Switching accountant: The why & how to change your accountant

A good accountant can make or break your business. So, what happens when your accountant feels like less of an asset and more of a dead weight?

Believe it or not, switching accountants isn’t only possible – it can be a smart business decision.

Why should I switch accountants?

Here are just some of the reasons you might be looking to start over with a new accountant.

1. You never speak to the same person twice

Do you need to introduce yourself afresh every time you contact your accountancy firm? This is a major red flag.

You should have your own dedicated account manager taking care of your business. If your current accountant doesn’t offer this – move on.

2. They’re never available

Accounting packages should include consistent access to your accountant. Not only this – they should also be on hand to answer your questions within a reasonable timeframe.

If your accountant’s out-of-office is still saying Merry Christmas in March, that’s a sure sign it’s time to part ways.

3. They don’t ‘get’ you or your business

The accountant/ client relationship should be a harmonious one. An accountant should take the time to understand your goals in business, as well as the way you like to work.

If you feel your accountant isn’t handling your accounts with your unique business needs in mind, it might be time for greener pastures.

4. They charge too much

Quite simply, many accountants over-charge their clients for basic services. Hidden charges, such as sneaky bills for ad-hoc advice – can really mount up, too.

If you’ve never shopped around for bespoke quotes from other accountants, how do you know you’re not paying more than you need to?

5. They use jargon

Your accountant should communicate with you in a way that you understand. If you feel that your accountant is hiding behind jargon without taking the time to explain what’s going on with your books – it’s high time to switch.

6. They cut it fine

One of the great benefits about outsourcing your accounting is that you don’t have to lose sleep over deadlines and reporting timelines. It’s your accountant’s job to take most of that mental burden.

So, if you find yourself having to chivvy your accountant to get things collated and submitted on time, an accountant switch should be just around the corner.

7. They don’t give advice

An accountant isn’t just there to file your taxes on time. If your accountant isn’t offering their expertise on things like business growth, financial planning and tax efficiency – it’s time to look for one that does.

Is it easy to switch accountants?

It’s surprisingly simple to switch accountants. Your new accountant should manage the process for you (and if they won’t – keep looking)!

Simply follow these steps:

Get a quote

Accountancy package quotes are bespoke, so you won’t know the best deal for you unless you approach a new accountancy firm directly.

Agree on a package

Whether it’s help with your annual Self-Assessment tax return or a full accountancy service for a growing limited company, your new accountant should be able to give you a quote in minutes.

An all-in fixed rate is usually the best option – that way you know what you’re paying each month.

Break up with your current accountant

You’ll need to give your current accountant a notice period before your contract with them ends. Check your agreement for the exact period and ensure you do this in good time – your new accountants will use this time to obtain the relevant information required for the transfer.

Let your new accountant do the rest

Your new accountants should then liaise with your current accountants and get your accounts transferred in time for your new go-live date.

Why choose QAccounting?

To put it simply, we are excellent at what we do. Our clients benefit from outstanding, responsive, proactive accounting solutions which make a real difference to their business’s futures.

At QAccounting we offer:

• Instant, no-obligation quotations
• Low-cost packages at fixed monthly fees (no hidden charges or surprise bills!)
• Dedicated account managers on-hand to answer questions and give advice
• We make switching to us seamless by liaising with your current provider and handling the changeover with minimal disruption to your operations.

The bottom line…

A sloppy, ineffective, or downright AWOL accountant can seriously hinder your success in business. However, switching accountants isn’t as difficult as you’d think.

Drop one of our friendly QAccounting agents a line today and discover how we can help make your life easier – and your business prosper. What are you waiting for, get in touch today!