Let’s clear something up straight away… accountants don’t expect thank you cards, gifts, or baked goods (although we definitely wouldn’t say no to cake).
But if you’ve ever wondered how to work with your accountant more effectively, you’re not alone. Many business owners want a smoother, more proactive relationship but aren’t always sure what actually makes the biggest difference.
The good news? A few simple habits can transform the way you work with your accountant and help you get more value, better advice, and less stress in your business.
Here are 5 easy ways to make working with your accountant easier and more productive.
1. How to work with your accountant by sending documents regularly
One of my favourite clients sends their bank statements and supporting documents on the 1st of every single month. Without fail.
This means:
-
Their management accounts are always up to date
-
They know exactly how their business is performing
-
There’s no last-minute panic
-
And no chasing (which makes everyone happier!)
When you work with your accountant regularly rather than once a year, they can give you proactive advice, not just historical reports.
If you take one thing from this blog, let it be this:
👉 Regular communication leads to better financial decisions.
2. Good communication is key when working with your accountant
We promise we’re not being awkward or nosey when we ask questions. If we email or call, it’s because we need the information to do your accounts correctly.
Business owners who respond quickly:
-
Get their work completed faster
-
Avoid delays and missed deadlines
-
Reduce the risk of errors
-
Often get priority because the job can be finished efficiently
Clear and quick communication is one of the most important parts of knowing how to work with your accountant successfully.
3. Cloud software makes working with your accountant easier
Using tools like QuickBooks and Hubdoc can completely transform your bookkeeping.
Snapping receipts as you go means:
-
No lost paperwork
-
Fewer missing expenses
-
More accurate VAT
-
No detective work tracking suppliers or VAT registration
Cloud accounting isn’t just a trend. It’s now the simplest way to stay organised, save time, and make working with your accountant far more efficient.
4. Why clear customer records help your accountant support your business
This is especially important if your customers:
-
Pay in instalments
-
Part-pay invoices
-
Have ongoing credit terms
Clear records help your accountant quickly understand:
-
What has been paid
-
What is still outstanding
-
Your real cash flow position
Good debtor management not only helps your accountant but also strengthens your business and reduces the stress of late payments.
You can read more about the importance of keeping accurate records on the HM Revenue and Customs website.
5. Staying organised helps you get more value from your accountant
You don’t need to be perfect or a bookkeeping expert. You just need a simple and consistent system.
For example:
-
A folder for invoices
-
A place for receipts
-
A routine for sending documents
-
A habit of reviewing your numbers
The more organised you are, the more your accountant can move beyond basic compliance and help you with:
-
Tax planning
-
Business growth
-
Cash flow
-
Profit improvement
That’s where the real value lies.
The real secret to working with your accountant
The best relationships feel like partnerships. When you know how to work with your accountant and share information regularly, you’ll get better advice, clearer insights, and far less financial stress.
These five habits are simple but powerful. Start with one this month and build from there.
If you found this helpful, keep an eye out for the next blog in our Ask an Accountant series, where we answer real questions from business owners.
And if you’d like to chat about how we can help you get more clarity and control in your business finances, feel free to contact us here.