference. In this guide, we’ll explain what to look for, what to avoid, and how to choose an Amazon FBA accountant in Birmingham who truly supports your growth.
Why Amazon FBA Sellers Need Specialist Accountants
Amazon FBA accounting is not the same as standard small business accounting.
FBA sellers deal with:
- Complex Amazon settlement reports
- Multiple fee types (referral, FBA, storage, returns)
- VAT on UK and EU sales
- Inventory held across fulfilment centres
- Refunds, reimbursements, and chargebacks
A general accountant may understand basic bookkeeping—but without Amazon-specific experience, mistakes are common.
That’s why many successful sellers choose accountants who already work with online sellers, including those familiar with eBay VAT accountants UK, as the marketplace rules and VAT challenges often overlap.
Step 1: Look for Proven Amazon FBA Experience
The first and most important question to ask is simple:
“Do you actively work with Amazon FBA sellers?”
An Amazon-experienced accountant should:
- Understand Amazon settlement statements
- Know how to reconcile payouts correctly
- Be familiar with FBA fees and reimbursements
- Handle inventory accounting properly
If an accountant treats Amazon like “just another sales channel,” that’s a red flag.
Step 2: Check Their Understanding of VAT for Amazon Sellers
VAT is one of the biggest risk areas for FBA sellers.
A good Amazon FBA accountant should understand:
- VAT on UK domestic sales
- VAT on EU and cross-border transactions
- Amazon’s VAT calculation services
- VAT treatment of refunds and reimbursements
Incorrect VAT handling can lead to:
- Overpaid VAT
- Underpaid VAT
- HMRC penalties
This is why many sellers look for professionals with broader ecommerce expertise, similar to those offering eBay VAT accountants UK services.
Step 3: Ask About Inventory and Cost of Goods Tracking
Inventory is a major asset in Amazon FBA—but it’s often poorly recorded.
Your accountant should:
- Track inventory values correctly
- Match inventory movements with Amazon reports
- Account for damaged, lost, or written-off stock
- Understand cost of goods sold (COGS)
Without accurate inventory accounting, profit figures become unreliable.
Step 4: Make Sure They Use Amazon-Friendly Systems
The right accountant won’t rely on spreadsheets alone.
They should work with:
- Cloud accounting software
- Amazon integrations or connectors
- Automated bank feeds
- Structured reconciliation workflows
This allows:
- Faster month-end reviews
- Cleaner books
- Better cash flow visibility
Sellers operating remotely or using a virtual office UK often rely heavily on these systems to stay organised without physical admin support.
Step 5: Choose Local Knowledge with National Expertise
While Amazon is global, local knowledge still matters.
A Birmingham-based Amazon accountant offers:
- Familiarity with UK tax rules
- Understanding of HMRC expectations
- Easy communication and support
- Local business insight
At the same time, they should also provide broader accountancy services UK, ensuring your business stays compliant as it scales nationally and internationally.
Step 6: Understand What Services Are Included
Not all accountants offer the same level of support.
Ask what’s included in their Amazon FBA service:
- Bookkeeping and reconciliations
- VAT returns and compliance
- Year-end accounts
- Corporation tax planning
- Ongoing advice and reporting
Some accountants charge low fees but only handle year-end work, leaving sellers unsupported throughout the year. Amazon businesses move fast—you need ongoing visibility, not annual surprises.
Step 7: Assess Communication and Reporting Style
Good accounting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about clarity.
Your accountant should:
- Explain figures in plain English
- Provide regular updates
- Be proactive, not reactive
- Flag issues early
If you don’t understand your reports, you can’t make good decisions.
Step 8: Look for Scalability and Long-Term Support
Your Amazon business today may look very different in two years.
A good Amazon FBA accountant should be able to support:
- Increased sales volume
- Additional marketplaces
- International expansion
- Team growth
This is where full-service accountancy services UK become valuable—ensuring your financial structure grows with your business.
Common Mistakes Amazon Sellers Make When Choosing Accountants
❌ Choosing the cheapest option
Low fees often mean limited Amazon knowledge.
❌ Using a general accountant only
Amazon requires specialist expertise.
❌ Ignoring VAT experience
VAT mistakes are costly and stressful.
❌ Poor communication
Unclear reporting leads to poor decisions.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Amazon FBA Accountant
Before committing, ask:
- How many Amazon FBA clients do you work with?
- How do you handle Amazon settlement reports?
- How do you manage VAT for FBA sellers?
- What software and integrations do you use?
- What ongoing support is included?
Clear answers signal real expertise.
Why Birmingham Is a Strong Base for Amazon Sellers
Birmingham has become a growing hub for ecommerce and online businesses.
Many Amazon sellers choose the city because of:
- Strong logistics links
- Access to professional services
- Lower operating costs than London
Working with a Birmingham-based Amazon accountant combines local accessibility with ecommerce-focused expertise.
Final Thoughts: Choose Expertise Over Convenience
Choosing an Amazon FBA accountant is not just an administrative decision—it’s a strategic one.
The right accountant will:
- Keep your books clean
- Ensure VAT compliance
- Improve cash flow visibility
- Support smarter business decisions
For Amazon sellers in Birmingham, partnering with the right expert can mean the difference between struggling with numbers and scaling with confidence.
