Switching Accountants: Why It’s Easier Than You Think
Switching accountants doesn’t have to be hard! Discover the easy steps to find a values-aligned accountant who truly supports your business growth.
Emma Bowdler
I’m a cheerleader for women and an accountant bursting with personality.
Accountants are not like football teams or family recipes; they don’t need to be passed down through generations. Instead, the way we like to think of it is that your accountant is your (not so) secret advantage — the one who’s there through thick and thin, ready to offer advice, support, and maybe even a little tough love when you need it, like a business BFF.
Find the right one, it’s magic. So, if you sense that it’s time to try a different flavour of finance, or that you could be getting a whole lot more outta this relationship than you currently are, let’s break down the process of how to switch accountants in a few easy steps.
A Good Accountant = Your Business Advantage
Gone are the days where business accountants are glorified bean counters, or it’s all stuffy older men in a boardroom using acronyms while you glaze over — instead, there are plenty of amazing women in finance who you can really count on to elevate all aspects of your business, from pricing strategy to tax planning.
A good business accountant understands your business’ structure, aligns with your values, and can help you make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability. They’re not just ticking boxes; they’re adding value.
When it comes to your business finances, having the right support is as crucial as a good bra in a bounce house.
A good business accountant does much more than just balance the books — they’re your financial strategist, helping you navigate the complexities of taxation, identify opportunities for savings, and ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations. They can offer insights into cash flow management, helping you optimise your resources and avoid potential waste.
Depending on their level of expertise, a good business accountant can also assist in financial forecasting and budgeting, giving you a clearer picture of your business’s future and guiding you towards ‘success’ whatever that means to you, whether it’s scaling up, streamlining operations, or investing in new opportunities. Plus, they are *absolutely* the person to call when your business hits rocky waters, or you need a second opinion — because helping businesses thrive is their bread and butter.
Ultimately, a good business accountant frees up your time and mental energy, allowing you to focus on what you do best.
How to Know If Things Aren’t Working
Like any relationship, sometimes, it’s crystal clear when things are on the rocks and you need to go your separate ways.
Other times, the signs are subtle and sneak up on you; they are shaken not stirred. Here are a few red flags to watch out for:
🚩 Lack of Communication:
Do you find yourself waiting days or even weeks for a response? Like any relationship, good communication is key, and your accountant should be no different.
Think about how often you want to hear from your accountant, and compare that to what you’re getting right now.
🚩 Values Mismatch:
Maybe you’re passionate about sustainability,
and your accountant doesn’t seem to care.
Or maybe you have big, lofty goals, and your accountant wants
to see you play small. If the values don’t align, rarely do the vibes.
🚩 Hidden Fees:
Do you know *exactly* what you’re paying for?
If your accountant’s fees feel like a mystery, or you don’t feel like you’re getting sufficient value for money — it might be time to explore other options.
🚩 Inconsistent Advice:
Are you getting mixed messages?
Your accountant is one of the last people you want to be getting your wires crossed with. Instead, they should be able to provide clear, consistent advice that helps you make informed decisions.
🚩 Feeling Overlooked:
If you’re feeling like just another number on their books, then you’re definitely not getting the personalised service you need.
You pour your heart and soul into your business, and you want an accountant who’s always on the lookout for new opportunities and efficiencies for you; someone who’s as invested in your success as you are.
Remember: your accountant should be someone you trust implicitly — someone who’s in your corner, ready to help your business thrive.
Like any good relationship, this is a bond built on trust, mutual understanding, and a sense of shared purpose. After all, your accountant is *literally* the person you get between the (spread)sheets with, so if they don’t feel like the right fit — or if they don’t get your business goals, share your values, or communicate in a way that makes sense to you — then it’s time to find someone who is. And while switching accountants might sound like a hassle, it absolutely doesn’t have to be.
Finding Someone New
So, you’ve decided it’s time for a change.But where do you start? Here are a few things to consider when it comes to finding a new accountant.
‘Must-Haves’
🩷 Registered Tax Agent:
Most accounting might be done online these days, but that doesn’t mean a piece of paper is not important. Make sure your accountant is a registered tax agent by verifying their credentials on the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) website (search: Emma Bowdler 😉).
🩷 Accounting Platform Compatibility:
If you’re already using business accounting software Xero (or another platform), it’s important that your accountant is comfortable and experienced with it (we’re Gold Partners!).
If you’re absolutely wedded to using something else, then find someone who’s a whiz with it.
🩷 Price vs. Value:
Consider what you actually need from your accountant. Are you looking for growth and scale advice, or do you just need someone to handle the basics?
Do you want someone to call on for all your finance needs, or just at tax time? This will help you find the right fit without leaving you short where you need it most.
‘Nice-to-Haves’
🩷 Experience in Your Industry:
While it’s not critical, finding an accountant with experience in your industry can be a major bonus. They’ll be familiar with the challenges and opportunities specific to your field, and they can connect you with what you need to know.
🩷 Location:
The pandemic changed a lot of things, and with today’s technology, not being able to literally sit in your accountant’s office isn’t always a dealbreaker, but it’s still something to consider.
Decide if you want someone local or if you’re comfortable to do all the good stuff online.
🩷 Values and Vibes:
Look for someone who shares your business values and understands your goals. This isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about finding someone who gets you and what you’re trying to achieve.
See our Pricing
and Packages
Making the Switch
Switching accountants can be easier than you think!
Here’s how the process looks with The Women’s Accountant, once you’ve made your decision to start looking around:
1 - Meet & Greet
Kick things off in style (cake optional) with a friendly chat to understand your needs and see if we’re a vibe.
You talk, we listen, and then we also share how we do things around here.
2 - Quote & Proposal
After getting to know you and your business, we do the equivalent of getting down on one knee by sending you a tailored proposal that outlines exactly how we can help, what your investment is, and all of the fun extras included.
3 - Ethical Clearance Letter
Once you sign on the dotted line, we prepare what’s called an ‘ethical clearance letter’ to send to your previous accountant (if you have one). This is a formal request asking them to transfer any documents they hold on your behalf.
It also means you don’t have to ‘break up’ with your old accountant if you don’t want to — we can do it for you.
4 - Authorise us on myGov
We live in a pretty magical age, which means — depending on your business structure — you’ll authorise us as your tax agent on myGov so we can lodge all the good stuff with the ATO.
Note: If you’re a sole trader or it’s an individual account, we can do it for you, but for companies and trusts, you’ll need to DIY.
5 - Schedule Your Work
Once everything is set, we’ll schedule all your work throughout the year based on your chosen package.
And that’s it - welcome aboard!
Smooth Sailing Ahead
Switching accountants isn’t about creating more work for yourself; it’s about finding the right partner to help your business grow and thrive. The process is designed to minimise disruption to your business and chances are, once you’ve made the switch, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
So, if things aren’t working with your current accountant, don’t be afraid to make a change. It’s often easier than you think, and the benefits are oh-so-worth-it.
Get started with
a Meet & Greet:
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