Alto Accounting review
Updated October 12, 2026 · ForgeCue Editorial Team
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Our verdict
Alto Accounting provides specialist accounting for UK marketing agencies built around retainers, project billing and media passthrough. For agency owners, it delivers monthly profit reports, cash forecasts and tax planning with direct access to an ACCA accountant who understands freelance churn and lumpy cash.
Key facts
- Best for
- UK marketing agencies with retainers and project billing
- Free plan
- No (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Legal entity
- Alto Consulting Ltd (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Headquarters
- United Kingdom (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Support channels
- Email (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
- Audience
- Small business
- Official website
- alto-accounting.com
Pros and cons
Pros
- Separates earned retainer and project revenue from client media passthrough
- Tracks profit margin for each client, project and retainer agreement
- Provides monthly profit, cash and margin reports with a walkthrough call
- Manages contractor exposure across IR35, CIS and PAYE timing rules
Cons
- Agency specific reporting rhythm may feel intensive for very small operations
Who it suits
- Marketing agencies handling retainers, projects and passthrough funds
- Agency owners wanting client level margin insight
- Teams relying on freelancers and contractors to deliver work
Who should look elsewhere
- General businesses seeking broad bookkeeping outside agencies
Core features
You receive a monthly close that covers profit, cash position and margins by client, delivered with a call to explain the numbers. Receivables, payables and runway are monitored to flag tightening cash before payroll pressure builds. Retainer, project and passthrough amounts are separated so turnover reflects earned income rather than client funds held for media. Margin is tracked for every client, project and retainer to reveal scope creep. Contractor compliance covers IR35, CIS and PAYE timing, plus planning for hires, moves or major pitches.
How Alto Accounting compares
Where Alto Accounting is available
- Available
- United Kingdom
Countries from the brand (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
What does Alto Accounting specialize in?+
Alto Accounting focuses on accounting for UK marketing agencies with retainer and project billing models. Its work centers on cash flow forecasts, monthly reports and tax planning shaped for media passthrough, freelancer churn and uneven income. Support comes directly from an ACCA accountant familiar with agency operations.
How does Alto Accounting handle media passthrough?+
Alto Accounting separates earned retainer and project revenue from funds held for clients. That separation keeps turnover and profit aligned with work actually performed rather than media spend passing through. Your profit and loss statement therefore reflects operating reality for agency decisions.
How does Alto Accounting track agency profitability?+
Alto Accounting tracks margin for each client, each project and each retainer agreement. That structure highlights underperforming accounts and scope creep before results weaken for the quarter. You can see which relationships support profit and which consume resources.
How does Alto Accounting support contractors and growth plans?+
Alto Accounting manages contractor requirements across IR35, CIS and PAYE timing. That coverage helps you scale freelance teams without unexpected compliance pressure. It also models hires, office moves and major pitches so you understand cash effects before committing.
Which company operates Alto Accounting?+
Alto Accounting is operated by Alto Consulting Ltd. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Where is Alto Accounting based?+
Alto Accounting is based in United Kingdom. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Sources
- alto-accounting.com checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Audience, Free plan, Headquarters, Legal entity, Support channels
“for UK creative businesses: marketing and creative agencies”
Compiled from 1 source page, checked October 13, 2026. We did not open an account.
Not confirmed yet: Price from, Usage limits.