When you started out, a basic accountant who lodged your tax return once a year was probably all you needed. But your business has grown. Turnover is up, the stakes are higher, and the questions you’re asking are harder. If your accountant hasn’t grown with you, there’s a good chance you’ve outgrown your accountant without realising it.
Here are the clearest signs, what they’re costing you, and what a better relationship looks like.
Signs you’ve outgrown your accountant
1. You only hear from them at tax time
If the only contact you get is a reminder to send in your paperwork, your accountant is reacting to your year, not shaping it. By the time they see your numbers, the chance to change the outcome has gone. If this sounds familiar, you’ll relate to our post Why does my accountant never ring me?
2. Your tax bill is always a surprise
A growing business should never be blindsided by the ATO. If you regularly find out what you owe after the year has finished, nobody is doing tax planning for you. That alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars over a few years.
3. You can’t get a straight answer
You ask whether you should buy the ute, hire the extra staff member or change your structure, and the reply is vague or arrives weeks later. Good advice should be clear, timely and specific to your situation.
4. Your structure hasn’t changed since day one
The structure that suited a small sole trader rarely suits a business turning over $300k or more. If nobody has reviewed whether a company, trust or holding structure would save tax or protect your assets, that’s a big gap.
5. You don’t really understand your numbers
You get a set of financial statements once a year, but no one sits down and explains what they mean or what to do next. Numbers that don’t lead to decisions are just paperwork.
6. You’re not sure how to pay yourself
If you’re still taking whatever is left at the end of the month, your accountant hasn’t helped you build a proper pay plan. Our guide on how to pay yourself as a business owner explains what should be happening.
7. They don’t ask about your goals
Do they know whether you want to grow, sell, step back or set up the next generation? An accountant who doesn’t know where you’re heading can’t help you get there.
What staying with an accountant you’ve outgrown costs you
Staying with an accountant you’ve outgrown feels safe because it’s familiar. But the cost shows up quietly: tax you didn’t need to pay, cash flow stress, missed opportunities and decisions made on gut feel instead of numbers. For a business at your level, a proactive adviser usually pays for themselves many times over.
What to look for when you’ve outgrown your accountant
- Regular contact. Quarterly or monthly check-ins, not one meeting a year.
- Tax planning before 30 June. A plan for the year ahead, not just a return for the year behind.
- Clear advice. Plain-English answers you can act on.
- Forward-looking numbers. Cash flow forecasts and budgets, not just historical reports.
- Structure and protection. Regular reviews of your structure, asset protection and succession plans.
- Fixed, upfront pricing. No surprise invoices for picking up the phone.
How to switch to a new accountant without the hassle
Changing accountants is easier than most owners expect. Your new accountant will normally request your records and prior year information from the previous firm on your behalf. You don’t need an awkward conversation, and the best time to switch is well before your next lodgement deadline, so there’s time to plan rather than rush.
You deserve a proactive accountant
Compliance is the minimum, not the goal. If you’ve outgrown your accountant, it’s not disloyal to want more. It’s a sign your business has done well and needs an adviser who can match it.
Next step
Not sure if you’ve outgrown your accountant? Take our Business X-Ray. We’ll review your structure, tax position and cash flow, and show you exactly where a proactive approach would make a difference.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need a new accountant?
If you only hear from them at tax time, your tax bills are a surprise, or no one has reviewed your structure as you’ve grown, it’s time to look around.
Is it hard to switch to a new accountant?
No. Your new accountant usually handles the handover and requests your records from your previous firm.
When is the best time to switch?
Well before your next lodgement or 30 June, so there’s time for proper tax planning.
Article by
Alexandra Bromham
Alexandra has spent years in top-tier tax advisory roles before starting Venta. But it wasn’t until she was running her own firm, while managing a team, a mortgage, and three kids under five that the real cost of unclear finances hit home. That experience shaped our approach today: sharp, supportive, and seriously useful.
Disclaimer
“The information on this website is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. It is not legal, financial or professional advice. You should obtain specific, independent advice relevant to your circumstances.”