10 Reasons to Change Your Accountant

Changing your accountant is a straightforward and smooth process – we outlined the main steps in a previous blog. Why should you change your accountant, though? What are the business conditions, financial considerations, or compliance reasons that can trigger a different approach? When does it make sense to change your accountant?

Changing accountants is common in business and our team at Gilroy Gannon has decades of experience welcoming new clients who have moved from another accountancy firm to us. From that experience, here are the 10 main reasons for changing your accountant.

Reason 1: Your Business is Growing

Your existing accountant might have served you well for a number of years. However, as your business grows, your accounts and finances can become more complex, and your needs can change. You might need additional services or capacity, for example, or specialist advice.

In these situations, it makes sense to explore other options with accountants who can fully support the needs of your growing business.

Reason 2: Your Business Should Be a Priority

It is frustrating when a supplier or service provider doesn’t give your business the attention it deserves. When it comes to accountancy services, this situation can manifest itself in slow responses to emails, calls not returned, or being passed off to a junior member of staff. Whatever the situation, if you feel your business is not being treated as a priority, it is worth exploring other options.

Reason 3: It Should be Easier to Get in Contact

Communication was mentioned in the previous point, but it is also worth highlighting separately. This is because it should not be difficult to get in contact with your accountant and for the communication to be positive, informative, and helpful.

Speaking to your existing accountant can help resolve communication issues, and it is a recommended first step. If you are still unhappy, though, you should consider making a change.

Reason 4: You Would Benefit from Fresh Insight

Insights, recommendations, advice, and guidance are invaluable in business. Your accountant is one source of this information, and making a change could give you a fresh and useful perspective.

Reason 5: You Want More Information and Better Explanations

The laws and regulations around accountancy, running a business, and tax are detailed and complex. It is important you have the right information to make the best decisions for your business. A new accountant could have a broader range of knowledge that will ensure you have the necessary information. How the information is explained and communicated is also important.

Reason 6: You Want an Accredited Accountant

Individuals and businesses that provide accountancy services don’t have to be regulated members of a professional body. This especially applies when providing services such as bookkeeping and payroll. However, there is a difference between a Chartered Accountant and other types of accountancy services.

In Ireland, a Chartered Accountant is a regulated member of either Chartered Accountants Ireland or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. To be a regulated member, you must follow set guidelines and meet a defined standard of service. By changing to a Chartered Accountant, you can have greater confidence in the standard of service you will receive.

Reason 7: You Need Specific Support

A compelling reason to change your accountant is simply that your existing accountant can’t provide the specific services or support your business needs. Switching to an accountant who can provide this support makes sense.

Reason 8: You Want to Get More Value

There is a perception that accountancy services are a business cost. However, the best accountancy services add value to your business by saving you money, delivering efficiency savings, and providing expert advice and information. If you want to get more value from the accountancy services your business receives, it could be time to make a switch.

Reason 9: You Need Proactive Support

It is common for an accountancy firm to agree a range of services for a business and then diligently deliver on those services without any deviation or addition. This can be okay in some situations, especially if the accountants are efficient and deliver value for money.

For other businesses, though, a more proactive approach is beneficial where your accountant stays on top of legislative and economic changes and is constantly looking for ways to drive added value.

Reason 10: You Want a Customised Service

Some accountancy services offer set packages, often at competitive prices. This is particularly common with online services. However, all businesses are different and have differing needs. As a result, it can make sense to change to an accountant who can offer a service customised to your needs today and that can evolve as your needs change over time.

Changing Your Accountant

At Gilroy Gannon, we have helped businesses of all sizes in multiple industries transition to our services. With experience in helping growing businesses, our high-quality services, and our expertise across a broad range of subject areas, we can provide the solutions, practical support, and advice that your business needs. Get in touch today and a member of our team will get back to you.