Thinking of Switching Accountants? Here’s What You Need to Know (And Ask).

Feeling like you’ve outgrown your accountant? You’re not alone. As your business grows, so do your needs. You need an accountant who’s more than just a number cruncher– someone who gives you real insights, helps you plan ahead, and actually gets your business. But if that’s not happening right now, you’re probably wondering:

• Is it time to switch?

• How do I even do that without the hassle?

Good news: switching accountants is easier than you think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• How to know if it’s time to move on

• What the switching process really looks like (spoiler: we’ll handle most of it)

• The key questions to ask when picking a new accountant

And if you’re still unsure? We’re always up for a chat. Get in touch here.

Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Accountant.

If any of these sound familiar, it might be time for a change:

✅ You’re always the one chasing for answers or updates.

✅ You never get proactive advice– just tax returns and the occasional check-in.

✅ You don’t get real-time data or management reports, so you’re making big decisions blind.

✅ You’ve grown, but your accountant hasn’t kept up– no strategic conversations, no focus on what’s next.

✅ You’re not sure if you’re running as tax-efficiently (or profitably) as you could be.

Sound familiar? Let’s have a chat about how we can help. Book a free call.

👉 Download the free checklist: 6 Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Accountant (And What to Do Next)

Why Switching is Easier Than You Think.

We get it– switching accountants feels like a big deal. But honestly? It’s simpler than you might think. Here’s what actually happens behind the scenes:

1. You make the decision to switch.

   (We know — that’s often the hardest part).

2. Tell your current accountant you’re moving on.

   They’re professionally required to pass on all your records to your new accountant, like tax references, copies of previously submitted accounts and tax returns, and anything else we require.

3. Make sure you’ve paid any outstanding fees.

   If there are unpaid bills, they can delay the handover.

4. Software licences– who owns what?

   If you’ve been using tools like Xero or Dext through them, we’ll help sort the transfer so you don’t lose access.

5. We’ll register as your new HMRC Agent.

   This bit takes a little time as HMRC send codes by post (yes, actual post– we know!). But we’ll guide you through it. The whole Agent process can be much easier if you know your HMRC Government Gateway login details.

6. ID checks– simple but important.

   Your new accountant will need to verify who you are (passport or driving licence) and where you live (utility bill or bank statement)– all part of keeping things above board.

7 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Next Accountant.

If you’re going to switch, make sure you’re upgrading to an accountant who can actually support your next stage of growth. Here are some smart questions to ask any potential accountant (including us!):

1. How will you help me grow my business, beyond just filing taxes?

2. Will I have a dedicated point of contact who knows my business?

3. Do you offer management accounts and real-time reporting?

4. How do you proactively help clients with tax planning and forecasting?

5. What’s your approach to tech? Do you use tools like Xero, Dext or Fathom?

6. How often will we meet to review performance and plan ahead?

7. What’s your onboarding process like? How will you make the switch easy?

👉 Want to chat through these questions with us? Book a call here.

Common Worries About Switching (And Why You Don’t Need to Stress).

• “What if it’s awkward to tell my accountant I’m leaving?”

  Totally normal to feel that way, but remember: this is a business decision. You need the right partner for where you’re heading. And they’re used to clients moving on.

• “Will I lose my records or data?”

  Nope! They’re required to hand over everything we’ll need to pick up where they left off.

• “Will it disrupt my business?”

  Not if we can help it! Our onboarding process is designed to be as smooth as possible– we’ll work around your key deadlines so there’s no stress.

“Looking to change accountants? I thoroughly recommend Ashton McGill. Working with Alasdair McGill and his team has been an absolute game changer for us and they have completely changed my perspective on the services an accountancy firm could/should, and indeed they do, provide! I reckon they make #accountingcool 😎”

– Nicola Alexander, Bethan Customs

Ready to Switch? Let’s Chat.

If you’re reading this and thinking “yep, that’s me”, it might be time to switch.

👉 Book a free chat to see if we’re the right fit– no pressure, just a conversation about where you’re at and what you need.

Download The Free Checklist:
Is It Time to Switch Accountants?
A 6-Point Guide.

So you can figure it out in your own time.

Free PDF. Instant Download.