Thinking about switching accountant is often put off longer than it needs to be, usually because it sounds more disruptive than it is. In practice, most of the work happens between the two firms, not through you. This guide explains the steps, how long it takes, and how we make sure no deadline is missed along the way.

Why people switch

The usual reasons are not about the numbers. Questions go unanswered for days, nobody offers advice until the year-end, fees come as a surprise, the software no longer suits the business, or the business has simply outgrown what the firm can offer. If any of that sounds familiar, switching is a normal and routine thing to do.

How to change accountant, step by step

1. Tell us you'd like to move

We start with a conversation about what you need and what you already have in place. We then agree the scope of the work, the timetable and the fees before anything begins, so there are no surprises.

2. We request professional clearance

We write formally to your current accountant to ask for "professional clearance": a standard letter confirming there is no professional reason we should not take you on. Almost every accountant deals with this routinely, and there is no need for an awkward conversation. It is handled firm to firm.

3. We collect your records

We ask your previous accountant for what we need: accounting records, prior year accounts and tax returns, and any HMRC or Companies House correspondence.

4. We get authorised to act for you

You sign a letter of engagement with us, and we complete the identity checks that all accountants are required to carry out. We then notify HMRC that we now act for you, so we can deal with them directly from then on.

5. We check your deadlines

Before we take over, we go through your upcoming filing and payment dates so nothing falls between two firms. We pay particular attention if a year end, a VAT return, a payroll deadline or a Self Assessment date is close.

How long does it take?

Most changeovers complete within a few weeks. How quickly depends mainly on how fast the previous accountant hands over the records, which is outside your control but not ours: we chase it for you.

When is the best time to switch?

There is rarely a good reason to wait for a "natural" point in the year. Moving mid-year is common, and the sooner professional clearance starts, the sooner we can make sure nothing is missed. If a deadline is close, tell us when we first speak and we will plan around it.

What you need to do

Really just two things: let your outgoing accountant know you are moving on, and sign the letter of engagement with us so we are authorised to act. Everything else, including the paperwork trail, the requests and the HMRC authorisation, is ours to chase.

Will my current accountant know?

Yes. They will receive our professional clearance letter. That is normal practice and nothing to worry about. You do not need to give a reason.

What if there is a dispute over fees or the handover is slow?

Tell us at the start. A fee dispute can slow the handover, and we will help you work out the practical way forward. If records are slow to arrive, we keep chasing and plan around the gap.

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