How this usually works
If you are asking how to switch accountants, the safest approach is to work backwards from deadlines and access. Confirm what is due next, who controls your software and documents, and what outcome you need from the next provider.
Practical steps to switch in Australia:
- Pick the timing. If you can, change at month-end, the end of a BAS quarter or after EOFY. If you have urgent issues (overdue BAS, payroll errors, data lockouts), switch now and tidy reconciliations with your new provider.
- Engage your new accountant. Agree scope (for example, bookkeeping, BAS, payroll, tax, or advisory), turnaround times, deliverables and fees.
- Professional clearance and handover. Your new accountant will write to your current accountant requesting professional clearance and specific records. Your former accountant is expected to respond and hand over relevant information.
- Transfer software access. Add your new adviser user in Xero/QuickBooks/MYOB, confirm who owns the subscription and billing, and export backups of the general ledger, trial balance, BAS/IAS history and payroll YTD reports.
- Update ATO authority. Most ABN entities now complete client-to-agent linking in ATO Online services for business before the new agent can act. Individuals/sole traders update via myGov or agent nomination.
- Close out and move forward. Finalise any open lodgements, settle outstanding invoices, and confirm your new reporting calendar and communication rhythm.
Whether you’re a sole trader, company, partnership or trust, the sequence above keeps risk low and momentum high.
Australian context to keep in view
- Registration matters. Tax returns and tax advice require a registered Tax Agent; BAS services require a registered BAS or Tax Agent. Ask for current registrations and relevant experience.
- Software access equals control. Make sure your business owns the accounting subscription or that ownership is transferred to you before you switch providers.
- ATO client-to-agent linking. Many ABN entities must complete client-to-agent linking in Online services for business before a new agent can act on your behalf.
- Engagement letter and scope. A clear engagement sets expectations on deliverables, timeframes, and fees—especially around catch-up work and cleanup tasks.
- Advisory vs compliance. Decide if you want compliance-only support, or a broader partner for cash flow, budgets and performance reporting via a small business accountant or advisory package.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm the proposal covers initial handover, any cleanup/catch-up work, ongoing bookkeeping/BAS, payroll, tax, and reporting. Clarify inclusions, exclusions and response times.
Software fit
Choose a provider fluent in your stack (Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB, add-ons). Ask them to outline the workflow and controls, not just list product names.
Turnaround and communication
Agree how and when you’ll hear from each other, how urgent issues are handled in peak periods, and how handover escalations are managed.
Commercial fit
Check pricing model (fixed vs time-based), meeting rhythm, reporting depth, and whether you need compliance-only support or broader advisory and planning.
Best next steps
Write down the specific outcome you want from the switch: cleared backlogs, clean reconciliations, on-time BAS, reliable payroll, stronger cash flow forecasts or better management reports. Then shortlist providers against that outcome.
Handover checklist (request these from your current accountant):
- Trial balance and general ledger to the last reconciled period, plus bank rec summaries.
- Copies of the last two years of income tax returns, assessments, BAS/IAS, FBT and TPAR if relevant.
- Payroll files: YTD reports, open accruals, super clearing history, and STP finalisation status.
- Accounting software access (adviser role), subscription ownership details and any add-ons.
- ASIC/company register items (if a company), including who is the registered ASIC agent.
- ATO account balances, payment plans and the upcoming lodgement calendar.
Use these resources to move from a broad question into specific action: Bookkeeping, BAS Agent, Payroll, Tax Accountant, New Business, or the Accounting services hub.
Frequently asked questions
How do I switch accountants in Australia?
Decide on timing, engage your new provider and agree scope and price. They will request professional clearance and your files. Add them as an adviser in your accounting software, complete ATO client-to-agent linking (or update via myGov for individuals/sole traders), then close out open lodgements and invoices. You can switch mid-year or mid-quarter if needed—just keep a clear list of what is outstanding.
What should I check before deciding to change?
Confirm registrations (Tax/BAS Agent), software capability, industry experience, scope and deliverables, turnaround times, and pricing model. Review ownership of your software subscription, the status of BAS/tax/payroll, ATO balances, and whether you want compliance only or broader advisory support. If you need help scoping the work, use the form below.
How do I update ATO authority and software access?
ABN entities generally complete client-to-agent linking in ATO Online services for business before a new agent can act; then remove the old agent if you wish. Individuals/sole traders update their tax/BAS agent via myGov. In your software (Xero/QBO/MYOB), add the new accountant as an Adviser/Accountant user, confirm who pays the subscription, and export backups of the GL, trial balance, BAS/IAS and payroll YTD reports.
What is the safest next step?
Start with a short handover checklist (reports, access, deadlines), then compare providers against that list. If you want guided help, tap the button below and we’ll help you plan the switch and avoid missed lodgements.