Though others call us the rebels of accountancy (and we’re happy to run with that moniker) when it comes to the service we provide we take our client promise and service guarantees very seriously. We have the power of conviction which means our client retention is second to none in the accountancy world. You may think all accountants are the same but we’re most definitely not. Over the years our clients have told us why they made the switch to Cooper Parry after falling out of love with their accountant. They boil down to what we think are 10 good reasons to change accountant. Do any of them apply to you?
1. DIFFICULT TO REACH AND SPEAK TO
Accessibility is key in today’s fast-paced business environment. If your accountant is hard to reach or slow to respond, it can lead to delays in decision-making and missed opportunities. Your customer experience matters. Effective communication is vital for addressing urgent financial issues, and if your accountant isn’t available when you need them, it’s a significant red flag. Receiving a timely response from your advisor with a sense of urgency appears to be a novelty to an embarrassingly large number of our competitors.
2. YOU AREN’T RECEIVING A PERSONAL SERVICE
If your accountant treats you like just another number, without understanding your unique business challenges, you’re not getting the service you deserve. Personalised attention ensures that your accountant can provide strategies that align with your business goals, rather than generic advice that may not be relevant. The added value of working with an accountancy firm that employs the best and brightest people who think commercially and out of the box makes a real difference to your bottom line.
What’s more, we’ve got a great retention rate when it comes to our people. No chopping and changing of the team supporting your business here. We understand how important continuity and building a strong relationship is to our clients.
3. THEY’RE REACTIVE, NOT PROACTIVE
A proactive accountant doesn’t just respond to your queries but anticipates issues before they arise. They should be actively looking for ways to optimise your financial processes, minimise tax liabilities, and improve overall financial performance. Delivering audits to meet your timeframe and challenges. If your current accountant only reacts to problems after they occur, it might be time to seek someone who takes a more forward-thinking approach.
4. YOU NEED MORE SPECIALIST ADVICE
As your company grows, so does the complexity of your financial needs. Whether it’s navigating sector-specific regulations, optimising international operations, or managing mergers and acquisitions. You may require specialised advice that your current accountant isn’t equipped to provide.
Switching to an accountant with expertise in your industry or specific areas of need can make a significant difference in your company’s financial health. An accountant should offer strategic advice that contributes to your long-term business goals. Our people have developed strong relationships with companies from a range of sectors. From tech, retail and consumer to financial and professional services and many more. We also get the different challenges facing private limited companies, VC or Private Equity backed businesses, AIM-listed companies and UK subsidiaries of overseas companies.
5. THEY’RE CHARGING MORE FOR A WORSE SERVICE
If you feel you’re paying premium fees but receiving subpar service, it’s time to reconsider your options. Exceptional service doesn’t always mean high fees. And when it comes to the service you receive you need to be confident that the advice given is reliable, accurate and timely. If your accountant is delivering reports that are error-prone or frequently delayed, it can lead to compliance issues and poor strategic decision-making. Overpaying for an accountant who isn’t delivering value is not just frustrating but can also impact your bottom line.
6. LACK OF UP-TO-DATE TECHNOLOGY AND TOOLS
In the digital age, the ability to leverage the latest accounting software and tools is essential for efficiency and accuracy. If your accountant is using outdated systems or isn’t embracing modern technology, you could be missing out on automation benefits, real-time financial insights, and streamlined processes. We’ve heard horror stories about digital portals turning into ‘digital skips’. With information requests and updates buried within countless documents. Determining when technology should be used to support the process, particularly when it comes to audit, or not used can help avoid breakdowns in communication.
Our tech-enabled services are fully integrated and totally scaled to support dynamic growth. Most importantly they’re human-led, the machines won’t be taking over anytime soon here. It’s our people who really make the difference.
7. POOR UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR BUSINESS
An accountant who doesn’t fully understand your business, its goals, and its challenges can’t provide the best advice. Whether it’s your industry dynamics, business model, or growth ambitions, a deep understanding of these aspects is crucial for tailored financial guidance. If your accountant isn’t taking the time to get to know your business and how the market conditions impact it, it might be worth finding someone who will.
8. OUTDATED KNOWLEDGE OF TAX LAWS AND INCENTIVES
As your business grows, so do the complexities of staying compliant with tax laws and regulations. If your advisor isn’t keeping you informed of changes in the regulatory landscape or is slow to identify compliance risks, you could face penalties or legal issues. Switching to an accountancy firm with a strong focus on compliance can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your business adheres to all legal requirements. It also means you won’t miss out on significant tax benefits. Given the new Labour government’s stated intention to introduce a tough budget this autumn, you need advisors who are on it. Keeping on top of regulatory changes and what they mean.
9. UNCLEAR FEE STRUCTURES
Transparency in fee structures is essential to avoid unexpected costs. If your accountant’s fees are unclear, or you’re often surprised by hidden charges, it can lead to unnecessary stress and budgeting issues. Switching to an accountant with a transparent and straightforward fee structure ensures that you know exactly what you’re paying for and can plan your finances accordingly.
10. THEY’RE BORING
Ok so maybe number 10 isn’t a completely serious reason, but it’s true to say we love working with like-minded companies. We’re one of the first and largest accountancy firms to be B Corp certified. Our multi-award-winning culture and wellbeing program attracts the most talented people (over a thousand of them and counting). At the same time, our inspiring workplaces and innovative work practices, including a four-day week trial and ‘Work from Anywhere. Anytime. Forever’, empower them to consistently be at the top of their game. Oh, and we don’t wear grey suits.
