How to choose an accountant and red flags to watch out for!

Hiring an accountant or bookkeeper should make your life easier - but choosing the wrong one can cause massive headaches down the line.

Before you sign that engagement letter, watch for these red flags.

1. They Don’t Explain Things Clearly

If someone talks in endless jargon and refuses to explain things in simple terms, that’s a bad sign.
You deserve to understand your own finances.

2. They Promise to Make Taxes “Disappear”

Be wary of anyone suggesting risky shortcuts or aggressive tax schemes.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is - and HMRC could come knocking later.

3. They’re Vague About Pricing

You should know exactly what you’re getting - and how much it costs.
If they dodge questions about fees, or surprise you with "extra charges," think twice.

4. Poor Communication or Slow Responses

If it takes weeks to get an answer during the onboarding process, imagine how stressful it will be at year-end.

5. They Don’t Use Modern Systems

If they’re still relying on paper receipts and manually entering data, your business could suffer.
Cloud accounting isn’t just convenient - it’s more secure and efficient.

6. No Relevant Experience

Make sure they understand your kind of business - whether you're a sole trader, ecommerce seller, creative entrepreneur, or service provider.

7. They Pressure You

If someone pressures you to sign immediately, offers "today only" discounts, or makes you feel uncomfortable - walk away.
A good accountant respects your decision-making process.

Final Thoughts

Trust, communication, and clarity are essential when choosing a financial partner.

Don’t ignore the warning signs - it’s better to take your time and find someone who truly supports you.

If you want an accountant who’s friendly, honest, and always on your side, I’d love to chat.

Book a free discovery call with Lauren’s Ledger - and let’s get to know each other!