We agree the scope
We understand the services required, accounting year end, VAT, payroll, bookkeeping arrangements and current deadlines.
Simpsons Cloud Accounting
Switching Accountants
A controlled process for changing accountant, professional clearance, records transfer and the first monthly close.
Changing accountant
Changing accountant should not create another accounting problem.
Businesses often delay changing accountant because they expect the handover to be difficult. In most cases, much of the transfer process is handled between the incoming and outgoing accountants.
Professional clearance
With your authority, we contact the existing accountant and request professional clearance and the information needed to take over the work.
Systems and records
We establish access to the relevant accounting systems and review the opening position, prior accounts, tax returns, bookkeeping records and unresolved matters.
First controlled period
For ongoing accounting clients, we establish the monthly-close timetable and identify inherited exceptions separately from current-period work.
What we typically request
The technical handover is largely accountant-to-accountant.
- Prior accounts and corporation tax returns
- Trial balance and supporting schedules
- Tax references and relevant agent information
- VAT information
- Payroll information where applicable
- Bookkeeping records
- Details of unresolved matters
You should not need to mediate the technical handover between accountants. Timing still depends on the information available and cooperation from the outgoing accountant.
A controlled start
Historic issues stay visible.
We do not assume every handover is simple or that historic issues will automatically be resolved within the basic fee. Where there are inherited exceptions, we identify them separately from current-period work and agree what needs to happen next.