Are you thinking you’re not getting the best service from your accountant? Are they difficult to deal with? Do they leave things to the last minute? Can you never seem to get hold of them? Or, are you just not seeing value for the money you spend on them?

There’s lots of reasons why you might consider changing, but the implications of transferring can often put people off. Isn’t it hassle you don’t need? It’s bound to be a laborious process with lots of to-ing and fro-ing, lengthy discussions and form filling, right?

The belief that the switch will be a complete nightmare and disrupt the smooth-running of the business is why many stay put with their existing accountant, even if they’re dissatisfied with the service received.

The good news is, we’ve made the process quick, simple and painless.

Why change?

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you speak to your accountant every month?
• Has your accountant ever asked you about your business or personal goals?
• Do you feel your accountant understands your business?
• Do you understand everything your accountant tells you?
• Does your accountant help you manage the cashflow in your business?
• Does your accountant request information from you well before a filing deadline?
• Does your accountant use easy, up-to-date software to manage your books and accounts?
• Does your accountant offer advice on how to grow your business and profits?
• Does your accountant warn you of additional costs prior to invoicing for extra work?

If the answer to any of these questions is NO, you should question whether you’re with the right accountant. Chances are, they’re keeping you compliant but doing little else to help your business.

We believe an accountant should be central to the progression and success of your business. They should understand your motivation for running the business, have an in-depth knowledge of how the business operates, be in regular contact with you to analyse and discuss the figures and be able to offer inciteful advice on helping you achieve your goals.

That’s the way we work with our clients.

If this sounds unfamiliar, then consider a change. It could make a huge difference to your business – and your life!

When’s the best time to change?

If you’ve decided it’s time for a change, start discussions with alternative accountants at least two months before the next accounting year in your business begins. So, if your financial year runs from April to March, begin this process in January or February.

This will allow you time to find the right match for you and have preliminary discussions about your business that will make the transition easier.

It will enable your new accountant to put the necessary plans in place to support the changeover and to seamlessly pick up your accounts from month one of the new accounting year.

How to change your accountant

The support offered in making the switch may vary, but we’ve created a step-by-step process that makes it quick and simple.

Here’s how it works:

Letter to current accountant
If you’ve decided we’re the perfect accounts team, we’ll provide a template letter to send to your current accountant to make them aware of the transition.

Essential information
We’ll send you an online form to gather all the required information we need to complete your accounts, such as tax reference numbers, personal details and contact information.

HMRC & Companies House
We will contact HMRC and Companies House on your behalf to request the codes we need. All you have to do is forward to us the details they then send you.

Accounting software
We will set up Xero and Receipt Bank to manage your books and record keeping if you’re not already using these.

Training           
If you haven’t worked with Xero before, we’ll book a training session with you to enable you to use this effectively.

We guarantee you’ll find the whole thing easy, but we’ll be on-hand to help at every step should you need us.

At Get Smart Accountants we work with our clients to drive growth and help them achieve their dreams.

If you’d like some advice or support to get your business moving in the right direction, then we’d love to hear from you.

Call Emma or Paul on 01902 212937

#growthriveprosper