How to Choose an Accountant as a New Business (or How to Change Your Accountant)

Starting a business is exciting—but dealing with the money side can feel like trying to read a map in the dark. Picking the right accountant makes everything clearer. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about switching, this guide walks you through what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make the process smooth, simple, and stress-free.

Why Choosing the Right Accountant Matters

When you’re launching a new business, it’s easy to think an accountant is just there to “do the books”. In reality, the right accountant becomes one of your most important partners. They’re the person who helps you understand what’s going on under the bonnet of your business. They make sure you’re not paying more tax than you should. They explain the numbers in plain English so you can make decisions with confidence. And they keep you out of trouble with HMRC, which is always a wise move.

For many small businesses, money is tight at the start. That’s exactly why choosing the right accountant matters so much. The right advice early on can literally save you thousands. A good accountant doesn’t just crunch numbers—they help you build your business in a smart, steady way. They help you set up good habits so you don’t spend months untangling mistakes later.

If you’re already working with an accountant and you feel ignored, confused, or like you’re always chasing answers, that’s also a sign to change. Just like any service, not every accountant is a good fit for every business. Your accountant should make your life easier. They should have your back. They should feel like a member of your team, not an obstacle to climb around.

Choosing or changing an accountant isn’t something to rush. This is a relationship that affects everything from your daily cash flow to how well you sleep at night. So let’s take a closer look at what you should think about when making this decision, and how to pick someone who genuinely supports your goals.

What to Look for in an Accountant

Not all accountants are created equal, and that’s perfectly fine. The key is to find the one who suits your business, your personality, and the way you like to work. Start by looking at qualifications. In the UK, the main accounting bodies are ACCA, ICAEW, and CIMA. You don’t need to memorise who’s who, but you do want someone properly qualified and regulated. It’s a sign that they understand the rules and are held to a professional standard.

Beyond qualifications, look at experience. If you run a small craft business from home, an accountant who mainly handles huge corporations might not be the best fit. If you’re starting a tech startup, someone who only works with restaurants might not fully understand your needs. Find someone who knows businesses like yours. Ask what kind of clients they normally work with and what problems they help solve.

It’s also important that they’re easy to talk to. A good accountant explains things in a way that makes sense. They don’t drown you in jargon or make you feel silly for asking questions. When you meet or speak with them, notice how the conversation feels. Do they listen? Do they explain things clearly? Do they seem interested in what you’re doing? These might seem like small things, but they matter more than you think.

And then there’s technology. Many accountants now use online tools like Xero, FreeAgent, and QuickBooks. These can save you time and help you see what’s happening in real time. Even if you’re not “techy”, a modern accountant should make digital tools easy and accessible. If they still insist on everything being done on paper, you may find yourself stuck in the slow lane.

Finally, think about their availability. Do they reply to emails within a reasonable time? Are they available for calls? Do they offer regular check-ins? You want someone who’ll actually be there when you need help—not someone you hear from once a year at tax time.

How Much Should a Small Business Expect to Pay?

One of the first questions every new business asks is, “How much will this cost me?” The truth is that accountancy fees can vary a lot, and what you pay usually depends on how much you need. But you should never feel like the cost is a mystery. A good accountant is upfront and clear about pricing.

For small businesses, many accountants offer fixed monthly packages. These often include things like year-end accounts, tax returns, payroll, bookkeeping support, and advice throughout the year. Prices can range quite widely, but what matters most is value. A cheap accountant who doesn’t communicate or makes mistakes is actually expensive in the long run. A slightly pricier accountant who saves you tax, keeps you compliant, and gives you confidence is worth every penny.

Always ask what’s included and what’s not. For example, will you pay extra if you call them for advice? Are payroll services included? What about VAT returns? Make sure there are no surprises. If they offer everything in one clear package, that’s usually a good sign.

One mistake many new businesses make is trying to do everything themselves to save money. That works only if you genuinely know what you’re doing. In most cases, it takes longer, costs you more in mistakes, and adds stress you really don’t need. A decent accountant isn’t a luxury. They’re part of your business foundation.

Don’t be afraid to shop around. Get quotes from a few different accountants. Compare what they offer. Ask questions. You’re not looking for the cheapest; you’re looking for the one who’ll support your business properly. When you find them, the cost usually feels completely worth it.

Changing Your Accountant Without the Stress

Lots of small businesses stick with the same accountant for years, even when they’re unhappy. Why? Because changing feels awkward or stressful. The good news is that switching accountants is actually very simple—and your new accountant does nearly all the work for you.

If you feel like your current accountant is slow, unhelpful, or leaving you in the dark, you are absolutely allowed to change. You’re running a business, and you deserve support that actually helps you grow. A good accountant understands that switching sometimes happens, and a professional one won’t make it difficult.

Here’s what usually happens: you choose a new accountant, tell them you want to move over, and they will contact your old accountant directly. They’ll ask for something called “professional clearance” and request your documents and information. This part isn’t your job—it’s between the two accountants. Your only real task is to sign a new agreement with your new accountant and confirm what services you want going forward.

You might feel nervous about telling your old accountant that you’re leaving. But remember: this happens all the time. You’re not tied in for life, and you don’t need to give a reason unless you want to. If they ask for one, you can keep it simple and polite. Most accountants understand that businesses change, and so do their needs.

The key thing is this: never stay with an accountant who makes your life harder. If you’re unhappy with the service, confused about the fees, or constantly chasing them, those are all signs that it’s time to look elsewhere. Switching isn’t scary. It’s often the best business decision you’ll make all year.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing or Changing

When you meet a potential new accountant, you don’t need to grill them like a TV detective. But asking the right questions helps you understand whether they’re a good fit. These conversations also help you get a feel for their working style, which is just as important as the services they offer.

Start with something simple: “What kind of clients do you work with?” You want an accountant who understands businesses like yours. If they mainly work with companies that look nothing like yours, or are a lot larger or smaller, they might not offer the support you need.

Next, ask how they communicate. Do they respond quickly to emails? Do they schedule regular check-ins? Do they prefer phone calls or online messages? You want clarity here so you know what to expect.

Then, ask what software they use and whether they’ll help you get set up. Even if you’re not confident with tech, a good accountant should guide you through the process and make it feel easy.

Another important question is how they charge. Make sure you fully understand their pricing. Ask what’s included. Ask whether advice is extra. Ask whether they will warn you before doing any additional billable work. Transparency now prevents headaches later.

You might also ask what makes them different from other accountants. This gives them space to explain what they care about, how they work, and what they believe in. Sometimes their answer tells you more than anything else.

Finally, ask yourself how you feel after talking to them. Did they listen? Did they explain things clearly? Did the chat feel comfortable? Choosing an accountant isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a relationship decision. Trust your instincts as much as your checklist.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Just as there are great accountants out there, there are also some who might not be the best match—or who might cause you trouble down the line. Spotting red flags early can save you a lot of stress.

One major red flag is if they avoid explaining things. If they rush you, ignore your questions, or make you feel silly for asking, they’re not the one. A good accountant wants you to understand what’s happening with your money. Another warning sign is poor communication. If they take ages to reply, miss deadlines (but remember to give them plenty of time to complete tax returns etc and not dump a load of figures on them the day before the deadline), or leave everything to the last minute, that’s not just annoying—it affects your business.

Be cautious if their pricing feels vague or confusing. If you can’t work out what you’re paying for, or you feel like you’re being upsold things you don’t need, walk away. You should know exactly what you’re getting and how much it costs.

Also be wary if they promise things that sound too good to be true, like “We can guarantee you’ll pay no tax.” No accountant can promise that. Legitimate accountants work within the rules, and anyone who suggests otherwise could land you in trouble.

Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off—maybe the conversation feels rushed, or you feel like they’re not really listening—pay attention. You don’t need a reason to say no. This is your business, and you get to choose who supports it.

Final Thoughts

Choosing or changing your accountant is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a small business owner. The right accountant saves you time, money, and stress. They help you grow your business with confidence. They explain things in plain English and help you understand your financial health without confusion.

Take your time. Ask questions. Compare different options. Think about how each accountant makes you feel, not just what they offer. Your accountant should be someone who supports you, encourages you, and takes tasks off your plate, not someone who adds to your workload.

Whether you’re just starting out or considering switching, the main thing is this: choose someone who genuinely helps you and your business succeed. When you find the right accountant, everything becomes easier. You make better decisions. You grow faster. And you sleep a bit better too.

About the Author

John K Mitchell has been optimising sites for search engines since 1997—before Google even began. With a strong programming background, John quickly realised he could analyse results and make educated guesses about why sites performed the way they did. Since then, he has worked on thousands of websites, often achieving excellent results. His experience and insight make him a trusted voice in the world of digital strategy and small business growth.