Have you decided to change your accountant? Whatever the reasons and without having to justify yourself, here is the procedure to follow.

Clauses of the mission letter

First of all, to make this change, it is important to refer to the contract (engagement letter) in which the termination clauses are included (notice periods, , compensation and retention rights, etc. …).Be sure to read the mission letter and its clauses carefully. In the event of a change during the financial year, your (current) accountant is able, if indicated in the engagement letter, to request termination compensation from you. Otherwise he will continue to practice until the end of the financial year and the change will only be effective at the start of the following accounting year.

Sending a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt

The request to terminate the contract is made by registered mail (with acknowledgment of receipt) to your current accountant. A period of three months’ notice is often required. For example, if your financial year ends on December 31, you must send the registered termination letter before September 30.

Contact by the new accountant with his predecessor

The new accountant will send a « confraternal letter », according to the Code of Ethics for Accountants, to your former firm. The purpose of this letter is to inform of his intention to take over the file and to ensure that nothing stands in the way of his taking office. All fees owed to the previous accountant must be paid. Otherwise, the change will not be able to be made. In addition, the predecessor may (under conditions) decide to exercise his right of retention. That is to say, to keep part of the work he has carried out until his fees are paid in full.

Acceptance of the file: transmission of accounting documents

Once the file is accepted, your former accountant will transmit all accounting documents to your new accountant. The latter will then be able to provide its services to your business.