How to Switch Accountants Glasgow

Thinking about switching accountants? You are not alone. Every year, thousands of businesses and individuals across Glasgow change their accountant because of poor communication, rising fees, missed deadlines, or simply outgrowing what their current firm can offer. The good news is that switching accountants is far simpler than most people expect. At Countify, we manage the entire process on your behalf.

The decision often feels bigger than the process itself. A tax return may be due soon, bookkeeping files may sit in cloud software, and you may worry that changing firms will create awkward conversations or missing records. In practice, a professional handover is routine. Accountants expect clients to move when their needs change, and a planned switch should leave you with better communication, clearer responsibilities, and a stronger view of the deadlines ahead.

Why People Switch Accountants

Slow or poor communication, including calls and emails not returned promptly.

Unexpected or rising fees that were not agreed upfront.

Missed HMRC or Companies House deadlines and the penalties that follow.

A lack of proactive advice from an accountant who only reacts.

A move to cloud accounting on Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent.

Business growth that now needs a full-service accountancy firm.

Step 1 - Choose Your New Accountant

Before you give notice to your current accountant, make sure your new firm is instructed and ready to take over. Look for ACCA or ICAS qualifications, clear fixed fees, and a firm that uses cloud accounting software compatible with your business.

Use the first conversation to test how the new relationship will work. Ask who will answer day-to-day queries, which services are included, how extra work is priced, and what information is needed before the next HMRC or Companies House filing. If you are moving because advice has felt reactive, explain what you want to see improve. A good new accountant should be able to turn that into a clear onboarding plan.

Step 2 - Notify Your Current Accountant

Send a short written notice to your current accountant. Email is usually fine. There is no legally required notice period for most accountancy engagements, although you should check your engagement letter. You do not need to give a reason for changing firms.

A simple message is enough: 'I am writing to inform you that I have appointed Countify as my new accountants with effect from [date]. Please provide all relevant files and information to them directly upon request.'

Keep the notice short and factual. You can ask your previous accountant to confirm any work still in progress, unpaid fees, or filings they will finish before the handover date. That avoids assumptions later. If you have upcoming deadlines, tell the new accountant at the outset so the transfer is prioritised around the work that matters first.

Step 3 - We Contact Your Previous Accountant

Once you instruct Countify, we send a professional clearance letter to your previous accountant requesting files, records, and outstanding information. This is standard practice in the accountancy profession and your previous firm is professionally obligated to respond. You do not need to manage the exchange yourself.

The clearance process helps the new firm understand what has already been filed and whether there are matters that need attention. Depending on your circumstances that may include accounts, tax returns, payroll records, bookkeeping exports, VAT information, Companies House details, tax computations, and correspondence relevant to open queries. The goal is not to restart your history from scratch; it is to take over with enough context to act accurately.

Step 4 - Seamless Handover

We review the incoming files, identify outstanding matters, and check that there is no gap in compliance. HMRC agent authorisation is transferred to Countify so we can act on your behalf. Companies House authorisation is updated where relevant.

A careful handover also gives you a useful reset point. We can confirm the services you actually need, check whether records are up to date, agree how documents will be shared, and identify deadlines for self-assessment, corporation tax, VAT, payroll, annual accounts, or confirmation statements. If something is already late or unclear, it is better to know early than discover it when a penalty notice arrives.

Step 5 - Business as Usual

Most switches are completed within a few days. From day one you have a dedicated Countify contact and a clear view of your compliance position, upcoming deadlines, and any actions we recommend.

You should not need to pause normal business while the switch happens. Keep sending invoices, keeping receipts, running payroll, and maintaining your bookkeeping as usual. The new accountant can tell you if a software invitation, bank statement, identity check, or authority form is needed. Responding promptly to those small onboarding steps keeps the transfer tidy and allows advice to start sooner.

What Does It Cost to Switch?

Switching to Countify costs nothing. We do not charge a setup or transfer fee. Your new fee arrangement is agreed upfront before any work begins.

Before you move, check the previous engagement letter for any final billing terms and make sure you understand which historic work remains with the old firm. After you move, keep a copy of the new engagement scope. That simple paper trail helps everyone know whether the immediate priority is a tax return, year-end accounts, bookkeeping catch-up, payroll support, or a wider advisory review.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Contact us today for a free initial consultation. Call 07515 646845 or email info@countify.co.uk and we will handle the transition.