Sooner or later, many business leaders reach a point where they start considering changing their accountant or payroll provider. Sometimes there is a clear issue behind it: the accountant is hard to reach, materials are delayed, or important questions don’t get answered in time. Other times, a fee increase is the trigger that makes them look around the market.

Whatever the reason, it’s worth pausing for a moment. Instead of immediately searching for a new provider, first clarify within yourself what you really want. What was the problem with the current cooperation? What is missing? Faster response times, more attention, greater security, or more professional support? If you don’t define this, you can easily end up in the same situation with a new accountant.

Today, there are many ways to search. You can ask for recommendations, look online, or even consult artificial intelligence. However, experience shows that the decision is not necessarily determined by who you find, but by the criteria you use to choose.

• Is it really only about the price?

We often see that the decision ultimately comes down to price. This is understandable, as many entrepreneurs treat accounting as a mandatory administrative cost. However, if you are already considering a change, it’s worth thinking one step further: are you just looking for a cost item, or rather a partner who can add value to your operations?

A good accountant doesn’t just “book the numbers.” They notify you in time when deadlines are approaching, alert you if they see risks, and help interpret what lies behind the figures. They don’t explain things afterward—they think ahead and act proactively. As a managing director, your goal is not to become an accountant, but it’s crucial to understand what is happening in your company’s finances. A well-communicating accountant who explains things clearly plays a key role in this.

• What expertise does the accounting firm have?

As a first step, it’s important to clarify whether the accounting firm has experience in your specific field. Do they work with webshops? Do they handle foreign invoices? Do they have clients with EU VAT-based transactions? Do they have experience with businesses transitioning from KATA? Do they work with sole proprietors? What size of clients do they typically serve?

• How much do you need stable support?

When choosing a provider, it’s worth examining the structure behind the operation. Is there an office? A team? Backup support? In the case of a single person working part-time, there is always a risk that during illness, holidays, or overload, no one is available to take over. A stable firm, on the other hand, can ensure continuous operation.

• How digitalized are their systems?

It is increasingly a basic expectation to be able to transfer data paperlessly, to have automated processes, and possibly even access your own data through the accounting system. It is also a good sign if they offer solutions that support operations, such as electronic attendance tracking or similar tools.

• How does the accounting transition process work?

Often, it is only during the transition that you realize how organized the process is. How long does it take to switch? Who communicates with the previous accountant? How is data transferred? What happens if something is missing? What if the previous accountant is uncooperative? A well-prepared accounting firm manages this process, provides guidance, and takes the burden off your shoulders.

• Who is responsible for what?

We must not forget the legal and security aspects. There should be liability insurance, clearly defined responsibilities in the contract, and clarity on what happens in case of errors or damages. It is also important that the authorization is tied to the accounting firm itself, not to the client’s data, ensuring clear boundaries of responsibility.

• What is the firm’s capacity?

From a practical standpoint, it is also worth asking how many clients the accountant handles, what their capacity is, who your point of contact will be, and how communication will work. With an overloaded provider, delays and inaccuracies will eventually appear.

• Will the accounting firm be the right long-term partner?

Finally—and perhaps most importantly—if you are changing accountants, don’t just look for a service provider, but for a partner. Someone who is open to shaping processes together, understands your needs, and not only follows but actively supports your business operations. And just as importantly, someone you feel comfortable with, because accounting is based on trust and is a long-term relationship.

It is definitely worth going through these questions before committing to a new accounting firm.

Feel free to contact us! We are happy to answer all your questions.