Moving accountants?

[Maslins]

Most accountants will be reasonable when it comes to how long you've been a client (ie paid them) vs what work needs doing. If you've been with them a full year and year end has just passed, then changing now is a good time assuming you're sure you want to move. They should still prepare the accounts/CT return for the year just ended.

I'd recommend (for etiquette reasons rather than any legal requirement) that you contact the accountant you're leaving to tell them. Always a bit sour when the first they hear about it is from the new accountant.

[Datalink]

Erm, wouldn't it be better to ring them?

I can't during working hours.

[inniAccounts]

Speaking as an accountant who has transferred in clients from most firms, it's generally pretty smooth when transferring from large specialists. I've just done a straw poll in the office and SJD are one of the better firms when it comes to a seamless transition - there's a sigh of relief when someone joins us from SJD versus other unnamed firms!

In general, most firms are pragmatic - they realise the client is leaving and understand that the most effective thing for all parties involved is to hand everything over sharpish. The sooner you, as a client, have clarity as to who's responsible for your compliance, the better. Saying that, many smaller firms don't act in such a professional manner - I suspect they take it more personally and it's really difficult for us to get the information we need. It's like prising a ring binder from the clutches of a grumpy child.

You're right in saying that the end of the year is generally the best time to move. You can wrap up one year with your previous accountant, and start afresh with your new accountant. For the majority of accountants (including SJD I believe), you are paying your fees in advance for year end accounts production. Therefore, if you leave at the end of the year there shouldn't be any additional fees and you should leave with a complete set of filed accounts.

+1 for Maslin's point - be a gent and let SJD know what's going on before NW take over.