As a business owner, you can encounter some challenges that don’t have a ‘one-size fits all’ solution, especially when you want to change accountants.

If you feel that you have outgrown your accountant or are not getting the right type of service from them, do not be afraid. Moving accountants is a relatively straightforward process, with an established, and politely professional procedure to follow.

Reasons to Change Accountants

Before some of our customers came to us, they had issues with their then-accountants, such as:

• Scared to be billed for just a quick phone call question, so they don’t reach out for a professional opinion.
• Scared to ask questions, so they miss out on understanding changes to the business.
• Missed out on business savings the accountant didn’t see in a cashflow forecast.
• Had specific issues the accountants couldn’t solve and didn’t direct them to the right path.

If any of these apply to you, maybe it’s time to change accountants.

As Management Accountants, we want you to feel secure in your own business accounts. Even if you’re a fresh start-up, trusting someone with your finances can feel quite invasive. It’s better that the trust you give doesn’t go in vain, so that you know your financial accounts are being done correctly and conveyed to you thoroughly in a style of your preference.

Simple Steps to Change Accountants

Every business is different, whether hiring an external accountant for the first time, or wanting to switch accountants because you’re unhappy with the service provided. Here’s how you can go about changing accountants:

1. Choosing a new accountant. Some questions to ask them, as well as price it is worth checking the following:
   1. Are they the right fit for you – are you looking for the cheapest online only service, or do you want to be able to discuss, query and problem solve with them?
   1. Do you feel comfortable talking with them? Your accountant will see your business warts and all.
   1. Check that they have continuity cover if the key member of staff is away.
2. Receive letter of engagement from your new accountant and expect that they will need to undertake Anti-Money Laundering checks on you in the form of identification and questionnaires.
3. Give notice to your outgoing accountant notifying them of when you would like to change and giving them details of your new accountant.
4. Expect to sit back and let them sort out handover. The new accountant will send professional clearance letter; the old accountant will release the records to the new.
5. The new will obtain HMRC authorisation to enable them to become your agent and speak to HMRC on your behalf.

Afraid to change accountants?

We understand if you may still be hesitant to move from one accountant to another, as it can feel quite daunting. If you’re still unsure on how to change accountants, book a free consultation with us and we can sort it out with you step-by-step. Reaching out to others is always the hardest step, as you would normally not want to offend anyone.

Always check the credentials and certificates of any new accountant. You are obligated to ask for evidence of professionalism, if you are ever unsure, and its common practice.

Explore our services to learn more about how we can help you, and your business thrive.

JR Management Accountancy takes pride in being good listeners, and understanding the foundations of your business and goals, not just doing your accounts without a word. If this service style is something you’re interested in, let’s sit down and have a cup of tea to discuss where to go next. Call us on 01905 796512 or email us at info@jrma.co.uk.