Picture this: It is April 14, 2016 and you’re already feeling the burn of last year’s bookkeeping hiccups. From improper classifications to the 1099s you still don’t have prepared because you’re tracking down corresponding W-9 information, your taxes are going to need an extension—again. This is the fifth year in a row you have agonized through tax season, wringing your hands and wondering how you can fix it yet the dread you feel when you think about switching accounting services has kept you in the same annual cycle. To avoid the same crisis next year, it is officially time for you to figure out when is a good time to switch accounting services.
How Much Back Work Will You Have?
This is a question only you can answer, as there is no one-size-fits-all for any business. Do you plan on having your new accounting services fix last year’s books? Then you’ll want to find a new provider without delay. The faster you switch, the faster they can get on with their work. This will save you time and money over waiting and letting the work pile up.
Starting Fresh With New Accounting Services?
You can technically start any time with accounting services but be mindful of your current situation. If you plan on terminating any of the staff currently working on your accounting, you want to make sure either their work is complete or you have a plan in place to finalize their previous work. This is especially true if you don’t want your new accounting services to provide any back work support but still need your completed books for last year. The more your accountant is still waiting on from your current bookkeeper, the more sensitive you need to be to announcing a switch.
Can You Afford To Wait?
Of course, if your accountant isn’t getting any information from your bookkeeper, simply waiting for information and completed books isn’t likely to be of much help (or simply, happen at all!). If your books are a total mess right now, you may be better off making the jump to new services without delay. After all, do you really have much else to lose?
