For any new client starting with us, one of the first things we need to do is to contact your old accountant. It might seem odd at first, but we do this both as a professional requirement, and as a way to make the handover as smooth as possible. Let’s dive into why we need to get in touch with them.
Don’t worry, your accountant won’t feel awkward
If you’re wondering whether your old accountant might be taken aback when we contact them, don’t worry! All UK accountants are used to it. It won’t be the first time it’s happened to them, and rest assured they certainly won’t take it personally.
It’s regulated by our accounting body
We’re required by the accounting institute we’re registered with (the ICAEW) to ask your accountant for clearance before we can work with you. We confirm the business we’re taking on is above board and nothing dodgy is going on. It’s simply a form of due diligence that acts as an extra layer of protection. It’s rare to have any issues pop up, but it’s a requirement we do have to follow.
Requesting information from them saves time
When starting with a new client, there are quite a number of details we need to get things going. The simplest way for us to get this information is to go directly to your old accountant. It’s a real time-saver, meaning you don’t have to be the middle-man and spend time searching for these details. When we approach your accountant, we’ll generally ask for copies of your accounts and tax returns, payroll records and tax references.
We liaise to make the handover as smooth as possible
It’s often useful to speak with your accountant to confirm the changeover process. We make sure we both know what’s happening and when, ensuring there aren’t any gaps in the timeline. Sometimes, it may be better for your old accountant to carry on running your payroll until the end of the tax year before we take it over. By chatting with them, we’ll make sure everything transitions at the right time, in the right way, making it as hassle-free for you as possible.
Switching accountants is easier than you think
If you’re thinking about changing accountants but aren’t sure what the transition would look like, that’s okay! It can seem daunting, but the handover is smooth and simple. Get in touch and we’ll do our best to answer any questions you have.
