
Can I Complain About My Accountant?
When you hire an accountant, you expect professionalism, accuracy, and clear communication. However, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Maybe your accountant missed deadlines, made mistakes, was unresponsive, or you simply feel dissatisfied with the service. In such situations, you might wonder: Can I complain about my accountant?
The short answer is yes. Just like any professional service, accountants are accountable for their work. But how do you complain? What should you expect? And what are your options if you feel let down? This article covers the key points about raising concerns and complaints about your accountant.
When Is It Reasonable to Complain?
Before making a complaint, it’s helpful to consider if your concerns are valid and reasonable. Common reasons to complain include:
Errors or mistakes in your accounts or tax returns
Missed deadlines that cause penalties or problems
Poor communication, such as not returning calls or emails
Unprofessional behaviour or breaches of confidentiality
Unexpected charges or unclear fees
Lack of competence or knowledge relevant to your needs
If any of these have caused you financial loss, stress, or disruption, it’s reasonable to raise the issue.
How Should I Start the Complaint?
The first step is usually to contact your accountant directly and explain your concerns clearly and calmly. A written complaint (email or letter) is best because it creates a record.
When writing or speaking:
Stick to the facts and provide specific examples.
Explain how the issue has affected you or your business.
Ask for a clear explanation or remedy.
Many complaints arise from misunderstandings, and a simple conversation can often resolve the problem quickly.
What If the Accountant Doesn’t Respond or Fix the Issue?
If your accountant ignores your concerns or fails to resolve the problem, you can escalate your complaint. Most accounting firms have a formal complaints procedure, often detailed on their website or in your engagement letter.
Typically, this involves:
Submitting your complaint in writing to a senior manager or partner
Acknowledgement of your complaint within a set time frame (usually a few days)
An investigation and response within a reasonable period (often 14-28 days)
Keep a copy of all correspondence and note any deadlines they commit to.
Can I Complain to a Professional Body?
If you are unhappy with the accountant’s response or if you believe they have breached professional standards, you can complain to their regulatory or professional body.
In the UK, the main professional bodies include:
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA)
These bodies have codes of ethics and professional conduct. They can investigate complaints, impose sanctions, or even remove members who act unprofessionally.
To complain, you will generally need:
Details of your complaint and evidence
Copies of your communications with the accountant or firm
Proof you have tried to resolve the issue directly
Professional bodies aim to protect the public and uphold standards, but their process can be lengthy and formal.
What About Legal Action?
If your complaint involves significant financial loss or negligence, legal action might be an option. However, this is usually a last resort due to cost and complexity.
Before taking legal steps, consider:
Whether the accountant has professional indemnity insurance that might cover your losses
Getting independent legal or financial advice
The time and expense involved in pursuing a claim
Many disputes are best resolved through negotiation, mediation, or complaints to professional bodies rather than courts.
How to Avoid Complaints in the First Place
While mistakes and miscommunications happen, you can reduce the risk of problems by:
Choosing a qualified, reputable accountant
Clearly agreeing on fees and services upfront
Keeping good records and communicating regularly
Reviewing reports and returns carefully before submission
Asking questions whenever you’re unsure
A proactive approach can help maintain a positive working relationship.
What Happens After a Complaint?
If your complaint is upheld, possible outcomes include:
The accountant apologising and correcting the mistake
A refund, compensation, or fee adjustment
Improved processes to prevent future issues
Disciplinary action if professional standards were breached
Even if the complaint isn’t upheld, raising your concerns can lead to better communication and awareness.
Summary
Yes, you can complain about your accountant if you’re unhappy with their service or professionalism. Start by discussing the issue with your accountant directly. If that doesn’t work, use the firm’s formal complaints procedure. You can also escalate to their professional body if needed. For serious cases, legal advice may be appropriate.
Complaints help maintain standards in the accounting profession and protect your interests. Approaching the situation calmly and with clear evidence improves your chances of a positive outcome.