New to business or wanting more from your current accountant?
It IS possible to switch.
The thing is, you are the boss of your own business. You get to choose who you want to engage as a service provider. You’re also free to discontinue working with someone if they aren’t quite the right fit.
Finding an accountant that ‘fits’ is crucial.
You need to feel comfortable having discussions with them and know that you can reach them when you need them.
But, how do you find the right accountant for your business?
Well, your search starts right here.
If you’re considering a move, you might be feeling intimidated by where to start. Don’t be! Switching accountants can be simple. This is the straightforward six-step process we use whenever anyone switches to work with us here at Trio.
1. Call Me
The first part of any successful relationship is getting the communication right. And the best way to lay that foundation is by actually speaking.
Whenever anyone is considering switching to Trio, I always like to get on the phone (or Zoom) to find out about you and your business: how we can help, and if we’re a good fit. You need an accountant you can relate to, who you don’t feel judged by, and who you trust with all your financial nitty gritty.
It’s a personal thing, so it’s got to feel right. And it is unlikely you will be able to establish those feelings via email or messenger.
2. The Proposal
Once you’ve had that initial conversation, it’s time to get everything down in writing so both parties have the right expectation of the relationship ahead.
Knowledge is power, and at Trio, we want to empower you to manage your finances better by being fully in the know.
That’s why we send you a proposal which identifies what your business needs, outlines what we will do for you, and detail what the services will cost. There are no grey areas, just complete transparency and clarity.
3. Breaking Up Is (Not) Hard To Do (aka Onboarding)
Onboarding is a vital process which will get you set up in our system and let you know what to expect going forward.
At Trio, the onboarding process is where forms get signed, we verify your identity, set you up with Xero – or you give us access to your existing Xero setup. We’ll also sort out the handover from your old accountant.
It’s important this is done seamlessly, so allow us to take the reins. And hey, we know this can be awkward. But we’ll take care of it. We’ll send what’s known in accounting as a professional clearance letter to put all the handover wheels in motion.
Fact: did you know your existing accountant is obliged to provide all your information, honestly and unambiguously, in a timely fashion? They’ve committed to doing so under our industry’s Code of Ethics. We also have confidentiality obligations we must observe.
“Love your easy onboarding process!” – Emily Bryant, Trio client
4. Financial Check-up
Before any work is done, we want to establish your initial financial position by conducting a financial check-up. This shows where your business is at, if there are any errors that need to be corrected, and whether there are any immediate areas of improvement that they can suggest.
At Trio, this is the stage where our relationship becomes official! We’ll look at your Xero to make sure it’s in tip-top shape. We’ll check your taxes to ensure there aren’t any outstanding returns or payments due. And if there are, we’ll formulate a plan on how to deal with those.
5. Quick Start Meeting
At this point, it’s time to create a plan for how we are going to work together. That doesn’t only include tax and GST dates, but also how we can work to improve your business together.
We’re big fans of the quick-start guide. Why get bogged down in the details when you can just get moving? We’ll have a chat about your goals, your business, and home in on the quick wins that will help you earn more money, free up more time, or deliver way less stress – whatever your current priorities may be.
“Nickie has a way of working that keeps you focused on the important stuff, not lost in the detail, so that any time you spend gives back two-fold.”
– Frances Shoemack, Trio client
6. Going Steady
Now it’s time to crack into the real work and establish our new accounting routine.
At Trio, we’ll work with you regularly on GST returns, annual accounts, tax planning and provide business mentoring. When you need us, pick up the phone and call. Don’t be afraid to do so: your account with Trio runs on a monthly fixed fee. No surprise bills here!
We’ll Be There For You
At Trio Accounting, we’re about more than the numbers. But we know the numbers tell the story of what is really going on in a business. We read the story of your business and provide the secret sauce of accountability to encourage you and boost results. We're business advisors and coaches not ‘just’ accountants.
Clients tell us if they hadn’t made the move to Trio, they wouldn't understand the intricacies of their business margins in the way they do now – nor would they be armed with the information they need to make decisions for a healthy bottom line.
Does that sound like the way you want to operate? Then call Trio today to discuss making the switch to an accountant who’ll really work for you.
