How to Switch Accountant
Changing accountant is far easier than most business owners expect. You can switch at any point in the year, you don't have to have the awkward conversation, and we handle professional clearance, your records and the software migration for you.
Is changing accountant difficult?
No. It's one of those jobs that sits on the list for months and then takes an afternoon. You sign an engagement letter and an HMRC authorisation, and from that point the move is ours to manage. We contact your outgoing accountant, request everything we need, take over your filings and keep your deadlines on track while the handover happens.
We act for limited companies, construction and trades businesses and sole traders, from our office at 105 High Street, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4RR and online across the UK. Fees are fixed monthly — you can see what that looks like on our pricing page.
3 simple steps
How the switch works.
Book a free call
A 20-minute call to learn about your business, your current setup, and what's not working.
We review and quote
We review your current accountant arrangement, software and the support you actually need — then send a clear fixed monthly fee.
We manage the handover
We request professional clearance and your records, migrate the bookkeeping, register as your agent with HMRC, and take over Companies House filings.
Common reasons people change accountants
If any of these sound familiar, it's usually a sign the relationship has stopped working — not that you're being difficult.
You only hear from them at year end
No proactive advice, no planning conversation, no warning before a tax bill lands.
Emails and calls go unanswered
Simple questions take weeks to get a reply — usually when you need an answer quickly.
Deadlines get uncomfortably close
Accounts, VAT or payroll filed at the last minute, or missed entirely.
Unpredictable invoices
Hourly billing means you avoid picking up the phone in case it costs you.
Still working off spreadsheets
No cloud bookkeeping, no live numbers, no idea what the business owes until months later.
You've outgrown them
You need VAT, payroll, CIS or director tax planning and they only do the basics.
What the handover actually involves
This is the part we do, not you. Here's what happens behind the scenes once you've said yes.
Professional clearance
We write to your outgoing accountant formally, as required by professional ethics rules, asking whether there is any reason we shouldn't act and requesting your handover information.
Your records
We request trial balances, last filed accounts, tax computations, capital allowance and fixed asset schedules, payroll data and VAT history.
HMRC agent authorisation
We register as your agent for corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, CIS and self assessment as relevant, so we can file and speak to HMRC for you.
Companies House
We take over confirmation statements and accounts filings, and can act as your registered office if you want your home address off the public record.
Software migration
We move you onto Xero or FreeAgent, or take over the file you already have, and reconnect bank feeds so nothing is missed.
Catch-up work
If bookkeeping or filings are behind, we tell you what's outstanding, quote it separately and clearly, then bring you up to date.
Can I switch accountant mid-year?
Yes — you can move mid-year. There's no rule that says you have to wait for your accounting year-end or 5 April. If your year-end is close, we'll agree with you whether your outgoing accountant finishes the current set of accounts or we pick them up, so nothing is paid for twice and no deadline is left uncovered.
What you don't have to worry about
- You don't need to confront your current accountant — we send the professional clearance letter.
- You can switch at any point in the year — you don't have to wait for year-end.
- We aim to keep filings and deadlines on track throughout the handover.
- We migrate your Xero or FreeAgent data so nothing is lost.
- Fixed monthly fee from day one. No hourly billing, no surprise invoices.
What you get once you've moved
One fixed monthly fee covering the compliance work your business needs, with proactive contact through the year rather than a single conversation at year-end.
Local to us? See accountants in Brentwood or our small business accountants page. We're an ACCA-qualified practice, a Xero Silver Partner and a FreeAgent partner.
Common Questions
Is changing accountant difficult?
No. In practice you make one decision and sign an engagement letter and authorisation — we handle the rest. We write to your old accountant, request the records, register as your HMRC agent and take over the filings.
Can I switch accountants mid-year?
Yes. You can change accountant at any point in the year and you don't have to wait for your year-end or the end of the tax year. We pick up from wherever your previous accountant stopped, so there's no gap in your filings.
Will my old accountant transfer my records?
Normally yes. When we send the professional clearance letter, your outgoing accountant is expected under professional ethics rules to respond and pass on your handover information — trial balance, last accounts, tax computations, payroll and VAT data. If they are slow, we chase them on your behalf. Note that some may withhold work while fees remain unpaid, so it's worth settling any outstanding invoice.
Do I need to speak to my old accountant?
It's courteous to let them know you're moving, but you don't have to manage an awkward conversation or justify the decision. The formal notification comes from us in writing.
What happens to my Xero or FreeAgent account?
If the subscription is in your name, you keep it and simply add us as your accountant. If your current accountant owns the subscription, we can transfer it across or set up a new file and migrate your data. Either way the history comes with you and we reconnect the bank feeds.
What if my bookkeeping or accounts are behind?
It's very common — plenty of clients arrive with months of unreconciled bookkeeping or an overdue return. We review what's outstanding, tell you exactly where you stand, quote any catch-up work separately before it starts, and then get you current and keep you there.
Does switching accountant cost anything?
The handover itself is part of getting you set up properly, so there's normally no separate charge for it. You pay your agreed fixed monthly fee. If there is significant catch-up bookkeeping or historical filing to clear, we quote that separately and in writing before any work begins.
How long does it take to switch?
It depends mainly on how quickly your previous accountant releases your records. We push the handover along for you and keep filings on track while it happens.
Can In Front Accounting handle the whole handover?
Yes. Professional clearance, records request, HMRC agent authorisation, Companies House, software migration and the first set of deadlines are all handled by us. You'll have a named point of contact throughout.
What if I'm still in a contract with my current accountant?
Check your engagement letter for any notice period or minimum term. Most are month-to-month or require short notice. If a notice period applies, we'll plan the start date around it so you're never paying two firms for the same work.
Let's start the switch.
Free consultation, fixed monthly fee, full handover handled for you.