How to change your accountant: 6 signs it’s time to switch (A complete guide for Kent business owners)

Key takeaways:

• Changing accountants is simpler than most business owners think
• Warning signs include poor communication and lack of proactive advice
• The switching process typically takes 2-4 weeks
• Free consultations help you find the right fit

If you’re searching for ‘how to change my accountant’ or wondering whether it’s hard to switch accountants, you’re not alone. Last month, a local business owner based near our office in Bexley told me they’d been putting off switching accountants for two years because they thought it would be a nightmare. “I know I’m not getting the service I need,” they said, “but the hassle of changing just seems overwhelming.” Perhaps this sounds familiar?

Many Kent business owners stick with unsuitable tax advisors simply because they assume switching is complicated and time-consuming.

The fear of disruption often keeps business owners stuck with subpar service for years, missing out on valuable advice and support. If you’re wondering whether it might be time for a change, here are six clear warning signs – and why making the switch is more straightforward than you think.

1. Your accountant only appears once a year

If your accountant only comes out of the woodwork when it’s time to file your annual returns or prepare year-end accounts, you’re missing out on significant opportunities. Good accountants don’t just handle compliance; they provide ongoing support with tax planning, business advisory services, and strategic guidance. Regular quarterly check-ins can identify potential problems before they become expensive headaches and spot opportunities for tax savings and growth throughout the year. Your accountant should be someone you can turn to when you’re making important business decisions, not just someone who appears with a bill every January.

2. You’re afraid to ask questions

We often hear from new clients that they felt intimidated by their previous accountant. “I was scared to ask questions because I thought they’d think I was stupid,” one café owner told us recently. This shouldn’t be the case – ever.

Making Tax Digital might seem daunting, but with the right support, most of our clients find it’s nowhere near as complicated as they feared. When you don’t understand something about your finances or tax obligations, you should feel comfortable asking for clarification. A good accountant will explain things in plain English and never make you feel silly for seeking understanding. After all, these are your finances we’re talking about – you have every right to understand them fully.

3. They’re always too busy for you

Struggling to get responses to your emails? Finding that conversations feel rushed? Impossible to get through to your accountant on the phone?

These are red flags that suggest you’re not getting the service you deserve.

Your accountant should respond to queries promptly and give you adequate time during conversations. When you’re facing important business decisions or dealing with cash flow concerns, you need support when you need it – not when it’s convenient for them. The right accountant will see client communication as an essential part of their service, not an interruption to their day.

4. You’re not getting value for money

If you’re paying substantial fees but only receiving basic compliance work, you’re not getting good value. Your accountant should be an investment in your business growth, not just a necessary cost.

Beyond filing returns and preparing accounts, you should expect business advisory support, tax planning advice, help with strategic decisions, and guidance on things like expense claims and business structure. Discover more about our comprehensive approach to supporting small businesses across Kent. The right chartered accountant can help you save significant amounts in tax through proper timing and strategic advice. Sometimes paying slightly more for comprehensive bookkeeping services saves you significantly more in the long run.

5. They don’t understand your business or industry

Generic advice that doesn’t fit your specific sector could be worse than no advice at all. If your accountant doesn’t understand the seasonal nature of your business, the typical expenses in your industry, or the specific challenges you face, they can’t provide the targeted support you need.

A restaurant owner we work with discovered that some of their most popular dishes were actually losing them money – something their previous accountant had never helped them identify. When your accountant understands your business properly, they can offer insights that genuinely help improve your profitability and efficiency. Learn more about how we work with different types of businesses to provide tailored advice.

6. You’ve outgrown their capabilities

As your business grows and becomes more sophisticated, your accounting needs evolve too. If your accountant can’t handle growth planning, more complex business structures, or modern technology requirements, they might be holding your business back.

This is actually a good problem to have – it shows your business is successful and developing. But you need an accountant who can grow with you, offering advanced services like management accounting, forecasting, and strategic planning as your needs become more complex.

Changing accountants in Kent: what you need to know

The biggest myth about switching accountants is that it’s a complicated, disruptive process. In reality, professional accountants handle transitions regularly, and there’s a well-established process that makes everything straightforward.

Your new accountant will handle most of the work for you when changing accountants. They’ll obtain professional clearance from your previous accountant (following HMRC’s established guidelines), arrange for records to be transferred, and get up to speed with your business quickly. You don’t lose any historical knowledge – everything transfers across seamlessly.

The timing can be planned around your business needs. Many clients prefer to make the switch after their year-end to avoid any complications, but it’s perfectly possible to change accountants at any time. During a free initial consultation, a good accountant will discuss the best timing for your specific situation and explain exactly how the switching process works. Find out more about our friendly team’s approach to supporting clients through transitions.

Most importantly, you’re not committed to anything until you’re completely comfortable. Reputable accountants in Kent offer no-obligation consultations where you can discuss your current situation, understand what better service looks like, and get all your questions answered without any pressure.

How to find a better accountant in Dartford and Kent

When searching for a new local accountant, look for someone who offers proactive business support, not just compliance services. The best accountant should make you feel confident about your financial decisions and be genuinely invested in your business success. Learn more about what to look for in professional accounting services that support business growth.

Signs you need a new accountant checklist:

• ✓ Only contact you once a year for compliance work
• ✓ Make you feel uncomfortable asking questions
• ✓ Always seem too busy to provide proper attention
• ✓ Charge high fees without providing strategic value
• ✓ Don’t understand your specific industry or business model
• ✓ Can’t support your business growth and development needs

5-step process for changing accountants:

1. Research potential new accountants in your local area by searching ‘find me an accountant in [your location] on Google or using an AI tool such as ChatGPT. Also ask other business owners or your business networking groups for recommendations.
2. Book free consultations to discuss your needs and assess fit.
3. Choose your new accountant and agree on services and timing.
4. Professional clearance – your new accountant handles this with your old one.
5. Records transfer – seamless handover of all historical information.

Questions to ask potential accountants:

• How do you support business growth and planning?
• What’s your approach to client communication and response times?
• Do you have experience with businesses in my industry?
• What additional services do you offer beyond compliance?
• How do you help clients with tax planning throughout the year?

Frequently asked questions about changing accountants

1. How hard is it to change accountants?

Changing accountants is much easier than most business owners imagine. The process is well-established and your new accountant handles most of the administrative work for you.

2. What’s the process for switching accountants in the UK?

The switching process involves professional clearance between accountants, transfer of records, and a handover period. Your new accountant will guide you through each step.

3. How do I find a good accountant in Kent?

Look for local accountants who offer proactive business advice, respond promptly to queries, and make you feel comfortable asking questions. Free consultations help you assess whether they’re the right fit.

4. Can I change accountants mid-year?

Yes, you can change accountants at any time. Many prefer to switch after year-end for simplicity, but it’s perfectly possible to change during the tax year with proper planning.

5. How much does it cost to change accountants?

Usually, nothing. Unless you have a fixed term contract with your current accountant, there is not usually any cost incurred when switching.

6. What should I expect during a free consultation with a new accountant?

A good consultation should cover your current challenges, explain their service approach, discuss pricing transparently, and give you a clear sense of whether they understand your business needs. You should never feel pressured to make an immediate decision.

Time to get the service you deserve

Finding the right accountant in Kent doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re based in Dartford, Sevenoaks, Canterbury, or anywhere across the county, the process of changing accountants is straightforward when you know what to look for.

Your accountant should be a trusted advisor who genuinely cares about your business success, not just someone who files paperwork once a year. If you’ve recognised several of these warning signs, it might be time to explore your options with local accountants in Kent who offer comprehensive business advisory services.

The process of switching accountants really is more straightforward than the months or years of procrastination that usually precede it. Your business works hard for its success – shouldn’t your accountant be working just as hard for you?

Remember, no question is too simple when it comes to your business finances, and you deserve an accountant who makes you feel confident about your financial decisions rather than confused or intimidated. After all, your business deserves an accountant who’s as invested in its success as you are.

Ready to explore your options?

If you’re considering a change, why not book a free consultation to discuss your current situation with no obligation? Sometimes a simple conversation can clarify whether you’re getting the service your business deserves.