Can I Change Accountants Mid-Year?
Many business owners wonder whether they need to wait until the end of the financial year to change accountants. The simple answer is — no, you can change accountants mid-year. It’s a completely normal and accepted part of business life.
Accountants handle client transitions at all times of the year. Whether it’s January, July, or October, there is no rule that says you must wait for the financial year-end. The timing is entirely up to you and what works best for your business.
Is It Common to Switch Mid-Year?
Yes, very common. Businesses change accountants mid-year for all kinds of reasons — whether due to service issues, changing needs, fee concerns, or simply finding someone who’s a better fit.
Accountants are familiar with handling mid-year handovers, and the process is designed to be smooth and straightforward.
Are There Risks to Switching Mid-Year?
Not really, provided the handover is managed properly.
The only potential complications come from making sure the transfer is clear — especially regarding who is responsible for upcoming deadlines, like VAT returns, payroll, or tax filings. As long as both your old and new accountants communicate well, there’s no issue.
What Happens When You Switch Mid-Year?
The process looks like this:
You notify your current accountant that you are leaving.
Your new accountant sends a professional clearance letter to your old accountant, requesting your financial records.
The old accountant provides records, including accounts to date, VAT info, payroll data, and tax filings.
Your new accountant takes over, continuing bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, tax advice, and accounts preparation from that point forward.
What About Work Already Done?
If your previous accountant has completed part of your annual accounts or tax return for the year, they may invoice you for that portion of work. Your new accountant will handle the remainder.
For example:
If you switch halfway through the VAT quarter, clarify who submits the next return.
If payroll has been run part of the year, the new accountant picks it up with full records from the old one.
Do I Need to Wait Until Year-End?
No. While switching at year-end can be administratively tidy, you’re not required to wait. You can change accountants:
After a VAT return
After payroll year-end
After submitting your tax return
Or simply whenever it feels right
How Long Does It Take?
Typically, the switch takes 1–4 weeks. This depends on how quickly your old accountant provides the necessary documents and whether there are any outstanding fees.
Can My Old Accountant Refuse?
Accountants are professionally obligated to cooperate with a handover, as long as you’ve settled any outstanding invoices. They can’t withhold statutory records like tax filings or payroll reports.
What About Cloud Software?
If you use Xero, QuickBooks, or similar, the process is even simpler. You just remove the old accountant’s user access and grant it to the new one. All your bookkeeping history remains intact in the cloud.
Things to Watch Out For
Outstanding work: Make sure there’s a clear agreement about whether your old accountant will complete any current tasks or whether they transfer to the new one.
Deadlines: Double-check who’s responsible for upcoming VAT returns, payroll runs, or tax filings during the transition.
Fees: Settle any final invoices with your old accountant to avoid delays.
