Straight Talk
I’ve been working with an accountant for a few years, primarily for standard Bookkeeping. However, due to some personal issues, I haven’t filed tax returns for myself or my business for about seven years. It’s turned into quite a mess. I’ve spent time going through my credit card and bank statements to manually mark personal and business expenses for them.
I submitted all my documentation last August, but communication has been less than satisfactory since then. I understand they’re not my dedicated CFO who should answer every question—believe me, I get that—but this seems excessive. For instance, this month, I’ve called twice, texted twice, and emailed multiple times trying to schedule a meeting to get updates, like whether they filed an extension for this year. Responses have been brief, with statements like “I’ll get back to you” and “we’ve completed the Bookkeeping but are having issues submitting.” Often, I don’t hear back at all. They’re a small firm, and the accountant branched out from a larger one.
Am I asking too much? I’d like to hear from others who’ve worked with small firms that are quite busy. Is this behavior typical? Should I start searching for a different accountant? The thought of bringing up a new firm is daunting since I can’t even get him on the line.
Any advice or honest feedback would be appreciated—no judgments, please. I’m just trying to figure this out.
2 Responses
It sounds like you’re in a tough spot, and it’s completely understandable to feel frustrated. When you’ve gone through the trouble of organizing your financials and then have trouble getting responses from your accountant, it can feel overwhelming. Here are a few things to consider:
Communication Expectations: In small firms, it’s not uncommon for the workload to be high, but that doesn’t excuse poor communication. You should expect at least some level of feedback on your inquiries, especially given the complexity of your situation.
Consider a Direct Conversation: If you haven’t already, try requesting a brief phone call or in-person meeting rather than relying on emails and texts. Sometimes, people are more responsive when it’s a direct conversation.
Assess the Situation: If you’ve already tried multiple forms of communication without much success, it might be time to consider finding a new accountant. You deserve someone who is responsive and proactive about your needs, especially given the urgency of your tax situation.
Transitioning: If you decide to switch accountants, be prepared to explain your situation clearly to a new firm. They will likely need access to your financial documents and might have some initial questions.
Speed Matters: With the tax filing deadlines approaching, consider the urgency of your situation. If you don’t feel that your current accountant can handle your needs in a timely manner, it’s worth exploring other options.
Ultimately, you should feel supported and have a good communication flow with whoever is managing your finances. It’s okay to prioritize your needs and look for better service if that’s what it takes. Good luck!
It’s great that you’re seeking advice and opening up this discussion—Accounting challenges can be really stressful, especially when you’re managing personal and business finances. Communication is key in any professional relationship, particularly with accountants who handle such crucial aspects of your financial health.
From your experience, it sounds like you’re not just looking for Bookkeeping but also significant support during a complicated time. It’s not uncommon for small firms to juggle multiple clients, but the lack of response and clarity after you’ve submitted your materials is concerning. In such situations, it’s definitely reasonable to expect timely updates, especially when you’re dealing with pending tax returns.
If you feel comfortable, it may be worth having a candid conversation with your accountant about your expectations. Express your need for more consistent communication and see if they can give you a timeline for when you can expect updates. If they continue to be unresponsive, it might indeed be time to explore other options.
When searching for a new accountant, look for someone who offers a more proactive communication style. You might also want to consider scheduling a preliminary meeting to gauge their approach to client engagement before making the switch. Many firms these days offer dedicated client management, which can lessen the burden when things get complicated.
Remember, you deserve to have a professional on your side who values your time and addresses your concerns with the seriousness they warrant. Best of luck as you move forward—this is a tough but necessary step for your peace of mind!