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How to tell your accountant you are moving on

Breaking up is never an easy thing to do, but even the best of relationships can run their course. Obviously in this case I’m referring to your relationship with your accountant, not your lover. You may decide that despite them always being there for you and having a strong relationship, you have found an opportunity for the business to be with a firm that better understands the journey you are on and the industry that you are in. Whatever the reason, you will need to tell your accountant that you will no longer be working with them so they can prepare to transfer all of your accounting information over to your new accountant.

Planning ahead…

But how do you do this? It can be a really simple process that is beneficial in some ways to both parties, an amicable divorce as we like to see it. First of all, don’t be afraid to let them know the situation, the longer you put it off the more complicated it will get. The sooner you do it, the sooner they can start planning their business with life without you, there are plenty more fish in the sea after all! We had a client recently who waited a month after they started with us to tell her old accountant and he refused to hand over any documents so our client ended up providing all of the information. This made it stressful for her.

Remain amicable

It is best to arrange a phone call or meeting with your accountant and let them know the reasons why you have decided to move on. It is a good opportunity to iron out any problems or grievances but more importantly to thank them for the service and explain very objectively your reasons and that it is no slant on them. It can also be an opportunity to obtain any information that may be helpful for your new accountant.

Keep it positive

One important way to ensure a smooth transition is to ask your current accountant what their ideal client is, they may well say it’s you but if it is someone who works in the construction industry for example, it would be handy to let them know that you will keep an eye out for any potential prospects for them. This way you have replaced yourself and made the situation more positive. Another point is it’s always a good idea to give your accountant as much notice as you can when leaving as well. If you let them know what services they will need to continue for the next month or so, this gives clarity for both your existing accountant and new accountant.

If you’ve made the decision to move accountant and you are wondering if you’ve got everything in place, download this simple checklist here.

 

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