A question we hear a lot when meeting small businesses who want to establish a relationship with us, is this: How do we switch accountants? Where do we begin?
Switching accountants may seem like a daunting process, especially if you have been with your accountant for some time or if you have only ever had a relationship with your existing accountant.
The good news is that the process is straightforward and actually requires very little work by you.
We hear many reasons from prospective clients on why they may be considering switching accountants. It may be because they are not receiving the service they would like or they are not getting the returns they would like in their small business.
We can help you switch accountants
Whatever your reasons may be for switching accountants, it could be the best decision you ever make.
At Southside Accounting, we can help you with:
- One-off services like annual accounts & corporate tax returns
- Reducing the amount of tax you pay by reviewing your current tax position.
- Avoiding penalties from HMRC for late submission or errors in your annual accounts and tax returns.
Southside Accounting will manage the switch over process for you, and work with you and your existing accountant to ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently.
Why Southside Accounting?
We are fully chartered, certified accountants so we’re well qualified to be the trusted advisers you need to help make your company a success.
Our fixed fee structure means there are no surprises. And our smart Service Plans are tailored to meet the particular demands of your business.
So whether you’re a sole trader just starting out, a Limited Company, PAYE, or an established business with employees, we can help.
We always offer an initial free face to face meeting with prospective clients, so we can get to know you and your business and understand your unique circumstances and business goals.
Call us to book a free no-obligation meeting today.
3 simple steps for switching accountants
1. Informing your existing accountant
The main action on your part is to inform your existing accountant formally via letter or email that you plan to switch accountants. You can also at this point consider any outstanding work to be completed. You can also discuss a handover date if there is outstanding work to be done, but also know that as your new accountant, Southside Accounting can will also discuss the logistics of the switch to ensure a smooth transition.
2. Registering with us as your new accountant
We will send you our standard terms of engagement and quote for services, and if you agree and sign the engagement documents, we will then carry out anti-money laundering checks as per Anti-Money Laundering Regulations. This may sound time consuming, but usually only requires photo ID and proof of address from you, and a soft copy via email is fine versus original copies.
You are now our client and we will take over the communication with your old accountant and go through the clearance process, as outlined below.
3. Clearance process
We will write to your new accountant formally, known as the clearance letter. The letter will outline that you have engaged us as your new accountant, and we will ask if they think there are any reasons as to why they we not accept you as a client.
We will also ask for copies of previous accounts, tax records, tax returns and any other information we need to make the transition as smooth as possible.
And that’s it!
We would be delighted to welcome you to the Southside Accounting family, and as you can see, the switch over to us would be painless and a move towards a successful and thriving business. You can read testimonials to see what our client say about us, here.
Who are Southside Accounting?
Southside Accounting are your local accountants in Wimbledon and London. We’re local, like you. And we’re a dynamic
small business. Just like you.
Southside Accounting provide sole trader and limited company services, including tax return services, to small businesses in the UK and are advocates of cloud accounting software and use Xero and QuickBooks.
Written by Shaima Todd.
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