When I sign up a new client, I always ask them what has prompted them to move. Very often the trigger to move is something very small, but has been preceded by a catalogue of normally poor client service, mistakes and rising fees.
In our view, every client deserves a high quality service from their accountant – and that’s what we strive to do on a daily basis. Here are some 6 reasons why our recent new clients have decided to change their accountant:
1. Never heard from their accountant
Many of our new clients have complained that the only times they heard from their accountant was at year-end and when they sent them an invoice! We believe that clients deserve better than this, and will agree with you at the start of our relationship what level of contact and communication you want from us.
2. Too costly
The fees that every accountant charges, for the same service, can vary widely. We’ve spoken to clients who have realised that with the technology advances in the last ten years, preparation of accounts has become quicker and easier – but they still seem to be paying more for the same service level from their accountant. Or they find that they are paying for a level of service that they no longer require from their accountant. There is nothing more infuriating to find the clock is ticking every time you phone or want to speak to your accountant. We will spend the time upfront with you, at our expense, to really tailor our services to what you need.
3. Their accountant has gone out of business
It’s a sad fact that many accountants are now going out of business and leaving their clients in the lurch. If that’s you, we promise that we will provide a good and loving new home for your accounting needs.
4. Their accountant has made costly mistakes
Engaging a qualified, certified or chartered accountant is no guarantee that they can do their job properly. Far too many of our new clients have told us horror stories about their accountant forgetting to run their payroll, incorrectly advising them on VAT, not filing their companies house returns on time, simple mistakes made in the preparation of year end accounts, badly trained book-keepers who mess up the company’s books.
5. Always seem to have bigger and better clients to spend time with
Some of our clients have talked to us about the fact that their ex-accountant let them know that they were one of their smaller clients. They may not have told them that openly, but it soon became apparent from the service they were being given. It doesn’t matter how big or small a client you are, we will always give you the service you deserve and expect.
6. Their accountant ‘dumped’ them
I remember being heart broken by the many girlfriends in my youth that dumped me! Isn’t that just a necessary rite of passage when you are growing up? Sadly many accountants are doing ‘client portfolio analysis’ and dumping their clients who no longer fit with what they are trying to do. If you’ve been one of those dumped clients, we promise a friendly face, cup of tea and a biscuit. It could be the start of a beautiful new friendship…
The 9 Questions to ask before changing your accountant
It’s a big decision to change your accountant. That’s not in dispute! However, you owe it to yourself and the people in your business, to make sure that you select wisely with your next accountant.
Here is a 9 questions that we encourage you to use to evaluate if your new accountant is really your match made in heaven:
1. Why do you want my business?
2. What does good client service look like to you?
3. Talk me through occasions where you have helped businesses similar to myself, above and beyond the normal day-to-day stuff?
4. How will you, as my accountant, add value to my business?
5. What services, based on my business, do you think I would benefit from using and why?
6. What processes and systems do you have in place to make sure that mistakes don’t happen on my affairs?
7. What is or isn’t included in your fees?
8. Who will be managing the day-to-day running of my accountancy requirements?
9. How often will I be hearing from you?
What else would you add to this list?
Of course, we are happy to answer all your questions!
If this blog post resonated with you, click this link and fill in your details, to see how different life can be with us!
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