How changing accountants usually works
If you are asking “can I change accountants”, start from your practical need: what outcome is missing right now and which deadlines are at risk. Then engage a provider who can deliver that outcome, not just hold the job title.
The typical flow is: sign a new engagement, your new accountant requests professional clearance from your previous accountant, relevant records are transferred, access to software and the ATO/ASIC is updated, and a first set of priorities is agreed (clean-up, catch-up lodgments, or planning).
Australian context to keep in view
- Professional clearance: your new accountant normally writes to the previous accountant to ask if there are any professional or ethical reasons not to accept the engagement and to request necessary records.
- Record ownership: you own the information you provided and final deliverables (e.g., financial statements, lodged tax returns). Accountants usually own internal working papers, but should share what’s reasonably necessary for continuity.
- ATO agent nomination: many businesses must nominate a new tax/BAS agent via Online services for business (myGovID/RAM) before the agent can link you.
- ASIC registered agent: for companies, your new agent lodges Form 362 to act on your behalf for company registers and annual reviews.
- STP Phase 2 and super: ensure payroll, STP reporting and superannuation processes are handed over cleanly to avoid penalties.
When it makes sense to switch
- Missed or rushed lodgments for BAS, IAS, tax returns, STP, or ASIC annual reviews.
- Unclear or infrequent communication, or no proactive guidance around cash flow and tax planning.
- Poor software use: unreconciled bank feeds, miscodings, or no month-end process in Xero/MYOB/QuickBooks.
- Billing surprises without scope clarity or value.
- Change in your business needs: growth, payroll complexity, multi-entity structures, or new advisory requirements.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Ensure the proposal covers the exact work behind your “can I change accountants” question: catch-up work, clean-up, setup, reviews, lodgments, ASIC, payroll/STP and reporting cadence.
Software fit
Confirm deep capability in your stack (Xero/MYOB/QuickBooks, Dext/Hubdoc, timesheets, inventory, e‑commerce, payment gateways) and how workflows will run month to month.
Turnaround and communication
Agree on response times, meeting rhythm, and how urgent items are escalated during BAS and tax peaks.
Commercial fit
Clarity on fees (fixed vs hourly), inclusions/exclusions, and whether you need compliance only or broader advisory/Virtual CFO input.
Key steps to switch in Australia
- Define outcomes and deadlines: list urgent lodgments (BAS/IAS, tax, STP finalisation), any ATO letters, and reporting needs.
- Select and engage your new provider: check registrations, scope, and software capability. Sign an engagement letter.
- Professional clearance: your new accountant requests clearance and necessary information from the previous accountant.
- Transfer data and access: accounting file access, bank feeds, document tools, payroll/STP, super clearing house, and receipt apps.
- Update ATO links: nominate your new agent in Online services for business (where required), then the agent links you and manages roles.
- Update ASIC agent (companies): new registered agent lodges Form 362; confirm address for ASIC notices and fee reminders.
- Agree the first 90 days: clean-up tasks, lodgment calendar, management reports, and a communication rhythm.
If you’re mid‑quarter or behind on lodgments, it’s still fine to change now—just prioritise a catch‑up plan with clear dates.
Timing, records and costs
- Best timing: soon after a BAS quarter, year‑end, or payroll finalisation; switch sooner if deadlines are being missed.
- Records: request client-owned files (source docs provided, final financial statements, lodged returns, payroll reports). Working papers usually remain with the previous accountant, but they should provide what’s reasonably necessary for continuity.
- Unpaid fees: some accountants may exercise a lien over certain work until reasonable fees are settled. Clear the account to avoid delays.
- Engagement terms: read termination/notice clauses and confirm what’s included in the fixed fee vs billed as extra.
- Privacy and access: remove old user logins and revoke software access after the handover is complete.
Who to hire next
Choose the provider that matches your current need:
- Bookkeeper for daily/weekly reconciliations, BAS prep, and keeping your accounting file clean.
- BAS Agent for GST/BAS/IAS lodgments and payroll/STP compliance.
- Tax Accountant for business/individual tax returns, tax planning and structuring advice.
- Payroll services for STP, awards, leave, super, and payroll compliance.
- Small business accountant for broader support across bookkeeping, BAS and tax.
- New business accountant for setup, registrations, and getting software and processes right from day one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change accountants?
Yes. You can switch at any time. Engage a new provider first, they’ll request professional clearance from your previous accountant, arrange records and access, and help you update ATO/ASIC links.
What should I check before deciding?
Scope, software fit, turnaround, registrations (Tax/BAS Agent, CA/CPA/IPA), fees, and communication style. Ask how they’ll handle clean‑up and the first 90 days.
When should I get professional advice?
If the decision affects tax planning, business structure, trust distributions, director loans, payroll/STP, or there are looming ATO/ASIC deadlines, get advice before switching.
What is the safest next step?
Write down the exact outcomes you want, pick a provider that can deliver them, and agree a clear handover and lodgment plan. Use the form below if you’d like help scoping your switch.