Switching accountants: a practical business handover checklist
Changing accountants is easier to organise when everyone knows what has been completed, what is still outstanding and who is responsible for the next step. You do not need to arrive with a perfect set of books. You do need to describe the current position honestly.
Start with the reason for the change
Write down the practical help you want: catching up on bookkeeping, clearer reports, BAS preparation, payroll support or business tax work. Separate an urgent deadline from a longer-term improvement. Tell the new accountant about any upcoming obligation at the first enquiry; do not assume a change of accountant extends a deadline.
Make a handover inventory
List each business entity, the accounting software used and the period covered by your records. Note the last bank reconciliation, last BAS lodged, latest financial statements and any outstanding correspondence. Record what is missing rather than filling gaps with guesses.
Keep copies of work already completed and identify who currently holds the supporting records. A useful inventory says “April bank statement requested from bank” rather than simply “paperwork incomplete”.
Agree who will do what
Before anyone starts, clarify the scope and quote, the periods being covered, the intended handover date and how outstanding work will be handled. Ask who will contact the previous accountant, what consent is needed and which records should be transferred. The transfer arrangements and timing depend on the circumstances; an enquiry alone does not appoint a new adviser.
If one person will maintain daily records and another will prepare a BAS or tax return, write that division down. Ask how questions will be raised and who will approve the work before lodgement.
Protect access and documents
Do not email passwords, authentication codes or tax file numbers as part of a general enquiry. Tell the team which software you use and ask for the appropriate access and document-transfer process. Keep your own access to business records and confirm any changes with the relevant provider; do not cancel subscriptions simply because a handover has started.
Your first conversation with Regans
Regans provides bookkeeping, BAS, payroll and business accounting services from Gregory Hills. Explain the work you need, the records available and any deadlines so the team can discuss the next step and provide a quote before work begins. An appointment request is followed by contact from the team; it is not an automatic booking confirmation.
Use the free Business Readiness Kit for a printable handover checklist and missing-records tracker.
This is a preparation guide, not a promise of transfer timing or advice about a dispute with an existing adviser.
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