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Consolidated Accounts

Group accounts done properly — intercompany balances eliminated, goodwill right, deadlines met — however complex your structure.

We prepare consolidated financial statements for groups of companies under UK GAAP (FRS 102) and IFRS, handling everything from a parent with one subsidiary to multi-level international groups with joint ventures and mixed accounting frameworks. Consolidation is where errors hide: unreconciled intercompany balances, missed fair value adjustments, goodwill miscalculated on acquisition. Our specialists deal with these issues every week, so your group accounts are accurate, compliant and ready for auditors, lenders and Companies House.

What are Consolidated Accounts?

Consolidated accounts combine the financial statements of a parent company and its subsidiaries into a single set of group accounts: - Group reporting: present the group as a single economic entity - Elimination of intercompany transactions: remove trading, balances and unrealised profits between group companies - Consolidation adjustments: fair value adjustments, goodwill, non-controlling interests and alignment of accounting policies - Regulatory compliance: meet Companies Act and accounting standard requirements

Not every group has to consolidate. Small groups — broadly those within the raised small company limits of £15 million turnover and £7.5 million balance sheet that apply to periods beginning on or after 6 April 2025 — are generally exempt from preparing group accounts, and intermediate parents consolidated into a larger group's accounts may also be exempt. We confirm whether you must consolidate before any work starts, so you never pay for accounts you do not legally need.

Consolidated Accounts Preparation Services

- Group Accounts Preparation: Complete preparation of consolidated group accounts - Intercompany Elimination: Elimination of intercompany transactions and balances - Consolidation Adjustments: Application of consolidation adjustments including fair value adjustments, goodwill, and other items - Multi-Level Consolidation: Consolidation of complex group structures with multiple levels - Joint Venture Accounting: Accounting for joint ventures and associates - Group Cash Flow Statements: Preparation of consolidated cash flow statements

Accounting Standards

We prepare consolidated accounts in accordance with: - FRS 102 (UK GAAP): consolidation requirements for UK GAAP groups, including goodwill amortisation and merger relief considerations - IFRS: IFRS 10 (Consolidated Financial Statements) and related standards for groups using UK-adopted IFRS - FRS 101: the reduced disclosure framework for individual accounts of subsidiaries within IFRS groups

A key practical difference: under FRS 102 goodwill is amortised over its useful life, while under IFRS it is held and tested annually for impairment. We advise on the framework that best suits your group and its stakeholders.

Consolidation Process

Our consolidation process ensures accuracy and compliance: 1. Individual Accounts: Prepare individual accounts for each group company 2. Intercompany Reconciliation: Reconcile intercompany transactions and balances 3. Consolidation Adjustments: Apply consolidation adjustments including fair value, goodwill, and other items 4. Consolidation: Combine individual accounts into consolidated group accounts 5. Review and Validation: Review consolidated accounts for accuracy and compliance 6. Filing: Prepare consolidated accounts for Companies House filing

Complex Group Structures

We handle complex group structures including: - Multi-Level Groups: Groups with multiple levels of subsidiaries - International Groups: Groups with UK and overseas subsidiaries - Joint Ventures: Groups with joint ventures and associates - Mixed Accounting Standards: Groups with subsidiaries reporting under different accounting standards

Integration with Other Services

Our consolidated accounts preparation services integrate with Group Audit Services, IFRS Accounts Preparation, FRS 102 Accounts Preparation, and UK Subsidiary Audits for international groups.

What You Get With Acumon

  • Extensive experience in consolidated accounts preparation for complex groups
  • Expert knowledge of FRS 102 and IFRS consolidation requirements
  • Efficient consolidation process handling complex group structures
  • Accurate intercompany elimination and consolidation adjustments
  • Clear, transparent reporting tailored to group stakeholders
  • Ongoing support and advice on consolidation matters

Why Acumon for Consolidated Accounts?

  • ICAEW-registered firm of chartered accountants
  • UK-based team of 90+ staff with integrated accounts, audit and tax expertise
  • Experience with multi-level, international and mixed-GAAP consolidations
  • Can provide fully qualified accountants and CFOs / Financial Directors for complex group needs

Get a Fixed-Fee Quote

Tell us what you need and we'll come back within one business day with a clear scope and a fixed price — no hourly-rate surprises. Call 020 8567 3451 or use the form and we'll be in touch.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When does a group have to prepare consolidated accounts?
A UK parent company must generally prepare group accounts unless an exemption applies. The most common exemptions are for small groups — broadly those within the raised small company limits (£15m turnover, £7.5m balance sheet, 50 employees) for periods beginning on or after 6 April 2025 — and for intermediate parents whose results are consolidated into a larger group's publicly filed accounts. We assess your position before starting work.
What is the difference between FRS 102 and IFRS consolidation?
The mechanics are similar, but key treatments differ: FRS 102 amortises goodwill over its useful life, while IFRS carries goodwill and tests it annually for impairment; lease, financial instrument and deferred tax treatments also diverge. The right choice depends on your investors, lenders and any overseas parent. We prepare group accounts under both and advise on which framework serves you best.
Can you consolidate subsidiaries that use different accounting systems or standards?
Yes. We routinely consolidate groups whose subsidiaries report under different local GAAPs, in different currencies and on different software. We align accounting policies, translate foreign operations, reconcile intercompany positions and produce a single compliant set of group accounts with a full audit trail of adjustments.
How do you deal with intercompany balances that do not agree?
Unreconciled intercompany balances are the most common cause of consolidation delays. We reconcile trading accounts, loans and management charges across the group, investigate differences and post correcting entries before consolidating — and we can set up month-end intercompany routines so next year's consolidation is painless.
Do joint ventures and associates go into consolidated accounts?
Yes, but not by full consolidation. Associates and joint ventures are generally equity accounted, so the group recognises its share of their results and net assets rather than line-by-line figures. We identify the correct classification for each investment — subsidiary, joint venture, associate or simple investment — and apply the right method.
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