Why Changing Accountants Is Easier Than You Think.

Thinking about switching accountants but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. For many small business owners, the idea of changing feels like a hassle. But here’s the truth—changing your accountant is easy, and often one of the best moves you can make for your business.

If your accountant isn’t giving you the service, support, or value you need, it’s okay to make a change. In fact, it could save you time, stress, and money in the long run.

Top Reasons to Change Your Accountant

Wondering why switch accountants? There are lots of perfectly valid reasons—especially as your business grows or your needs change. Here are some of the most common signs it’s time to move on:

• Poor communication – You’re constantly chasing for updates or getting vague answers
• Lack of value – You’re paying more than you feel you’re getting back
• Missed deadlines – Filing late, mistakes, or compliance issues are becoming a trend
• Outdated systems – Your accountant isn’t embracing cloud software or modern tools
• Your business has outgrown them – They can’t support your next stage of growth

If any of that sounds familiar, it’s a strong sign you might need an accountant who’s more proactive, tech-savvy, and tuned in to what your business actually needs. (Psst—you might also want to read how a qualified accountant can add value to your small business).

How to Switch Accountants – Step-by-Step

Here’s the good news: switching accountants in the UK and Isle of Man is a simple process, and your new accountant (like us!) will usually handle the heavy lifting for you. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose Your New Accountant

Start by doing a bit of research. Look for someone who understands your type of business, uses cloud-based accounting software (like Xero or QuickBooks), and offers more than just compliance work. You can check out our accounting services to see what kind of support we offer at Seaview.

2. Tell Your Current Accountant You’re Leaving

It doesn’t have to be awkward. Just send a polite email letting them know you’re moving on. Most accountants are used to it and will act professionally.

3. We’ll Handle the Handover (aka Professional Clearance)

We’ll get in touch with your old accountant to request your records and any outstanding information. This is called professional clearance, and it helps ensure we’ve got everything we need to pick up where they left off.

4. We Register with Income Tax, Customs & Excise, HMRC and Get to Work

Once we’ve got the paperwork, we’ll set things up with Income Tax, Customs & Excise, HMRC, register as your agent, and handle any upcoming tax returns, bookkeeping, or payroll.

When Is the Best Time to Change Accountants?

You can change accountants at any time of year. While it's often easier outside of peak tax season, there's no rule saying you have to wait for the end of the financial year. If your accountant isn't working for you now, the sooner you switch, the better.

Will I Lose Any Important Info?

Nope! As part of the handover, we’ll request all the relevant info from your previous accountant—like accounts, tax returns, VAT history, payroll data, and more. If anything’s missing, we’ll follow up and sort it.

What If It Gets Awkward?

Honestly? It probably won’t. Most accountants understand that clients move on—it’s just part of business. And if your current accountant makes things difficult, that probably confirms you're making the right decision.

Thinking of Switching Accountants? Let’s Chat.

At Seaview Accounting, we make changing accountants completely stress-free. Whether you're a sole trader, a limited company, or scaling up fast, we’ll give you the support you need—without the fluff.

📩 Ready to make the switch? Email thomas@seaviewaccounting.com and we’ll take care of the rest.

Want to know who you’ll be working with? Meet Thomas—he’s built Seaview to be friendly, reliable, and laser-focused on helping small businesses grow.

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