Switching accountants is a significant decision for any Australian business owner, and knowing the right questions to ask before switching accountants can save you time, money and frustration down the track.
The key questions to ask before switching accountants focus on fees, proactivity, industry experience, communication, and how the transition will be managed. Clear answers in these areas help business owners choose the right long-term accounting partner.
The most important questions to ask before switching accountants are:what services are included in the fee, how proactive they will be, whether they have relevant industry experience, how they communicate and respond, and how the transition will be managed. Getting clear answers to these five questions will help you choose an accountant who is genuinely right for your business. |
If you have been with the same accountant for years, it can feel uncomfortable to consider making a change. But staying out of loyalty rather than because the relationship is genuinely working is one of the most common mistakes business owners make.
Maybe your accountant only contacts you at tax time. Maybe your questions go unanswered for days. Maybe you feel like you have outgrown the level of service you are receiving. Whatever the reason, if something feels off, it is worth taking stock.
This guide walks you through the five most important questions to ask before switching accountants in Australia, so you can make a decision with confidence.
Most business owners switch accountants because they are not receiving proactive advice, not because of price.
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| Choosing the right accountant comes down to clarity in these five areas, not just price or convenience. |
Signs It Might Be Time to Ask Questions Before Switching Accountants
Before asking questions of a new provider, it helps to be honest about why you are considering a change in the first place. Common reasons Australian business owners switch accountants include:
- Slow response times and poor communication
- Feeling like just another client rather than a valued business
- No proactive advice, only reactive compliance work
- Unexpected fees or unclear billing
- Your business has grown and your accountant has not kept pace
- Errors or missed deadlines that created ATO issues
Staying with the wrong accountant for too long can cost more than switching. If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to start asking questions.
What Services Are Included When Switching Accountants?
One of the most frustrating things about working with an accountant is discovering that the service you thought you were paying for is actually billed separately. Before committing to a new provider, get clarity on exactly what is included in the fee.
What to ask:
- Does the fee cover bookkeeping, BAS lodgements and tax returns?
- Will I be billed extra for phone calls or emails?
- What happens if I need advice outside of the standard scope?
- Is pricing fixed or based on hourly rates?
Fixed-fee accounting is increasingly preferred by small business owners because it removes billing uncertainty. With hourly billing, owners often hesitate to ask questions, which defeats the purpose of having an accountant in the first place.
At Cotchy, our pricing is transparent and fixed so you always know what you are paying and what is covered.
How Proactive Will My Accountant Be?
There is a significant difference between an accountant who lodges your tax return once a year and one who actively helps you plan, grow and reduce risk throughout the year. Before switching accountants, find out which type of service you are actually getting.
What to ask:
- Will you contact me with advice, or do I need to reach out first?
- How often will we review my financials together?
- Do you provide cash flow forecasting or budgeting support?
- Will you flag tax saving opportunities throughout the year?
Proactive accountants do not wait for EOFY to start thinking about your numbers. They identify issues early, help you plan ahead and make sure you are not missing opportunities to improve your financial position.
If your accountant only speaks to you at tax time, you are already missing opportunities.
If the answer to these questions is vague or non-committal, that tells you something important about how the relationship will actually work.
Do Your Accountants Have Experience With Businesses Like Mine?
Not all accountants are the same. Some specialise in sole traders, others in large corporations, and some have deep expertise in specific industries such as hospitality, construction or franchising. Asking about relevant experience is one of the most important questions to ask before switching accountants.
What to ask:
- Do you work with businesses in my industry?
- What is the typical size and turnover of your clients?
- Have you supported businesses through the stage of growth I am at?
- Do you have experience with franchise accounting or trust structures?
An accountant who understands your industry will spot risks and opportunities that a generalist might miss. They will also be familiar with common compliance challenges specific to your sector — things like industry-specific GST treatment, award wage complexities, or grant eligibility — which means fewer surprises and better advice.
For example, a construction business owner has very different accounting needs to a retail franchisee. An accountant experienced in your field will know the questions to ask before you even think to raise them.
Cotchy works with small businesses and growing franchises across Australia, giving us practical insight into the financial challenges that come with scaling a business.
How Do Your Accountants Communicate and Respond?
Poor communication is one of the top reasons business owners switch accountants. Before you make a move, find out exactly how the relationship will work day to day so there are no surprises.
What to ask:
- What is your typical response time for emails or calls?
- Will I deal with the same person each time or be passed between staff?
- How do I get in touch if something urgent comes up?
- Do you use cloud-based software I can access in real time?
Responsiveness matters. When you have a question about a BAS, a tax obligation, or a cash flow concern, waiting days for a reply can cause real problems. A good accountant treats communication as part of the service, not an afterthought.
You should also clarify whether you will have a dedicated point of contact or whether you will be dealing with different team members each time. Consistency builds trust and saves time.
How Does the Process of Switching Accountants Work?
One of the biggest concerns business owners have about switching accountants is the transition itself. Will it be disruptive? What happens to your records? Will there be a gap in service? Asking about this upfront removes a lot of the uncertainty.
What to ask:
- Will you manage the handover from my current accountant?
- How long does the transition typically take?
- What records will I need to provide?
- Is there a risk of any gaps in lodgements or compliance during the switch?
A reputable accounting firm will handle the transition professionally. They will contact your previous accountant to request records, review your history and get up to speed before taking on any lodgements or compliance work. Your new accountant will also update your registered tax agent details with the ATO, which transfers lodgement responsibilities and ensures there is no gap in your compliance obligations.
Switching accountants is usually straightforward and is managed almost entirely by your new accountant.
At Cotchy, we manage the entire onboarding process so you never have to worry about records falling through the cracks. We make switching straightforward.
What Else Should I Consider When Choosing a New Accountant?
Beyond the five core questions above, there are a few broader things worth considering when evaluating a new accounting partner:
Are they registered with a professional body such as CPA Australia or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)?
- Do they use modern, cloud-based accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks?
- Do they offer integrated services such as bookkeeping, tax, and advisory under one roof?
- Do they have genuine reviews or client testimonials you can read?
- Do they explain things in plain English rather than jargon?
The right accountant should feel like a trusted business partner, not someone you only hear from once a year.
How to Switch Accountants in Australia: A Practical Overview
Once you have found a new accountant you are confident in, the process of switching is generally straightforward:
- Notify your current accountant in writing that you are moving on.
- Request that all your records, working papers and ATO correspondence be transferred.
- Your new accountant will update your ATO registered agent details and take over lodgement responsibilities — this is a straightforward process they manage on your behalf.
- Provide access to your accounting software so your new team can review your records.
- Complete any outstanding work with your previous accountant before the switch if possible.
There is no obligation to stay with an accountant you are not happy with. Australian business owners are free to switch at any time.
Ready to Make the Switch? Cotchy Can Help.
If you have been asking yourself these questions and realising your current accountant is not delivering the service your business deserves, it might be time to explore your options.
Cotchy provides fixed-fee accounting, bookkeeping, tax and advisory services to small businesses and franchises across Australia. We are proactive, responsive and focused on helping our clients build financially healthy businesses.
By understanding the right questions to ask before switching accountants, you can avoid common mistakes and make a more confident decision.
Book a chat with our team and we will take care of the entire transition for you.
FAQs: Switching Accountants in Australia
| What are the most important questions to ask before switching accountants? | Ask about what is included in the fee, how proactive they will be, their experience with your type of business, how they communicate, and how the transition will work. These five questions will give you a clear picture of whether the accountant is right for you. |
| Is it hard to switch accountants in Australia? | No. The process is generally straightforward. Your new accountant will manage the handover, request your records from your previous accountant, and update your ATO agent details on your behalf. |
| When is the best time to switch accountants? | You can switch accountants at any time of year — there is no obligation to wait. That said, switching before the end of the financial year can be a convenient milestone, as it allows your new accountant to onboard and be fully across your accounts from the start of the new financial year. If your situation is urgent, do not hesitate to make the move whenever it is right for your business. |
| Can my old accountant withhold my records? | No. Your financial records belong to you. Your previous accountant is obligated to provide them upon request. If you encounter any resistance, the ATO and relevant professional bodies have processes to assist. |
| How do I know if my accountant is doing a good job? | Your accountant is doing a good job if they communicate regularly, provide proactive advice, bill clearly, lodge on time and demonstrate an understanding of your business goals. |
| What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant? | A bookkeeper manages day-to-day financial records, while an accountant provides tax advice, strategy and compliance. Many businesses benefit from having both, ideally under one roof. |
| How long does it take to switch accountants in Australia? | The transition typically takes two to four weeks depending on the complexity of your records and how quickly your previous accountant provides documentation. Your new accountant will give you a realistic timeframe upfront. |
Sources
ATO: Choosing a tax agent: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/your-tax-return/work-out-if-you-need-to-lodge-a-tax-return/choosing-a-tax-agent
ATO: Record keeping for business: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/preparing-lodging-and-paying/record-keeping-for-business
CPA Australia: Find a CPA: https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/find-a-cpa
Institute of Public Accountants: https://www.publicaccountants.org.au
Note: The material and contents provided in this publication are informative in nature only. It is not intended to be advice and you should not act specifically on the basis of this information alone. If expert assistance is required, professional advice should be obtained.
