I attended the MSA Conference at the weekend. This is about the 7th that I have personally been to, it’s always nice to catch up with some familiar faces, meet existing clients and of course make new contacts.

Each year I try to learn something new about Driving Instructors, their industry and how, as accountants we can help. This years most popular question was not about tax, their accounts or indeed details of our service but

‘How hard is it to change accountants?’

There appeared to be a genuine hesitance caused by fear of the unknown, as one chap said ‘better the devil you know!’ Of course this is something I have been asked many times before but it struck me this year that for one reason or another more people were looking to change accountants but the fear of the unknown was stopping them.

Q. So how hard is it to change accountants?

A. Easy, there is some work to do but it is effortless I would say the following is the general process:

1. Search for your new accountant, find one that specialises in your industry, act on personal recommendation or approach your professional body for guidance.

2. Once you have made the decision to change advise your existing accountant you no longer require their services. I would say letter is the best way to this but you may wish to speak to them depending upon the relationship you have.

3. Appoint you new accountant, who will ask you for the name and address of the previous accountant, amongst other information needed.

4. Your new accountant will write to the previous one for professional clearance and any information relevant to your affairs.

It really is that simple, no hassle at all, the new accountants have been appointed, and they will advise HMRC and liaise with the previous one. All you need to do is continue as usual.