Talking Cents

Changing to a small business accountant in Sydney

Working as a small business accounting firm we receive numerous queries from prospective clients from a wide variety of contact sources.

The two things that all our enquiries have in common is:-

1. They are looking at setting up a new business and need the help of an accountant, or;-

2. They are looking at changing accountants as they are unhappy with their current arrangements.

Focussing on existing business owners for today, changing accountants may seem like a daunting process for a business who has always used the same old tax agent for their businesses needs. As an accountant I can assure you that the process is not difficult at all once you find a good accountant. If you are not satisfied with your current accountant and you want to change accountants here are five simple tips for you on how to change accountants.

1. Contact your current accountant to let them know you will be changing accountants. Make sure that there is no current work pending completion and hence surprise billing. Your new accountant can also do this if you don’t feel comfortable.

2. Find a new accountant (either through referrals, internet searches or general advertising) and arrange to physically meet with them. Having an open rapport with your accountant is critical to making the relationship between accountant and client a success.

3. Before you meet with a potential new accountant think about your needs, worries and reasons for needing to change accountants. Then explain these clearly to your new accountant at the first meeting.

4. If your accounts are currently in a mess, a new accountant should see the fixing of this mess as their number one priority. They should then demonstrate to you just how they plan on preventing the mess from happening again with a clear plan of action.

5. Once you are satisfied that you have found a new accountant make sure that they are actually a registered tax agent who is legally allowed to provide the services promised. Without a tax agents number it is illegal to charge for and provide income tax related services.

So, once you’ve decided that your existing relationship is just not meeting your needs and perhaps even holding you back it is critical that you find a new accountant who you can communicate with in a clear, timely and understandable manner that allows you to receive a better education in what it takes to run your business successfully in partnership with your accountant. Many accountants are capable of producing reports full of befuddling numbers. Few in number are the accountants that can then explain those numbers in a way that makes sense to you and gives you an education in how your business really works and what can be done to improve your business for the long term financial benefit to you and your small business.

If you are one of those people seeking a new accountant and would like further information and/or tips contact us for various accounting services in Surry Hills.