England - What are some possible reasons an ancestor would name his accountant in his will as a beneficiary? I found my 2x great-grandfather's probate record on Ancestry:  and William (moved to Australia). What are some reasons that he would not leave any funds to his two sons and instead an accountant? Also, was £4949 a lot of money in that time period?

As Tom says in his answer, the people mentioned are the executors of the estate. The record you are looking at is the National Probate Calendar, which is basically a detailed index of probate and administration records each year.

You can order a copy of the actual will, which will usually give much more detailed information on legacies and beneficiaries. A copy of the will can be ordered online from the gov.uk website for just £1.50 (as of April 2020), so it is well worth it.

As to the value of his effects, there are some good converters in the answers at: Converting historic pounds, shillings and pence (£sd) to modern worth?