Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

In five simple steps, you can change your small business accountant.

Author: Arslan Ali
by Arslan Ali
Posted: Aug 20, 2021

An external accountant or bookkeeper is used by 80% of small enterprises. According to Xero, a small business platform, 70% of small business owners would not recommend their accountant to others, and more than a quarter stated they are inclined to transfer accountants.

Furthermore, more than a third of small business owners would advise people to avoid their accountant because they believe they don't understand business difficulties, don't provide adequate help, charge too much, and aren't technologically savvy.

Look for a new accountant.

You can look for a new chartered accountant or a chartered certified accountant through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales or the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants.

Choosing an accountant who is physically close to you is something to consider. The amount of documentation that needs to be physically transferred between your business and your accountant is often overlooked by small enterprises. You must also maintain the paperwork for a minimum of seven years. So, choosing a local accountant could save you money on taxi fees or osteopath bills from your strained back shifting all those paperwork.

Establish a first meeting.

Make an appointment with your prospective accountant for an initial meeting. The majority of companies will provide a free initial consultation. ICAEW businesses who display the BAS Business Advice Service emblem agree to provide a free initial consultation of one hour.

Take your most current financial statements and tax return with you; they'll assist your new accountant estimate how much work is necessary and how much the charge for handling your tax matters will be.

Because you are revealing the most intimate details of your business to your client, your relationship with them is very confidential. Your connection with an accountant is similar to that of a priest in that it must be established on trust.

"You have to find someone with whom you can collaborate," Khan explains. You must think to yourself, "Yes, I can work with this individual." after that meeting. After all, that accountant is supposed to be your trusted business advisor. You must be quite certain that you and the other person will be able to operate well together."

Send an email to your current accountant.

Some clients prefer to give their outgoing accountant notice in person or over the phone. You should also state this in writing - unless they specifically need a handwritten letter, an email should suffice.

You must inform them that you are changing accountants and request that they provide any needed information to your new accountants.

Your new accountant could write a template letter to your outgoing accountant, asking them to release any information requests to your new adviser and terminating all taxation services with immediate effect.

This covers the termination of your former accountant's services and authorises them to provide information to their replacement.

According to input from businesses on the digital tax accounts, HMRC does not appear to comprehend how firms create and use accounts.

Figure out where you are in the tax cycle.

Before starting the following cycle, try to get to the end of your current tax year and leave at that time.

If your new accountant is in the middle of drafting your tax return, you should expect to be charged for it. If you aren't a limited corporation, that accountant may be able to place a lien on your documents if you don't pay the bill.

It's easier to avoid being doubly charged by your new accountant for redoing earlier work if you time it to coincide with the end of one accounting month.

Make an appointment with your new accountant.

A registration form will normally be sent by the new accountant to record your personal and limited business information.

You can identify skilled Chartered accountants, bookkeepers, and tax specialists in under 3 minutes, compare services and pricing, and join up online in under 3 minutes. Free, fast, secure, and reliable! We promise to maintain our promises if you utilise Accounting Firms in UK to find accountants for all of your business needs. We are a completely neutral and independent service that allows you to find and hire an accountant in one place.

About the Author

Accounting Firms offer services such as Accountants registration and assistance in locating qualified accountants all in one location.

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Arslan Ali

Arslan Ali

Member since: Aug 09, 2021
Published articles: 17

Related Articles