Breaking up with your accountant can be awkward. Whether you've had a personal connection with them or they’ve been with you since day one, ending that relationship isn’t easy. But here’s the thing— breaking up is tough, but sometimes it’s for the best.
Sometimes your accountant just isn’t the right fit anymore. If you're dreading this awkward conversation, don’t worry—here’s how to break up with your accountant and (hopefully) keep it drama-free.
Have You Outgrown Your Accountant?
It's not uncommon to feel like you're stuck with an accountant, especially if they’re a friend or someone you’ve known for years. But, is your current accountant still the best fit for your business? Ask yourself a few questions:
- Are they proactive in helping you improve your business?
- Are they keeping up with the latest technology and guiding you on that front?
- Do they meet your expectations for the level of service you need as your business grows?
If the answer to any of these is "no," it might be time to move on. And that’s okay! Business relationships, like any others, need to evolve. Sometimes, breaking up is the next step for growth.
Why Do People Wait So Long?
Most business owners know when it’s time to switch accountants, yet many drag their feet. Why? Simple—it’s uncomfortable. You might not want to hurt their feelings, or maybe you're unsure of what exactly is wrong. This hesitation often keeps people stuck with an accountant who’s no longer a good match. But remember, just like with your attorney, banker, or financial advisor, if the relationship isn't working, it’s time to consider your options.
Preparing for the Breakup
Before you drop the "it's over" bomb, it's important to prepare. Here are a few steps to take:
- Evaluate your needs: Are you receiving all the services you require from your accountant? Maybe their offerings have changed since you started working with them, or maybe your business has outgrown their capabilities.
- Understand the terms: Be clear on what your current accountant is responsible for. Do you have any ongoing filings or commitments? Make sure everything is squared away so you don’t get stuck with unfinished work.
- Be direct: It’s perfectly fine to be upfront. A simple, “We’ve decided to switch accountants and appreciate all you’ve done,” works. Most accountants understand that clients come and go. Being professional and polite is key.
How to Say "It's Over"
The hardest part is often figuring out what to say. You don’t need to overcomplicate it. Keep it simple and direct:
"My business needs have changed, and we’ve found a new accountant that better aligns with where we’re heading. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for us, and I’ll likely be requesting some information to help with the transition."
Being straightforward like this makes for a clean break and helps maintain a professional relationship—no hard feelings, just business.
The Transfer: Avoiding That Uh-Oh Moment
The most important part of the breakup is making sure your financials are safely transferred. You don’t want to run into a situation where your old accountant still holds critical documents like your tax returns or QuickBooks login. Be very clear about what you need, and don't be afraid to request things directly:
- “I need a copy of my last tax return.”
- “Could you provide admin access to QuickBooks Online?”
Get all the details sorted, from tax returns to login credentials, so your new accountant can smoothly take over without any surprises.
The Breakup Plan
Once you've made the decision to switch accountants, it’s important to have a transition plan. Make sure you’re clear on:
- What services your old accountant is responsible for finishing (like filing your last tax return).
- When their services will officially end.
- What you need from them to move forward.
This might include a transition letter from your old accountant, specifying what they’ll do and when their obligations end. Being thorough here prevents any confusion about outstanding responsibilities.
Don’t Let Your New Accountant Walk Into a Mess
The last thing you want is for your new accountant to step into a financial disaster. Clear communication is important. Make sure your new accountant knows:
- What’s been done and what hasn’t (Are there any unresolved notices or past-due filings?).
- All the account logins (bank accounts, tax accounts, QuickBooks, etc.).
- What your expectations are moving forward, both in terms of service and communication.
It’s also a good idea to establish how you want to work with your new accountant. Set clear expectations about your business goals and how you expect the relationship to grow over time.
Post-Breakup
Switching accountants doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process, and it can take time to fully transition. Start with the basics—getting your financials in order—and build from there. Over time, you’ll refine the relationship with your new accountant and make sure you're both on the same page.
Breaking up with your accountant doesn’t have to be weird. By being prepared, direct, and clear about what you need, you can easily make the switch to someone who’s a better fit for your growing business. It’s not personal—it’s just good business.
Ready to make the switch but not sure how to find the right fit?
Before you jump in, make sure your next accountant is the perfect match for your business. Check out How to Choose the Right Accountant & Bookkeeper: 7 Questions to Ask and make your search a whole lot easier. After all, breaking up is hard—but finding the right accountant doesn’t have to be!
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