Making the decision to change accountants can be a significant step for a business. But rest assured, it's a common practice and a relatively straightforward process.
All in all, it’s is a business decision, so you don’t have to make excuses or feel uncomfortable about it.
1. First, check if you owe your current accountant any payments, or if you have paid in advance for something. If you have a service agreement, there may be a period of notice that you need to serve.
2. Then, take the next step by filling out the new client application form with Sheridans Accountant for Psychologists. You'll need to provide a form of photo ID and sign a letter of engagement to comply with legal requirements.
3. Then send your accountant a courtesy email, giving notice and explaining that you’ve engaged Sheridans.
4. Once you have appointed Sheridans as your accountant, our team will manage the transition process in accordance with the Industry Code of Conduct. Sheridans will send a clearance letter to your accountant and will arrange for us to obtain copies of all necessary documents and financial records, including prior year tax returns and schedules. We will also confirm there is no reason why we should not accept the engagement. The outgoing accountant is obliged to pass on the information as a formality and they should not charge for handing the information over to us. However, if you have an outstanding account they might withhold the files until payment in made in full.