Glossary

Open Book Accounting

Open book accounting involves companies publishing information whose availability is often restricted on the grounds of commercial sensitivity. FCSA’s approach to auditing Accredited Members involves open book accounting as a copy of the audit file is lodged with HMRC for full transparency. This principle is based on the view that transparency will lead to greater accountability and help the service providers sector and the Government to work closely and openly together in a relationship of mutual benefit.

Other common terms

Personal Service Company (PSC)

This is another term used to define a limited company and is most commonly used with reference to a company that contains a sole director/shareholder

Sole Traders

This term is used to define self-employed people who run their business for themselves and take full responsibility for its success or failure. Unlike working

Offshore Structures

This term refers to any structure including a company that is based offshore (i.e. not in the UK) that offers services to UK recruitment agencies