What to expect when you switch to Gravitate Accounting?

Switching your accountant is often a big decision, but one that is so important to make when the time comes. Your business needs appropriate levels of proactive support during each stage of its journey, an advisor that can keep up with your ambitions and take away your biggest stressors all year-round, not just during tax season.

We know switching accountants can be a daunting prospect, which is why we’ve put this summary together.

Here is exactly what you can expect when you join Gravitate Accounting.

Step 1: Welcome to Gravitate

Once you have accepted our proposal (which is always fully costed, clear and transparent from day 1), we get to work for you immediately.

We’ll email you right away to confirm we’re officially moving forward, including some useful information about Gravitate and the squad you will be working with.
Our commitment is to get things moving for you as soon as possible. We know how important it is for you to gain clarity and confidence immediately. One of our core values is “we chase; we don’t get chased!”

Step 2: Paperwork without the paper

Our approach prioritises both security and simplicity for our clients.

You receive a request via our secure portal to provide two forms of government approved ID.
This enables us to complete the essential Know Your Client (KYC) and ID verification checks quickly and securely, without the need to post anything!

Step 3: Switching away from your old accountant

We believe strongly in being kind – having difficult or awkward conversations that need to happen for a positive resolution. As a professional courtesy, we encourage our clients to provide notice to their current advisors personally.

Of course, if that is not something you want to do, we can just go direct to your previous accountants.

Step 4: Professional clearance

Once you are signed up and we have your permission, we will contact your previous accountants to manage the professional clearance request.

Professional clearance means they give us approval to act for you, and that there is no reason why we shouldn’t act for you.

Getting clearance is rarely an issue, so don’t worry! The most common reasons for delay are unsettled debts with your old accountants. Once these are cleared everything is good to go!

‍The Gravitate Way: We provide a complete checklist of what we need and our priority is to get this information from your old accountants. The aim is to take as little of your time as possible.

If there is anything else outstanding from your old accountant, we will keep regular contact with them to ensure all required information is transferred to prevent delays.

Step 5. Official HMRC authorisation

When it comes to HMRC, our approach minimises your involvement. At most, you might get a couple of letters in the post with a code you’ll need to share with us.

We handle all requests for HMRC to ensure we are legally authorised to act on your behalf. We do this as a priority. It is key that we can speak to them on your behalf.

We also ensure we have the Company Authentication code so we can make the required updates with Companies House.

Step 6. Meeting your squad

To make sure you receive the highest level of support, you will be allocated a dedicated squad best suited for your sector and specific requirements.

Your welcome docs will include a quick info sheet, introducing each squad member, client care and other central team members. You’ll always be able to put a face to a name and know how each person supports you.
Our squad system means every team member working on your account already understands your industry’s unique challenges and opportunities.
As part of your onboarding, we send a message round the entire business full team to introduce you and encourage them to engage with your brand and learn all about what you do. So don’t be concerned if you get a flurry of LinkedIn requests – our team love to follow our clients’ journeys!

We also prompt our team to engage with your social channels and build professional connections early on. This also enables team members to request to work on your account if their passions and experience are particularly well suited.

Step 7: Mastering the tech (at your own pace)

Digital accounting might sound like you’re left on your own with a log-in. With Gravitate, it’s the exact opposite.

We use industry-leading tech to make your life easier, but we don't expect you to be an IT expert.
Our technology rollout is guided, intentional, and respects your schedule.
Whether you are a tech native or a total beginner, we start from zero. We don’t use confusing acronyms, and we walk you through every platform we recommend step-by-step.
Depending on how hands on you want to be, we also offer various levels of Xero training and ongoing support. You can arrange this at any time by talking to your Client FD.
If you ever get stuck, you aren't chatting with a bot. Our team is here to jump on a call or send a quick screen-recording to show you exactly what to do.

Ongoing: Regular contact, whenever you need us

We are a digital firm that’s powered by people. This means we use the latest digital systems and technology to deliver our services, but your team of accountants will always be available via a number of different contact methods.

We don’t just pop up once a year for your tax return. We maintain regular contact to ensure your finances are tracking against your goals.
You’ll have dedicated points of contact who know your business.
- Your squad will include a Client Finance Director (squad leader) who will oversee all services you receive. You will also have a Client FC (Financial Controller) and supported from a team of Digital Accountants.
- All of these team members will be contactable, so you will always have someone who knows you and your business available to talk during office hours.
Because we work with real-time data, we don’t wait for you to spot a problem. If we see something that needs your attention, we’ll reach out to you first.

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Joining a digital accounting practice doesn’t mean being treated like a number. It means using the best tools available to give you more time to focus on what is most important. That starts from the very beginning.

If you're ready to switch, contact us today.

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