Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer or an individual navigating complex finances, having the right accountant is crucial. They’re not just number-crunchers, they’re your financial confidantes, advisers and partners in success.
So, if you find yourself unhappy with your current accounting situation, it’s not worth biting your tongue, staying quiet and sticking with them. Instead, it’s time to take action. Here’s what you can do to turn things around.
Identify the issues
The first thing to do is to take a moment to pinpoint exactly what has caused you to be unhappy or disappointed with your accountant. Is it their responsiveness or their level of expertise? Are they too serious or abrasive?
There are too many possible reasons to list, but the key is to be honest. Sometimes, something just doesn’t feel right or you might clash with your accountant because of a personality difference – and that’s okay.
Understanding the root cause of your dissatisfaction will help you address the problem more effectively.
Communicate your concerns
If you want, you could always contact your accountant and discuss your concerns to see if there is something they can do or change to help you. If they’re a good service provider and put their clients first, they will be happy to talk with you.
Open and honest communication is key to any successful relationship, including the one you have with your accountant. So, schedule a meeting or hop on a call to discuss your concerns. Be clear about what isn’t working for you and give them the opportunity to address these issues. If you trust them to change, then you might be able to stay with them for a while longer.
Consider your alternatives
If, despite your efforts, the issues persist, it might be time to explore other options. Who you go for is, of course, up to you but here are some factors you might want to consider.
- Locality: Most accountants offer digital services and are happy to work with clients across the country. If you’re happy with that, great. If you prefer to have face-to-face meetings though, you can search the internet for “accountant near me” or similar to find the top firms local to you.
- Expertise: Some accountants have lots of experience with businesses in a certain sector. Others specialise in specific services, such as tax or wealth management. Think about whether you need a certain expertise and tailor your search accordingly.
- Communication: Having an accountant who practises good communication is important. You can test that by reaching out to potential partners and seeing how long they take to respond.
- Price: Make sure you understand the price systems of your potential new accountant. Remember though that higher prices can mean a higher level of expertise or commitment to you, so don’t just go for the cheapest option.
- Feedback: Always read testimonials from other clients. This is the single best way to understand whether an accountant is a good fit for you.
Review your contract
Make sure that you review your contract before you make any decisions. Pay close attention to any clauses about the termination or renegotiation of services. That will help you understand your rights and obligations during the entire process.
Interview potential accountants
It might be a good idea to treat the process of finding a new accountant like hiring new employees. This will help you get to know your potential “recruits” and assess their expertise, style and effectiveness. Trust your instincts and choose someone you feel comfortable working with.
Ensure a smooth transition
You don’t want changing accountants to be difficult, so you should try to ensure a smooth transition. You can do this by promptly sharing all the necessary documents and information that your new accountant asks for. You can also coordinate with your former accountant to transfer any ongoing tasks or responsibilities seamlessly.
Looking for a new accountant?
Remember, your accountant plays a crucial role in helping you achieve your financial goals. Don’t settle for anything less than exceptional service and expertise. By taking proactive steps to address any dissatisfaction and finding the right fit for your needs, you can set yourself up for success in the long run.
Need a new accountant who can serve you better? Talk to us today and we’ll see what we can do for you.
