Switching Accountants: 10 Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

Not all accountants are created equal—and sticking with the wrong one can cost your business more than just money. If you’re constantly second-guessing your financials or chasing answers you should already have, it might be time for a change.

Here are 10 warning signs it’s time to switch accountants—and what to look for in a better fit.

1. You’re Always the One Following Up

If you’re constantly chasing your accountant for updates, deliverables, or explanations, that’s a red flag. Communication should be proactive, not reactive.

Bottom line: You shouldn’t have to beg for basic visibility into your own numbers.

2. Tax Time Feels Like a Crisis Every Year

A good accountant doesn’t just show up in April. They help you plan throughout the year so there are no surprises when it’s time to file. If you’re always scrambling, your accountant isn’t doing their job.

What to expect instead: Ongoing support, quarterly check-ins, and real-time tax planning—not last-minute panic.

3. You’re Not Getting Strategic Insight

Are you only getting reports, not recommendations? If your accountant can’t help you understand what the numbers mean—or what to do next—it’s time to find one who can.

You deserve more than bookkeeping. You need a partner who sees the big picture.

4. Your Business Has Outgrown Their Services

What worked when you were a team of three won’t cut it when you're scaling, adding new revenue streams, or expanding to multiple entities. If your accountant doesn’t have the tools or experience to support your growth, it’s a bottleneck.

Growth shouldn't be limited by your accounting firm’s capabilities.

5. You’re Still Dealing With Manual Processes

If your accountant is stuck in spreadsheets or mailing you documents, that’s a problem. Modern accounting should be digital, automated, and collaborative.

Tech is not optional—it’s the standard.

6. You Can’t Get a Straight Answer

Vague responses. Overly complicated explanations. Missed deadlines. If your accountant isn’t clear, reliable, and responsive, it’s time to cut ties.

Finance should bring clarity, not confusion.

7. Mistakes Keep Showing Up

Wrong entries, missed deductions, delayed filings—these errors aren’t just annoying. They can be costly. And repeated mistakes are a sign of a bigger issue: lack of oversight.

Your accountant should catch problems, not cause them.

8. They Don’t Understand Your Industry

Every industry has unique tax rules, revenue models, and financial quirks. If your accountant doesn’t understand how your business actually works, they can’t give you the best advice.

You need someone who speaks your language, not just the IRS’s.

9. You’re Not Sure What You’re Paying For

If your invoices are vague or the value feels unclear, ask yourself: What am I actually getting? Transparency in pricing and deliverables should be standard.

Unclear fees = unclear priorities.

10. Your Gut Says It’s Time

Sometimes, it’s not one big issue—it’s death by a thousand cuts. If you feel like your accountant is holding you back, they probably are.

Trust your instincts. Your financial partner should make you feel confident, not concerned.

Time for a Change?

Switching accountants might feel like a hassle—but staying with the wrong one is worse. If any of these red flags hit home, it’s time to explore other options.

Look for a partner that’s tech-savvy, industry-aligned, and proactive about your growth. You don’t just need someone who files forms. You need someone who helps you move forward.

Need a fresh start? Let’s talk about how Decimal makes switching painless — and worth it.