The best way to begin changing accountants is with a conversation and an agreed sequence of steps. A clear division of responsibilities helps avoid situations where both sides assume that someone else is handling a particular return or accounting task.
Check your current service agreement
Review your agreement with your current accountants, particularly the notice period and the arrangements for transferring documents. Agree which work they will complete before the change and when the records will be ready to collect.
Agree the handover date
Agree with your new accountants when their service will begin and which periods it will cover. Discuss ongoing work, annual returns and any outstanding matters. Signing an agreement does not replace agreeing these details.
Prepare a list of records to transfer
Your new accountants will identify the books, records, returns and other documents they need. The list will depend on the type of accounting you use. Agree the transfer arrangements together with your current accountants.
Discuss access and day-to-day contact
Agree which authorisations or system permissions are needed and who will arrange them. Do not send shared passwords in an ordinary message. Finally, agree a new process for handling documents and a contact person.
Bring with you
A short checklist to prepare
- The terms for ending your current agreement
- An agreed handover date
- A list of documents from your current accountants
- A clear division of responsibility for outstanding accounting and tax work