The frustrations of firing a bookkeeper after hiring a bookkeeper

​When making a decision to fire an accountant or bookkeeper, there may be a hesitation to take action.

An accountant has their finger on the pulse of your business and even a marginal accountant can be perceived as 'indispensable'. This misplaced perception can become a barrier to your business success. 

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Even if there are legitimate reasons for making a change, here is what might come to mind:

• Guilt - If I move from my current accountant, I feel like I am letting them down.
  • If the reasons for making a change are helpful to your business, your team, your family and your future… the professional service provider understands.
• Greener Grass? - After switching bookkeepers once, it is understandable why anyone would be less confident with making a change. Will the new accountant offer more value?
  • There may be more potential with making a change.  A company with more than one bookkeeper on staff will most likely offer a broader range of expertise. There are certainly risks since ‘anyone’ can start a bookkeeping business. It pays to review testimonials, past clients, and take the time to ask tough questions when consulting with a potential accounting/bookkeeping company.
• Low, low price – Trustworthy? - There may be offers to provide services at a very low price to 'hook you' as a client and then add new services for additional fees or increase fees.
  • This again can be avoided by talking to current clients, reviewing testimonials and having a commitment in writing prior to hiring an accounting company.
• The Honeymoon - The truth about the new accounting/bookkeeping company's reliability and efficiency may not become apparent until after a honeymoon stage is over. It is possible that the accounting company meets the promises for the first few months but services then decline to be no better than the previous accountant.
  • This possibility emphasizes the importance of quality conversations and references to confirm the new accountant will perform with excellence.
• Is an accounting service an expense, or a resource to leverage for improved profits?
  • There is always someone who can offer a lower price. If your goal is to move forward and gain a competitive advantage with an accounting company with excellence, it can be difficult to compare a previous accountant with one of the future..
• Cautious vs. Aggressive – An accountant may be more conservative to protect assets.  An aggressive owner may want to take risks which contradict the accountants view. Will the next accountant be in sync with your strategy?
  • This question is important and should be part of any discussion with a new accountant or bookkeeper.  
• The Menu - “I want an opinion not a series of options” might have been a thought when talking to an accountant. Without a clear direction from an expert, it is more difficult to create an effective plan.
  • This is a legitimate concern and should be a part of the initial conversation with a prospective accounting company.

​With more confidence, you should be prepared to take action. The reasons for 'firing' a bookkeeper or accountant may be similar to those when terminating other staff.  Patterns of marginal performance may include:

• Repeating the same mistakes
• Disrespectful and shows a lack of loyalty
• Poor punctuality and project work not completed on time
• A lack of focus
• Does not take responsibility – blames others
• Critical, negative and a complainer
• Lack of professionalism
• High fees for services of low value
• They provide service to the competition

The reason for ‘firing’ your accountant may be based on ‘opportunity’ vs. dissatisfaction. The decision to fire an accountant may go beyond whether you are unhappy with services. Your decision might be based on:

• Less expensive services are available elsewhere
• Better (and faster) services are available from another company.
• Your current accountant is going through staffing changes or closing their business.
• Your current accountant is unable to meet your growth and business needs.
• You are interested in using a bookkeeper in the 'cloud'.

The first step
Interviewing new accountants can be time-consuming which is why an accounting company with a team of experts is valuable.

The second step
The new accountant or bookkeeper will help create the map to ensure a smooth transition.  

The third step
Once you have interviewed and selected an accounting or bookkeeping company, give the current accountant notice to let them know of the change. There may be a small fee from the current accountant for finalize and hand-off the files and documents.

The fourth step
Your new accountant will possibly write a letter to your current accountant and request a list of documents and files to make the transition go well. Their request could include records such as:

• The latest set of accounts prepared.
• Trial balance as at the last balance sheet date.
• Bank reconciliation statement.
• A breakdown of company fixed assets.
• A detailed breakdown of debtors and creditors.
• A reconciliation of corporation tax creditor.
• The last copies of corporation tax computation.
• A photocopy of the last annual tax return.
• Certificate of Incorporation.
• Photocopies of the last tax return and supporting documentation submitted on behalf of the directors.
• Latest income tax assessments and any outstanding appeals or correspondence
• Any other relevant information which may be helpful.

These are examples only and will vary depending on your industry, type of company.

Next step
The next step is to contact a potential accounting/bookkeeping company. These conversations are confidential, and with the list of questions above, you will start your new relationship with an expectation of success.

We would be honored to be one of your first calls. Please consider the ASP team when you begin the difficult transition of either adding a new bookkeeper or making a change. The experts in Washington and Oregon have a reputation of offering service excellence to many clients.

Contact us to request a free, no-obligation consultation. 
Oregon (503) 473-0122 - Washington ​(425) 492-1901 or call us toll free (800) 931-6557