Feeling fed up with your accountant? It might be time to bite the bullet and get a new one. Don’t feel bad, though: it’s not you, it’s them. And accountants are a lot like significant others – there’s plenty of fish in the sea.
Still, a breakup is never nice, and so you’ll want to be 100% sure you’re making the right decision before you go through with it. Here are 5 telling signs to look out for.
You’re paying too much overall
Having an accountant shouldn’t break the proverbial bank. If you find yourself struggling to stay afloat, there’s a good chance you’re being taken advantage of and/or overcharged.
You want to try and find an accountant that offers a variety of packages, ideally at a fixed monthly subscription with no extended tie-ins. Much like a significant other (to continue with the metaphor), your accountant should feel like a partner of sorts, someone who’s on your side and has your best interests at heart.
Your accountant charges you for every piece of advice
Again, you ideally want your accountant to have your back, and this includes being willing to offer help or advice at no additional cost.
Access to ongoing advice from an expert in the field is one of the main perks of having an accountant (if not the main perk), and so it can be frustrating if yours seems happy to advise on an ad hoc basis but then springs an invoice on you for the extra work.
This type of relationship is simply not conducive to long-term success, as you don’t want to be second-guessing yourself about reaching out if you have a burning question that relates to your business.
Your accountant confuses you
The world of accounting is full of complicated terminology. As such, your accountant has a responsibility to simplify everything for you and put it in layman’s terms. This enables you to make informed decisions about your money (which is always nice).
Be warned, though: some accountants might try and keep you in the dark, leveraging their superior knowledge in an attempt to get you to blindly pay whatever they charge. This is plain wrong, and you shouldn’t put up with it.
Essentially, if you notice that your accountant isn’t trying to help with all the accounting jargon, that’s a major red flag.
Poor communication
In today’s fast-paced, increasingly online world, clear and swift communication is key. You shouldn’t have to chase for updates. In fact, your accountant should be actively working to anticipate your needs – as opposed to just waiting for you to ask questions. If this isn’t the case, it might be time to switch.
Outdated technology
Up-to-date accounting software is crucial for efficiency and accuracy. If your accountant is still relying on antiquated methods or isn’t familiar with cloud-based accounting systems, they could be holding your business back.
The solution is simple: switch to an accountant who moves with the times and can get you set up on the most current software on the market. This will streamline the whole process, making your life easier.
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