How do I start changing accountants?

Start with a conversation about your business, existing accounting arrangements and what you need going forward. The scope and transition process can then be explained before you decide whether to proceed.

CHANGING ACCOUNTANTS

Thinking about changing accountants?

If your business has grown, your accountant is retiring, or you want a more proactive accounting relationship, changing accountants may be simpler than you expect.

Discuss changing accountants How the transition works

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Accounting · Tax · Advisory

Businesses change. Their accounting, tax and advisory needs often change with them.

You may have outgrown a compliance-only relationship, your accountant may be retiring, the practice may have changed ownership, or you may simply want an accountant who better suits where your business is heading.

There does not need to be a problem with your existing accountant to consider your options. Sometimes the business simply needs a different level of support.

PRATT Partners works with business owners, private companies and family groups across accounting, taxation and business advisory.

CAN I CHANGE ACCOUNTANTS?

Generally, yes. You can change accountants at any time.

You do not ordinarily need to wait until 30 June or until your next tax return has been completed. Once the new engagement and appropriate authorities are established, the transition of information can begin.

See how the transition works ↓

WHEN TO REVIEW

5 signs it may be time to change accountants.

You only hear from your accountant at tax time.

Tax planning, cashflow and important business decisions can often benefit from being considered before year end.

Your accountant is retiring or the practice has changed.

A successor may suit you, but a transition can also be a natural opportunity to consider who you would choose today.

Your business has become more complex.

Companies, trusts, employees, financing, Division 7A, succession and growth can increase the level of advice required.

Tax or cashflow keeps surprising you.

Better visibility can help you plan for income tax, GST, PAYG instalments, superannuation and other obligations.

You want a better fit.

There does not need to be a dispute. The relationship may simply no longer suit your business, communication style or future plans.

Changing accountants is not always about what went wrong. Sometimes it is about what comes next.

THE TRANSITION

How does changing accountants work?

For many businesses, the process is straightforward. The key is establishing the new engagement, completing the relevant authorities and ensuring important information is transferred.

Initial conversation We discuss your business, entities, current position, existing accounting arrangements and the support you require.

Scope and engagement The accounting, taxation and advisory services are agreed before the transition proceeds.

Authorities Relevant authorities are completed and, where required, ATO client-to-agent linking is established.

Professional handover Relevant records and professional information can then be requested from the outgoing accountant.

Review and transition We review the information received and identify relevant lodgements, deadlines, tax matters and immediate priorities.

Where relevant, see the ATO's client-to-agent linking guidance .

WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH

Advice starts with understanding the business.

PRATT Partners works with business owners and private groups across accounting, taxation and commercial matters.

Our approach is built around understanding the business, maintaining clear communication and providing practical advice as issues and decisions arise.

PRATT PARTNERS

A long-term accounting relationship.

Our role can extend beyond annual compliance to help clients plan ahead, understand their position and work through important tax and business matters.

Meet PRATT Partners

OUR APPROACH

More than year-end compliance.

The right accounting relationship should reflect the needs of the business today and where it is heading.

Proactive

Relevant tax and accounting issues considered before important deadlines and decisions where possible.

Commercial

Tax and accounting matters considered alongside cashflow, profitability and the broader business position.

Connected

Accounting, taxation and business advisory considered as part of the same ongoing relationship.

Not sure whether you need to change?

A first conversation can simply help you understand your options, what a transition would involve and whether PRATT Partners is the right fit.

Discuss your position

YOUR NEXT ACCOUNTANT

What should you look for in a new accountant?

Fees matter, but so do experience, communication, capability and whether the relationship suits the needs of your business.

Experience Relevant experience with businesses, industries and structures comparable to yours.

Communication Understand who will look after you, how advice is delivered and how the relationship will operate.

Scope Accounting, taxation and advisory support that matches what your business actually requires.

Forward planning Consideration of tax, cashflow and business matters before important deadlines and decisions where possible.

Fit A professional relationship that suits how you communicate and how you want your business supported.

SYDNEY · GOLD COAST · AUSTRALIA-WIDE

Looking for a business accountant?

PRATT Partners works with business owners, private companies and family groups from Sydney and the Gold Coast, as well as clients across Australia.

Our services include business accounting, taxation and business advisory.

Business Accountant Sydney Business Accountant Gold Coast Business Accountant Brisbane Accounting Taxation Business Advisory

COMMON QUESTIONS

Changing accountants FAQ.

Can I change accountants during the financial year?

Generally, yes. You do not ordinarily need to wait until 30 June or until your next tax return has been completed. The appropriate timing will depend on your circumstances and any work already underway.

Will PRATT Partners contact my existing accountant?

Where a professional handover is required, the outgoing accountant will ordinarily be contacted to request relevant information once the appropriate engagement and authorities are in place.

Do I need to tell my existing accountant first?

You can first discuss your position and options with the prospective new accountant. The professional handover process can then be explained before anything further occurs.

Can I keep my existing Xero file?

In many cases, yes. Existing accounting software and records can often continue to be used, subject to appropriate access being established and the records being reviewed.

What happens to outstanding ATO matters?

Existing debts, lodgement obligations and other ATO matters remain in place. Once the relevant authorities are established, the new adviser can review the position and identify any immediate priorities.

What if my accountant is retiring?

You may choose to continue with the successor practice or use the transition as an opportunity to review whether another accountant would better suit your future needs.

How do I start?

Start with a conversation about your business, existing accounting arrangements and what you need going forward. From there, the scope and transition process can be explained before you decide whether to proceed.

START A CONVERSATION

Considering a change of accountant?

You don't need to have made the decision.

Speak with PRATT Partners about your current arrangements, what you need from your accountant and what a transition would involve.

Discuss changing accountants

Sydney · Gold Coast · Australia-wide

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Sydney★★★★★

Anthony and the Pratt team have exceeded our expectations at every stage of our journey. As a growing start-up business, their expertise, professionalism, and proactive guidance have helped us navigate our financial and accounting requirements with confidence. They take the time to explain complex matters clearly and genuinely care about their clients' success. I highly recommend Anthony and the team to any business seeking trusted accounting and advisory support.

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Gold Coast★★★★★

I highly recommend Pratt Partners. I operate a Law Firm on the Gold Coast and utilise Anthony's service. Mr Pratt is down to earth, approachable, calm, and answers simple and complex questions.

Business Accounting

Great experience with this team when setting up my new business structure. Personable, knowledgeable, and clearly plugged into the local area - they gave me suggestions I hadn't considered that turned out to be exactly right for my situation. Straightforward, no jargon, and genuinely helpful throughout. Excellent for small businesses and founders.
I'll be recommending my clients to Anthony and the team.

Sydney Business Accountant

Anthony and his team are great. 2 years now I've been with them and they've cleaned up the mess of my 2 previous, incompetent accountants. Thank you Anthony. I do honestly recommend their services, especially if you own & run your own business and have properties.
Cheers & thankyou everyone 👍
General Painting Contractors Pty Ltd-Kogarah, Sydney Australia.

Tradie Accounting

Anthony and his team provided fantastic service and advice.

Professional, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in achieving the best outcomes for us. Both for my personal tax matters & business advice, they took the time to understand my needs and provide clear, practical guidance.

Super approachable, responsive and always willing to go the extra mile. Highly recommend! Thanks again!

Sydney Tax Accountant

Anthony Pratt and his team of lovely ladies, Tien & Amanda, are better than awesome. They have really turned things around for myself and my small company like you wouldn't believe. I recently had unpleasant experiences with 2 bad accounting firms in the last 6 months so I sought a 3rd opinion, and thank goodness I did. I went from a potential large tax bill, to a nice tax return instead. These guys are friendly and very good at what they do and I highly recommend them 👌 They have been successfu…

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Excellent experience setting up my business structure with this team. As a founder, it's easy to feel out of your depth with the tax and structuring side of things, but they made it simple and gave suggestions I hadn't even considered that ended up being the right call. What stood out most was how personable and knowledgeable Anthony and team were. A genuinely local team who actually took the time to understand my situation rather than rushing me through. Highly recommend for any founder or smal…

Gold Coast Accountant

Have managed my tax returns and given me great advice for many years. Highly recommended.

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