The process of changing accountants

Elaine_Wilson

Not trying to defend the old accountant and I realise this might be a bit controversial but I'd like to pick up on this point.

Botany wrote: »

How long can it take to grab a file, pick out a bunch of pages and put them in an envelope?

How long do you really think it will take.

She will be expected to send copies of -

The company accounts
the abbreviated accounts
an opening trial balance for the new year
schedules backing up fixed assets, stocks, debtors and creditors
bank reconciliations
the corporation tax return
backing schedules to this
capital allowances computations
at least the last VAT return if she prepared it
Payroll, P35 and benefit in kind returns
your personal tax returns
more backing schedules

Those would be standard. Could be more in your case. True a lot can just be reprinted or bunged in a photocopier but that's not the end of it.

Additional information may well be needed which will not necessarily be available on simple separate working papers. There are too many to list but older details of VAT returns could be necessary if partial exemption applies or certain tax claims made in the past may still be relevant if circumstances arise.

Most accountants have been busy during the past month. My office is only just becoming tidy again. One client left me for a larger firm in January. He telephoned for professional clearance and asked if he could leave the paperwork until February. I still haven't had his letter. (I had already given the client the necessary transfer information so he had no problem completing her return)

Sorry about that rant. As I said, not defending her. It still sounds like a good move for you to go the the new accountant. Like others have said I would explain everything to the new accountant and leave it to her to get things sorted.

Botany

Hello all, I'm writing to let you know that the process has now been completed and we are now fully with the new accountant.
I'm very happy we went ahead and changed accountants, since I now believe I have found one accountant I can trust, someone who appears to be knowledgeable, precise and attentive to the client's needs. I just wish we did it sooner but hey, it's done now so I'm happy.

Thanks to you all for the suggestions and support given in this thread.