What Would Make You Change Your Accountant?

[PaulSimister]

Are accountants a supplier of a commodity service that is a necessary but not particularly appreciated cost for most small businesses?

They all prepare accounts which look much the same and have to submit the same tax returns to HMR&C

Or have you found that accountants differ in quality and that there is a big difference between an accountant who does the necessary and goes through the motions and an accountant who responds to your business with a friendly, proactive professional service?

So what would make you change accountants?

Would it be because you were so frustrated with their service and attitude that you would be determined to find a better one?

If so, what are the main reasons why you would change your accountant because of what the current one does?

Or would you be tempted to change if you heard other people you respect raving about their accountant?

And if so, what would the new accountant do that would impress you so much?

Apart from it being an interesting subject - and a chance for a spot of "accountant bashing" if you want - I advise several accountants and I'd like to hear your thoughts.

[julieraikes]

Hi Paul, Im a management accountant and the reason Im getting clients coming to me is because they want proactivity. They want someone to advise and support them through the year - they dont see the value of knowing how theyve done when its too late. They also recognise that accountants who have always worked in practice do not bring the same skills as those who have worked in business. There is a place for both but not with small businesses who cant afford both. Many accountants dont actually like working with people! thats why they prefer to stay in their offices and simply do the books

Are accountants a supplier of a commodity service that is a necessary but not particularly appreciated cost for most small businesses?

They all prepare accounts which look much the same and have to submit the same tax returns to HMR&C

Or have you found that accountants differ in quality and that there is a big difference between an accountant who does the necessary and goes through the motions and an accountant who responds to your business with a friendly, proactive professional service?

So what would make you change accountants?

Would it be because you were so frustrated with their service and attitude that you would be determined to find a better one?

If so, what are the main reasons why you would change your accountant because of what the current one does?

Or would you be tempted to change if you heard other people you respect raving about their accountant?

And if so, what would the new accountant do that would impress you so much?

Apart from it being an interesting subject - and a chance for a spot of "accountant bashing" if you want - I advise several accountants and I'd like to hear your thoughts.

[Rob]

I guess accountants generally have an image or PR problem - they are seen to 'do the books' or 'number crunch' - that's it.

An accountant who would give the sort of support Julie outlines will definitely encourage people to move from their existing relationship.

[steady66]

I completely agree. If anyone has an accountant and still asks 'why do i need one?', then they're with the wrong accountant. They should be an invaluable port of call for support and not just the number cruncher that Rob highlights.

Therefore, if you can find a more proactive accountant, like Julie for example, then you'll see the difference and won't need to ask :)

[ramirezh]

I would definitely replace an incompetent and lazy accountant. Since I should be busy with other things like growing my business, a wrong representation of my financial books would also mean wrong decisions on my end.

[Rob]

I'd look for an accountant that proactively provides advice. I hear about so many who do the bare basics and that's it. If accountants can't advise you on the financial side or your business then who will ... the banks certainly won't!

[PHendy]

Having an accountant that speaks plain English is really important for small businesses.

I have picked up clients recently based partially on fees, mainly because I offer a fixed fee service. Also I get on with people and they want to work with me. That can be important, having someone you like and trust!