Get to know Total Books
Meet your Bookkeeping, Accounting, Tax and VAT team near you
A Bit About Us
We are a friendly and professional team of local accountants and tax experts serving small to medium sized businesses close to you in Cardiff, Newport and Bristol.
At its helm Buhir Rafiq (MAAT) the Managing Accountant of Total Books and his team have over thirty years of combined specialist experience in Accountancy, bookkeeping, and taxation. Our vast portfolio of clients ranges from new start-ups to small and medium-sized businesses.
Buhir Rafiq is the Managing Partner of Total Books Accountants and also the Practice Principal of RX Virtual Finance Ltd. With over 30 years of experience in accounting and finance, he has worked across public sector bodies, private firms, and SMEs. Buhir is a licensed AAT accountant and a certified Xero expert, recognised for his practical thinking, hands-on approach, and strong focus on client relationships.
He began his career with Haines Watts before moving to the National Audit Office, where he built a solid background in audit and financial reporting. In 2009, he founded Total Books Accountants to provide clear, affordable support for businesses. RX Virtual Finance followed, offering cloud-based accounting solutions with a personalised service.
Buhir has also contributed to the wider community. He is a former trustee and treasurer of the Welsh Refugee Council and regularly mentors local businesses through Business Wales. His focus on ethical practice, smart systems, and tailored advice has helped shape both firms into trusted partners for clients across the UK.
At Total Books Accountants, our success is built on a simple foundation: long-term relationships, impartial advice, and honest support that helps your business grow with confidence.
We are licensed and regulated by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and registered tax agents with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Our clients benefit from ongoing compliance oversight and guidance provided by the AAT, giving complete peace of mind.
With offices in Bristol, Cardiff, and Newport, we serve clients across the South West and Wales. Our firm is powered by advanced IT systems and a strong focus on data security. We operate using 14th-generation PCs backed by enterprise-level security, supported by Redtree IT, our trusted local managed service provider. From round-the-clock protection and secure backups to password security, cyber defence, and email encryption, our infrastructure is built to protect your business data at every level.
We manage our client relationships using Bright Manager, a purpose-built CRM for accountants that securely integrates with HMRC and Companies House. This allows for fast, encrypted, and accurate communication. Our digital software suite also includes Xero, TaxCalc, and BrightPay, ensuring your accounts, tax returns, and payroll processes are accurate, efficient, and fully digital.
We continue to invest in modern systems, processes, and software—so whether you’re running a pharmacy, a local business, or a growing company, you’ll receive reliable, tech-driven financial support tailored to your needs.
Meet Buhir Rafiq, our founder
Total Books is led by Buhir Rafiq, the AAT licensed accountant who founded the practice in Cardiff in 2009 and still runs it as managing director. With around 30 years in accounting and finance behind him, he works directly with limited company directors on compliance, tax-efficient profit and the senior financial direction that helps a business grow. He also founded RX Virtual Finance, a sister practice for UK pharmacies.
- AAT licensed (MAAT)
- HMRC registered tax agent
- Companies House authorised agent
- Xero Certified Advisor
Two regulated practices, one leadership. Buhir is the named founder of Total Books Accountants Ltd (company 13693978) and RX Virtual Finance Ltd (company 16148415), separate companies on the Companies House register run under the same professional credentials. Read his full background, career and certifications on the About Buhir Rafiq page.
Want to talk to the founder, not a call centre?
Start with a free, no-obligation 15-minute call, in Cardiff, Newport, Bristol or UK-wide through the Virtual Finance Office.
Connect with Buhir: LinkedIn · buhirrafiq.co.uk
Our Accreditations and Certifications
We’re committed to providing top-level accounting services by staying updated with industry best practices.
Why choose TotalBooks for your business?
Our team of provide support and advice in a professional and jargon-free way in a wide range of tax and accounting matters. We think accounting should be an integral part of your company and decision making that is why we make easily available to you and your business.
Within our excellent team we have years of diverse experience, ensuring that you are provided with the advice and expertise you need in your decision making.
No matter the size, each project is handled by a qualified professional who then personalises their service to meet your unique needs and requirements.
Our dedication to professional development gives customers the reassurance that their business is handled in a time-efficient and professional manner. Our accountancy firm’s tailor-made strategy to accountancy will enable you accomplish your professional and private goals.
In a progressively dynamic environment, we are fully understanding of the accountancy difficulties affecting local businesses. We have comprehensive experience of the existing industry that helps us to foresee any possible risks to your company and take advantage of any future possibilities.
See why we are the best reviewed accountants across Cardiff and Bristol
Our expert accountancy team is happy to help whatever the issue as we personalise our assistance to meet the individual needs of each of our clients. We’ve received feedback from some of the people we’ve helped so far – here’s what they’ve said:
Whether you are a new startup, existing or growing business our useful business guides will give you a peace of mind that our world of numbers does make sense.
Top 5 Bookkeeping Tips for Small Business
How To Prepare For Your Self-Assessment Tax Return – A Detailed Guide
Top Self Employed Tax Deductible Expenses
Speak to our expert local bookkeepers, accountants, VAT and taxation specialists.
Ready to take the next step? Let’s find an accounting solution that works for you. We’re here to answer any questions you may have.
