N°3 · Guidance
Before you change accountant: what to establish first
Changing adviser is straightforward mechanically and consequential practically. A few questions asked early prevent most of the difficulties.
Businesses usually change accountant for one of three reasons: the work is late, the work is opaque, or the relationship has outgrown the arrangement. All three are legitimate. The transition itself is routine, since records are transferred and professional clearance is sought from the outgoing firm, but the value of the change depends on what is settled before it happens.
Establish what is actually in scope
A surprising proportion of dissatisfaction traces to scope rather than performance: work assumed to be included that never was. Ask for the scope in writing, including what falls outside it and how out-of-scope work is handled.
Establish who does the work
There is a difference between who you meet and who prepares your accounts. Neither arrangement is wrong, but you should know which applies and who to contact when something needs an answer the same week.
Establish the calendar
Deadlines are only half of a timetable. Ask when information is due from you, when drafts are issued, and when the review conversation happens. A firm that cannot describe its own cycle will not run yours reliably.
Establish how records are handled
Ask how your information will be transferred, stored and eventually returned or deleted, and through which channels sensitive documents should be sent. Financial records should never travel through ad hoc, unsecured channels.
This note is general and does not address regulatory requirements in any particular jurisdiction.
General information only. It is not accounting, tax or legal advice and does not take account of your circumstances or jurisdiction.