Is it disloyal to change accountants?
For many business owners, the idea of changing accountants comes with a mix of practical considerations and emotional hesitation. It’s not uncommon to ask yourself, “Am I being disloyal by moving to a different accountant?”
It’s a fair question, especially if you’ve worked with your current accountant for years. They may have seen your business grow from its early days, supported you through challenges, and even become a familiar, friendly presence in your professional life.
But here’s the honest truth: changing accountants is not about loyalty — it’s about making sure your business has the right support. Just like switching suppliers, software, or service providers, it’s a business decision, not a personal betrayal.
Why People Feel This Way
Small businesses often build close, long-standing relationships with their accountants. You may have worked with the same person for years, shared confidential details about your finances, and relied on their advice during key moments.
It’s perfectly natural to feel a sense of obligation, or even guilt, at the idea of moving on. Questions like these often arise:
“They’ve always been good to me — am I letting them down?”
“Will they take it personally?”
“Is it disloyal to leave after all this time?”
But it’s worth stepping back and remembering that accountants are professionals. They understand that clients sometimes move on for various reasons.
Business Decisions Aren’t Personal
Changing accountants isn’t about disloyalty — it’s about whether the service still fits your business.
Businesses evolve:
A solo entrepreneur becomes a growing company.
Tax needs become more complex.
You might need more proactive advice.
Or perhaps communication has slipped, and response times are no longer acceptable.
In the same way you might change banks, software providers, or suppliers as your needs change, moving to a different accountant is simply part of running a business responsibly.
Accountants Expect Clients to Come and Go
It might surprise you to know that accountants are quite used to clients switching. It’s a normal part of the profession.
Clients leave for all kinds of reasons — sometimes because their needs change, sometimes for cost reasons, or sometimes simply because the client wants a different style of service. Accountants don’t take this personally. They understand that not every client-accountant relationship lasts forever.
Professional standards actually require accountants to handle client departures courteously and efficiently, ensuring the handover of records is smooth.
Would You Stay With Any Other Service Out of Loyalty?
Imagine this scenario:
Your internet provider suddenly becomes slow and unreliable.
You call repeatedly but don’t get solutions.
Would you stay just because you’ve been with them for five years?
Probably not. You’d change — not because you’re disloyal, but because the service no longer fits your needs.
The same principle applies to accountants. Your business deserves reliable, responsive, and accurate financial support.
It’s About Fit, Not Fault
Sometimes, deciding to move isn’t because your current accountant has done anything wrong. It might just be that your business has grown in a direction where their services no longer match what you need.
For example:
You now need specialist tax advice they don’t offer.
You prefer cloud-based systems, but they’re still using desktop tools.
You want more regular reporting or proactive planning advice.
None of this means they were a bad accountant — it simply means the fit isn’t quite right anymore.
Will They Be Upset?
In most cases, no. Professionals understand that this happens.
Yes, if the relationship is particularly close, your accountant may be disappointed to see you go. But any good professional will prioritise the smooth handover of your records and respect your decision.
It’s a part of professional life — and they know it.
How to Handle It Gracefully
If you’re feeling awkward about making the change, there are simple, respectful ways to do it:
Let them know directly and politely. A clear, professional message is enough — no need for dramatic explanations.
Thank them for their past work.
Confirm that you’re moving to a new accountant from a certain date.
Ask if there’s anything needed from your side to help the handover.
Most accountants will then pass information to your new accountant as part of standard professional courtesy.
Why Clients Move On — And That’s OK
There are lots of valid reasons businesses change accountants:
Growing business needs
Desire for faster response times
Need for more tax advice or planning
Change in pricing
Different communication styles
Relocation or moving to an accountant who understands your sector better
None of these make you disloyal. They simply reflect the normal decisions that business owners make to ensure the right support is in place.
You Are the Client — You Have the Right to Choose
At the heart of it, remember this: you are the client. You’re paying for a service that supports one of the most important things in your life — your business.
It’s not personal. It’s not a betrayal. It’s simply choosing the professional support that best fits where you and your business are today.
