Is it Easy to Switch Accountants?

Why do I need an accountant?

Having an accountant really is an essential tool and a great asset to your business – not only will they help you to keep on top of your financial liabilities and deadlines, they’ll also be able to provide you with the type of useful financial advice that you might not otherwise be aware of.

What happens if I’m no longer happy with my accountant?

For many people, the idea of having to switch to another accountant can seem like too much hassle, however, it is an easy process.

Plus, if you’re really not happy with your current accountant and the service that they are providing (the service that you are paying for!), then it seems like a no-brainer to make the switch.

It is however, worth considering the timing – ideally, you want to do it when there’s not much going on with your business, such as at the end of the financial year.

Making the switch

As mentioned previously, it is an easy task to switch accountants.

All you need to do is:

• Write to your accountant informing them of your decision to leave – we have a Notice of Termination Template page you can refer to.
• Register with a new accountant – you’ll usually need to fill out a registration form and your new accountant will have to (by law) carry out an anti-money laundering check on you.
• Letter of engagement – this is a written agreement that will come from your new accountant explaining the expectations and requirements between the both of you.
• Professional Clearance – this is where your new accountant will contact your previous accountant to gain access to your financial information, such as accounts and tax records.
• Authorise your new accountant to deal with HMRC on your behalf – to do this you’ll need to sign a 64-8 form.

What should I look for in a new accountant?

It can seem like a bit of a mind field when trying to find an accountant – there are a lot of them out there to choose from and you need to make sure that they can offer you everything you need for you and your business.

Here are a few key factors to take into consideration when looking for the best accountant for you:

• Do they specialise in contractor tax? It’s really important that you hire an accountant who specialises in working with contractors, otherwise, you simply won’t get the type of service you need – there will be a number of legislations and taxes that will only apply to your situation and so it’s vital that your accountant understands this area in order to advise and help you properly.
• Will I have my own dedicated accountant? Having one point of contact rather than being passed around a team of people is something that not all accountancy companies offer, but it really is important because it means that they will know you and your business well, which will only benefit you when it comes to providing personalised advice.
• Are they qualified? An accountant isn’t required by law to have qualifications, but it might give you peace of mind knowing that they do have them.
• Do they have a fixed monthly amount? You definitely shouldn’t assume that every accountant works on a fixed monthly fee, and if they don’t you could find yourself being charged every time you even speak to your accountant, which could certainly result in a surprise bill at the end of the year. Check that their package is inclusive of everything you need for your business, such as tax returns, VAT returns and payroll.
• Have they got a good reputation? Make sure you do your research and find an accountant that has a good reputation and can be trusted – speak to other self-employed professionals and see how happy they are with their accountant and look for reviews and forums for more information.

As an award-winning accountancy company, we offer all of the above, plus more. Read our Why Dolan Accountancy? page for more information. If you’re interested in switching to Dolan Accountancy, click here to request a call back.

If you need any further information, please call one of our friendly experts on 01442 795 100 or email sophie.lewis@dolanaccountancy.com.