30 Sep 2025
As your financial situation changes over time, so do your needs. Working with the right accountant is crucial to ensure your financial health and business growth.
Why should you consider changing accountants?
Some of the most common reasons people switch accountants include:
- Poor customer service
- Insufficient technology or sector expertise
- Limited service offering that does not cover all your needs
- Lack of proactive advice or strategic insight
- Slow or unresponsive
- Your business has grown and your finances have become too complicated for them to handle
Whatever the reason, the right accountant can bring clarity, confidence, and measurable benefits to your finances.
What should you consider before you switch?
Whether they are worried about disruptions to their service or having awkward conversations, many people put off switching accountants.
At Hodge Bakshi, we believe it doesn't have to be stressful. Switching accountants can be straightforward, efficient, and bring real value to your business. We can help you navigate the switch with minimal disruption by requesting handover information directly from your previous accountants, taking care of the information transfer and ensuring the transition is smooth and straightforward.
If you are considering changing your accountant, here are our top five tips to ensure you find the best fit.
- Do they have the right qualifications?
It sounds like a no brainer but there are a lot of accountants or bookkeepers out there without any formal qualifications. Individuals in the UK can call themselves an accountant without any formal qualifications as the term is not protected by law. This lack of regulation means you could be at risk without an accountant who is not qualified, regulated, or insured, and this could pose a significant risk.
Before working with a new accountant, ask what qualifications they have and check their professional body's website, such as ICAEW or ACCA, to ensure their credentials are up to date. This will make sure that your accountant is always up to date with the latest tax laws and regulations, which are constantly changing.
Hodge Bakshi are regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and we are registered with The Chartered Institute of Taxation as a firm of Chartered Tax Advisers. To become a Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser requires in-depth training with a recognised professional body, whose role is to maintain the highest standards of professional competency, meet high professional and ethical standards, operate within laws, and maintain quality, ensuring that you remain compliant and can take advantage of the latest opportunities.
- What services do they provide and do they have the right level of experience?
Before making the switch, consider these essential questions:
- What services do they offer beyond routine compliance?
- Do they have experience in your sector?
- What technology and tools do they use to streamline processes?
- How do they support business growth and future planning?
Hodge Bakshi provide a range of bespoke and industry-focused services to meet our clients' needs. Our firm has a wealth of experience and we pride ourselves on delivering an unparalleled service to all clients, no matter their size or sector. Whether you are an individual, small business or a larger business. We pride ourselves on being proactive, approachable, and strategically focused on your business success. Find out more about our services.
- What Technology do they work with?
With HMRC's introduction of Making Tax Digital and the fast pace of digital technology in the financial sector, it is crucial that your provider can work with you on the latest digital accounting solutions and tools, advising you on how best to streamline your financial processes.
Hodge Bakshi are experts at working with a wide range of accounting software and are a Xero Gold Partner, a QuickBooks Platinum Advisor and a Sage Business Partner. We are able to carry out a free accounting systems health check for you, examining your current accounting systems and suggesting areas in which they can be improved, potentially helping to save you considerable amounts of money and freeing up your time to devote to the running of your business.
- Can your accountant adapt to your changing needs?
When you start working with an accountant, your decision may be based on convenience, choosing someone local, a recommendation from someone you know, or even the amount they charge.
However, as your business grows or your needs evolve, you may find that your current accountants are no longer the right fit. They may lack the specialist experience required to address new challenges, or perhaps they are not proactive in providing the strategic guidance needed to help you prepare for future financial hurdles or seize new opportunities.
If you are considering a change, have an open conversation with potential new advisers to understand how they can support your business growth and changing requirements. A professional accountant should be able to adapt to your circumstances, offering strategic advice and valuable insights to help you achieve your goals.
- Compare value, not just cost
Fees are important, but the cheapest option isn't always the best. Focus on the value they provide, whether that's tax savings, strategic insight, or the peace of mind that your finances are in safe hands.
Be clear on how fees are structured from the outset so you know exactly what to expect and can avoid unwelcome surprises.
Above all, look for an accountant who focuses on building a strong relationship with you. As your needs change, you'll need someone who can adapt their services and provide valuable insights to ensure that you stay on track to achieve your financial goals.
With Hodge Bakshi, making the switch is easier than you think.
- Initial conversation: Meet with us so we can understand your needs and provide a tailored solution with a clear quote
- Authorisation: Once you decide to move forward, give us permission to contact your current accountant directly
- Engagement letter & checks: Sign our engagement letter and provide Anti-Money Laundering information (ID documents, etc.)
- Access to records: Provide access to your accounting records so we can pick up seamlessly
We can handle the rest, ensuring a smooth transition and continuing where your previous accountant left off leaving you to devote your time to running your business.
Author
Aminah Peertum | ACA BFP
Senior Client Manager
How can we help?
Based in Cardiff, Hodge Bakshi is a leading firm of Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers with over 40 years' experience serving businesses and individuals across South Wales and the UK.
Whether you're considering a change of accountant, looking for proactive advice, or seeking guidance on the latest digital accounting solutions, Hodge Bakshi can provide the support and expertise you need, giving you complete confidence that your finances are in safe hands.