Many business owners stay with an accountant who isn’t the right fit simply because switching feels like a hassle. Slow responses, surprise fees, missed deadlines or a firm that has outgrown your needs, or that your business has outgrown, are all common reasons to make a change. The good news: switching is more straightforward than most people expect, and the fall is the best time to do it.

Why fall is the best time to switch

• Before year-end, not during tax season. Most businesses close their year on December 31. Switching now lets your new accountant review your books and plan before the year closes, rather than inheriting a rushed file in March.
• Time for year-end planning. Decisions about salary and dividends, bonuses, major purchases and shareholder loans need to happen before December 31. A new accountant can only help with these if they’re involved in time.
• A clean starting point. Starting fresh with a new fiscal year means clear responsibilities and no confusion about who filed what.

Signs it may be time for a change

• You wait days or weeks for answers to simple questions
• You only hear from your accountant at tax time
• Fees are unclear or keep changing
• Deadlines have been missed, or CRA notices arrive that nobody explains
• Your business has grown and needs more proactive advice

What the process looks like

1. A free consultation

We start by understanding your business, what’s working, what isn’t and what you need from an accountant.

2. Gathering your records

We’ll typically ask for your most recent financial statements and tax returns, notices of assessment, access to your bookkeeping file, and details of your HST and payroll accounts. If you’re incorporated, we’ll also want your corporate records.

3. CRA authorization

You authorize us as your representative with the CRA so we can view your accounts and deal with the CRA on your behalf.

4. The handover

Where needed, we request working papers or prior-year files from your previous accountant. Professional accountants generally cooperate with these requests, and you don’t need to have an awkward conversation yourself.

5. Review and a clean start

We review your books and filings, flag anything that needs attention, and set up a clear schedule for bookkeeping, HST, payroll and year-end.

Will there be a gap in my filings?

No. A well-managed transition is planned around your deadlines, so HST returns, payroll remittances and tax filings continue on schedule.

Why businesses switch to A&L

• Over 25 years of experience from our founder, and 19 years serving clients in Mississauga and the GTA
• Transparent starting prices, with no surprise fees
• Personal attention and year-round support, not just at tax time
• Bookkeeping, payroll, HST, corporate and personal tax in one place
• Rated 4.9 stars from 152 Google reviews

Make the switch before year-end

If you’ve been thinking about changing accountants, now is the time. Call 905-279-6367 or contact us to book a free consultation, and we’ll walk you through a smooth, stress-free transition.

This article provides general information. Every transition is different; contact us to discuss your situation.