Do You Need a New Accountant This Year? Signs It’s Time to Switch to a Proactive Penrith Accountant
The start of a new year is often when business owners take stock of what’s working and what isn’t. For some, that reflection includes an uncomfortable question:
Is my accountant actually helping my business move forward?
Changing accountants isn’t about dissatisfaction alone. In many cases, businesses simply outgrow the level of support they’re receiving.
As experienced Penrith Accountants, we regularly speak with business owners who didn’t realise how much value was missing until they changed to a more proactive approach.
What a Good Accountant Should Be Doing
At a minimum, an accountant should ensure:
Tax returns are lodged correctly and on time
Compliance obligations are met
Records are accurate
But for most businesses, that’s no longer enough.
A proactive Accountant Penrith businesses rely on should also be helping you:
Plan ahead, not just report backwards
Understand your numbers, not just file them
Make informed decisions throughout the year
Avoid problems before they arise
Signs It May Be Time to Change Accountants
1. You Only Hear From Them at Tax Time
If your only interaction with your accountant happens once a year, you’re likely missing opportunities.
Tax planning works best when it happens early and evolves throughout the year.
2. Advice Is Reactive, Not Proactive
If conversations only happen when there’s an issue, the relationship is reactive.
Proactive Penrith Accountants raise opportunities and risks before they become problems.
3. You Don’t Fully Understand Your Financial Position
If reports arrive but don’t provide clarity, that’s a concern.
You should feel confident answering questions about:
Cash flow
Profitability
Upcoming obligations
Your accountant should help translate numbers into understanding.
4. Your Business Has Changed, But the Advice Hasn’t
Growth, new staff, higher profits, or asset purchases all change what a business needs from its accountant.
If your advice hasn’t evolved with your business, it may no longer be fit for purpose.
5. You’re Unsure What You’re Paying For
If fees feel unclear or value is hard to define, it’s worth reassessing the relationship.
Good accounting support should feel like an investment, not a cost.
Why January Is the Best Time to Make a Change
January is an ideal time to switch accountants because:
The new financial year is well underway
There’s time to plan rather than rush
Records can be reviewed calmly
The transition can be handled smoothly
Waiting until June often adds unnecessary pressure and limits planning opportunities.
What Switching Accountants Actually Looks Like
Many business owners delay change because they expect it to be difficult.
In reality:
Your new accountant manages the transition
Records and information are transferred professionally
Disruption is minimal
The process is straightforward
A good Accountant Penrith businesses trust will make the change easy, not stressful.
The Difference a Proactive Accountant Makes
Working with proactive Penrith Accountants means:
Early tax planning
Fewer surprises
Better cash flow visibility
Advice that supports growth, not just compliance
It changes the role of accounting from something you react to into something that supports confident decision-making.
What You Should Be Asking Yourself Now
At the start of the year, it’s worth considering:
Do I feel supported by my accountant?
Do I understand my financial position?
Am I getting advice or just compliance?
Is this relationship helping my business move forward?
If the answer to any of these is unclear, it may be time for a conversation.
Final Thoughts
Changing accountants isn’t about dissatisfaction — it’s about alignment.
As your business evolves, the support you need changes as well. The right accountant should grow with you, not hold you back.
As trusted Penrith Accountants, we work with businesses that want clarity, proactive advice, and support that goes beyond the basics.
Looking for an Accountant in Penrith?
Carmody Accounting & Business Advisory works with local businesses to provide clear, forward-looking accounting and advisory support.
If you’re considering a change or simply want a second opinion, we’re happy to talk.