YF AccountingHome / Switching Accountants
Zero hassle · Any time of year · Free handover
Unhappy with your accountant? Switching takes you 10 minutes. We do the rest.
No awkward phone call to your old accountant. No lost records. No waiting until year-end. You sign one form — we handle every other step of the handover.
What switching actually costs you
The complete list:
- ✓ One 20-minute Zoom call
- ✓ One signed authorisation form
- ✓ £0 — the handover is free
Most clients are fully moved across within 1–2 weeks.
How it works
The four-step switch — you only do step one
- Free intro call. Tell us about your business on a no-obligation Zoom chat. We give you a fixed quote in writing on the spot.
- Professional clearance. We write to your current accountant for handover information. It’s a standard, courteous accountant-to-accountant process — you never have to have an awkward conversation.
- HMRC authorisation. You sign one form, digitally. We become your agent with HMRC and Companies House.
- You’re switched. We review your records, flag anything your old accountant missed, and set up your deadline calendar so nothing is ever late again.
Common worries
The myths that keep people with the wrong accountant
- “I have to wait until my year-end.” You can switch at any time. Mid-year switches are routine — we pick up exactly where your old accountant left off. Waiting usually just means another year of the same service.
- “It’ll be awkward telling my accountant.” You never have to speak to them. Professional clearance is handled accountant-to-accountant — we send the letter.
- “I’ll lose my records and history.” Everything transfers to us. Your old accountant is professionally obliged to hand over your records; we collect, check and store them securely.
- “Switching will cost me.” The handover is completely free. We never charge for onboarding, and your fixed fee is agreed before you commit to anything.
- “Things will get missed in the gap.” We time the cutover around your VAT quarters and payroll periods, so submissions continue without interruption.
- “My books are a mess — I should tidy up first.” Please don’t! Untangling records is our job, and seeing them as they are helps us quote accurately.
Questions
Switching FAQs
How long does switching accountants take?+
Typically 1–2 weeks end to end, most of which is waiting for your old accountant to respond to the clearance letter. Your part takes about 10 minutes.
Can I switch accountants mid-year?+
Yes — at any point in your financial year. We pick up your records exactly where they are, and time the cutover so VAT returns and payroll continue without interruption.
What if my old accountant is holding my records?+
Accountants are professionally obliged to hand over your records on request. Disputes are rare, and even unpaid-fee disagreements seldom block a handover — we’ll guide you through it if anything comes up.
Do I need to tell my current accountant myself?+
Just a short engagement-ending email — and we’ll give you a template. Everything else, including the professional clearance letter, comes from us.
Does switching accountants cost anything?+
No. The full handover — clearance, records transfer and HMRC authorisation — is free. You only ever pay the fixed fee we agree for your ongoing service.
Find out what a proactive accountant feels like. Book a free, no-pressure call today.
Or call us on 0161 531 0959. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll tell you honestly.