What should you ask your accountant before switching?

Switching accountants is a significant decision, and it is natural to want reassurance that the transition will be handled smoothly.

If your business is growing, you’re likely looking for an accountant with the experience, tools, and service level to support both your current needs and future plans.

The following questions will help you assess your options and choose an accountant you can trust to support your business and its goals.

What is the onboarding process like?

Before making the switch, ask the accountant to explain each stage of the onboarding, who will manage it, and what they will need from you. A clear, step-by-step answer will help you judge whether the transition is likely to be well organised and straightforward.

At Gravitate, our client care team takes control of the onboarding process to make the switch easy.

• Find out more on how we do it: What to expect when you switch to Gravitate Accounting

Who will be my main point of contact, and how often will we communicate?

Often, clients initially meet a director, partner or senior team member but are later passed on to a junior member of staff, and senior-level contact can sometimes reduce after onboarding.

Ask who will manage your account, who else you can contact for high-level queries, and how often you will speak. Regular communication is particularly important if you want your accountant to provide timely and relevant support for your business’s growth.

We combat this by assigning you to a squad and having a full team to support you at all times, including a director-level senior squad leader, Finance Director and Financial Controller.

Our squad system means every team member working on your accounts already understands your company’s unique challenges and opportunities.

You’ll always have someone who knows your business available to talk.

Do you have experience working with businesses in my industry?

If your accountant understands your industry, business size, and stage of growth, they are better placed to recognise common challenges, tax considerations, and other opportunities.

Ask potential accountants whether they regularly work with businesses in your industry, of a similar size, and at a similar stage of growth. Their answers should help you decide whether their experience is relevant to your needs.

We believe in being up-front and honest with potential clients about whether our experience and services are going to help them achieve their goals.

• Learn more: Who we work with

How will you help me beyond basic compliance?

This question is especially important for a growing business. Your accountant should, make sure your accounts, tax returns and other compliance requirements are handled correctly and on time, but they should also provide advice that supports better decisions and future growth. But the best accountant relationships go further than that.

You may need ongoing support and advice to really understand your numbers and make the best possible decisions. If they can’t provide this, they might not be the right accountant for you, and you may need to look for options that focus on more than compliance.

What technology and software do you use?

Technology plays a vital role in modern accounting, with 69% of UK firms now using cloud-based accounting systems and applications.

Ask the accountant how they use digital tools and which software they recommend for your business. Platforms such as Xero can streamline processes, improve accuracy, and provide real-time financial insights.

For a business striving for growth, digital accounting tools shouldn’t be overlooked.

At Gravitate, we love using software to make your life easier. We use a variety of software, including Xero, Sage, FreeAgent, and Dext, and we’re always around to help you get to grips with new technology. We also offer in-depth training for your internal teams too.

Finding the right accountant for you

Asking these questions will help you find an accountant who will be a valuable partner in managing your business’s finances and meeting your growth targets.

The right accountant should understand your business and explain your financial information clearly, giving you a reliable basis for important decisions.

Switching accountants can feel daunting, but a well-managed transition may be simpler than you expect. Choosing the right support now, and asking the right questions at the start of the process, will mean less time dealing with a transition, and more time focusing on what you do best.

If you have more questions about switching, or want to learn more about what we offer at Gravitate, get in touch.