Switch Accountant within Nixon Williams?

[siouxchief]

Hi all,

I am just wondering as anyone switched accountant within the same accountancy firm? I had a great one but they left and this new one is really letting me down. Thing is I really like the NW Vantage system and I can use it quite well now so don't want to leave that for now. I am travelling next year for 7 months so I also want to just stick with them until then.

My current accountant first didn't set me up with a salary for this tax year so the first month I got nothing and the second month I had to get 2 lots. The next 2 months he didn't create the payslip until I had to remind him on the last day of the month and he didn't even acknowledge my emails just all of a sudden the payslip got created and i doubt it was in the process as usually its done 4 or 5 days before month end. Told him I was relying on that salary so he did do it in good time this month to be fair.

Then yesterday I get a letter from HMRC saying my VAT wasn't paid in time so I look back at what usually happens and he would mail me asking if my invoices are all up to date etc and he would file the VAT return and I have a direct debit to take the amount. No email from him this time around which I guess when I speak to him on Monday means he didn't do anything.

Very frustrating and with me travelling next year I am really going to depend on someone letting me know if VAT etc needs to be dealt with in good time!

Thanks

[Fred Bloggs]

The issue you are faced with is that these "sausage machine" accountancy firms will give you a different "accountant" (it's very unlikely you will actually get to speak to an actual qualified accountant on a day to day level) every few months anyway. Sometimes you get a decent one, often you get a rubbish one. There's no saying how many you'll have in the next few months or years.

[BrilloPad]

Why not tell them you are going to change unless they get their act together?

Personally - I like QDOS - ask for Ben Surtees-Smith. Though it all automated and I doubt you will have any issues with anyone at QDOS.

[kaiser78]

Have you raised this with NW management ?

This is why I have a local accountant specialist.

[siouxchief]

I haven't. Not sure who they are to be honest. Maybe I'll have a Google.

[kaiser78]

I haven't. Not sure who they are to be honest. Maybe I'll have a Google.

Meet the Team | Nixon Williams | Blackpool

[Chart Accountancy]

Hi all,

I am just wondering as anyone switched accountant within the same accountancy firm? I had a great one but they left and this new one is really letting me down. Thing is I really like the NW Vantage system and I can use it quite well now so don't want to leave that for now. I am travelling next year for 7 months so I also want to just stick with them until then.

My current accountant first didn't set me up with a salary for this tax year so the first month I got nothing and the second month I had to get 2 lots. The next 2 months he didn't create the payslip until I had to remind him on the last day of the month and he didn't even acknowledge my emails just all of a sudden the payslip got created and i doubt it was in the process as usually its done 4 or 5 days before month end. Told him I was relying on that salary so he did do it in good time this month to be fair.

Then yesterday I get a letter from HMRC saying my VAT wasn't paid in time so I look back at what usually happens and he would mail me asking if my invoices are all up to date etc and he would file the VAT return and I have a direct debit to take the amount. No email from him this time around which I guess when I speak to him on Monday means he didn't do anything.

Very frustrating and with me travelling next year I am really going to depend on someone letting me know if VAT etc needs to be dealt with in good time!

Thanks

If you have lost trust in your accountant, you will keep worrying that things may not be done properly. You will either have to rebuild your trust in them ( you could ask for a new accountant and may be asked for someone qualified ACCA or ACA) or move to another accounting firm. You could look to transfer your bookkeeping to FreeAgent so that you will not have to rely on your accountants software if you need to make a transition in the future. Most of our clients use FreeAgent and it takes normally one meeting for me to talk them through the software and they are all ready to use it immediately finding it all straightforward, others even don't need a meeting and find the sections that they need to update self explanatory. In addition, you can always email support and they will answer normally within 24 hours. I hope this helps.

[siouxchief]

That's true I am losing a bit of confidence. As predicted he apologised today as he forgot. Will give him one more chance and I'll consider your tips too.

[psychocandy]

Surprising. Im with NW and I find them to be excellent beyond belief. REALLY good.

Emails always answered, things done etc. My guy is Danny Horner - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. We have a bit of a joke - I try to find a small mistake hes made - Ive been able to do this probably twice in 5 years !!!!

But Im with you dont need the hassle of an accountant screwing things up.....

[northernladuk]

If he's that good why aren't you speaking to him more rather than guessing on here?