12 SIGNS THAT YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR ACCOUNTANT

12 signs that you need to change your accountant

What happens when your accountant is no longer meeting your needs?

 

As a business owner, having a good accountant is essential for your financial success. But what happens when that relationship stops working? If your accountant stops delivering on their promises? Or you don't get the help and support you need when you need it?


Here are twelve signs that it may be time to change accountants. Along with suggestions on ways to fix this with your existing accountant. And if that fails - an insight into how we at Wood and Disney address these issues more effectively.


1  Lack of Availability

Accountants need to be contactable. Are you finding it difficult to contact your accountant, or is it taking them too long to respond to you? Then it's time to think about changing your accountant!

These are signs that your accountant is not making your needs a priority.


When running a growing business, you often need timely financial advice and decisions to make quick, informed choices. Here are several reasons why an accountant who is difficult to reach or your accountant is not responding can become a problem:


  1. Delayed Decision Making: Financial decisions often need to be made promptly, particularly in a growing business where situations evolve rapidly. If your accountant is hard to reach, this could delay decisions, hinder the company's growth, or even lead to missed opportunities.
  2. Tax Deadlines: Tax deadlines are often non-negotiable. A slow response could lead to missed deadlines, resulting in penalties or even legal trouble for your business.
  3. Cash Flow Management: For growing businesses, managing cash flow is vital. You might need your accountant's input or approval for significant expenditures, investments, or credit decisions. Delays in these decisions could result in liquidity issues or lost investment opportunities.
  4. Trust and Confidence: Communication is crucial in building trust and confidence between business owner and their accountant. Slow responses and poor communication can undermine this trust, leading to doubt about the accountant's competence and reliability.
  5. Streamlined Productivity: Efficient operations require all parts of a business to communicate effectively, including the finance department. An unresponsive accountant can cause delays in obtaining financial reports. And delays in making financial decisions. And can slow down other parts of the business as well.


The Wood and Disney Difference - There for You


  • Our office is manned 5 days a week 9am to 5pm. There will always be someone on hand for you to speak to.

  • We aim to respond within 24 hrs to every email or message we receive. We may not always be able to give you an immediate detailed answer to your query, sometimes we will need a few days to fully answer you,  but you’ll know that we’ve got your message and that we are working on it.

  • All our clients records are held in the cloud so we can access them anywhere and any time, to give you the most up to date information - real time information.

  • Similarly, you can access your financials and records 24/7, anytime and from anywhere.

  • You will always have more than one contact so if your main contact is, for example, on holiday, there will always be another of our team, whom you will know, to help you.

  • You can access our mobile app 24/7, 365 days a year. The app is a treasure trove of useful information for the business owner: 16 financial calculators, 15 tax tables, links to the cloud accounting pages on our website … plus many other incredibly useful features!


2  Lack of Expertise

Are you confident that your Accountant has the expertise, skills and knowledge to give you the right advice and support?

Your accountant should have expertise in your industry and be able to provide you with the specific financial advice you need. If your accountant does not have the right expertise find someone with more experience in your field.



An accountant with a lack of industry-specific expertise could be problematic to a growing business for the following reasons:

  1. Inaccurate Financial Projections: Each industry has its unique financial characteristics. If an accountant lacks an understanding of your industry, they may not provide accurate financial projections, leading to misguided business decisions.
  2. Confusion over Financial Data: Industry knowledge helps in correctly interpreting financial data. Without this knowledge, your accountant might misinterpret your financial statements, thereby providing unsuitable advice.
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Different industries have varied regulatory requirements, including specific tax laws, financial reporting standards, and procedural guidelines. An accountant unfamiliar with these could place your business at risk of non-compliance.
  4. Cost Management:  Understanding industry norms and benchmarks helps manage costs effectively. Without this knowledge, an accountant might not be able to provide the best advice on cost management.


If you find your accountant lacks the necessary industry expertise, consider the following steps:

  1. Communication: Discuss your concerns with your accountant. They may not be aware that you need more industry-specific advice.
  2. Training or Continuing Education: Encourage your accountant to attend industry-specific training or education courses. Many professional organizations offer these opportunities.
  3. Hire a Specialist: Consider hiring an industry-specific accountant or financial advisor who can work alongside your existing accountant. They can provide industry-specific financial advice, while your general accountant manages other accounting tasks.
  4. Change Your Accountant: If the lack of industry expertise becomes a significant problem, you might need to find a new accountant. Look for someone with experience and a proven track record in your industry.

The Wood and Disney Difference - Expertise

Qualified, Professional Chartered Accountants - with the certificates, ongoing training and experience to back it up


  • We have been Chartered Accountants and Professional Accredited Business Advisors for a long time with many, many, many years of experience behind us. The two directors have 70 years of experience between them and over half of the team have been with Wood and Disney for more than 20 years each. That may make us seem very old and we’re certainly not spring chickens! BUT it’s very rare for a client to come to us with a problem that we haven’t seen before and successfully solved for our clients. As the old saying goes “Experience is the Father of Wisdom” .

  • Anyone can claim to be an accountant and set themselves up with a website and office. Some may have technical qualifications such as being members of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT). AAT and ATT are level 4 qualifications, the same level as an HNC, i.e. one year of university, equivalent to a dental nurse for example. These are good technical qualifications but they are not Chartered Accountants. Chartered Accountants (ACA) are level 7 qualifications, equivalent to a masters degree. ACA holders have usually spent 3 years gaining an honours BSc or BA at university followed by a further 3 years of professional exams and training. AAT and ATT do not give the holders the same in depth and detailed level of knowledge; they do not convey full professional status.

  • Wood and Disney are qualified Chartered Accountants – Members and Fellows of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW) and accredited members of the ICAEW Business Advice Service. We are regulated by the ICAEW and have to undergo continuous professional development (CPD) training each and every year to ensure and prove that we are fully up to date with the latest changes in financial standards and laws.

  • At Wood and Disney, we believe an accountant's role isn't just about balancing the books. It's about providing strategic advice based on our understanding of your business and your industry/sector. The accountants in our team are experienced in various industries, enabling us to give you tailored financial advice pertinent to your industry and the stage of development of your firm. We give you the right advice, at the right time, that’s right for you and for your business in your marketplace.

  • Just because we are experts that doesn’t mean that we will try to dazzle you with jargon. We know what we are talking about. It is our job to explain to you, in a manner that you will understand, financial regulations and technical details. We don’t expect you to blindly believe us. We want to make sure you understand why we recommend taking actions and making the decisions we suggest for your company and understand the full implications of those decisions and the results we expect to see. 

3  No Proactive Advice

Does your accountant proactively look for solutions to your problems?

Good accountants are not only reactive to your needs but also proactive in providing you with financial advice. If your accountant is not giving proactive advice it is time to find a new accountant that gives more value.



An accountant's role in a growing business goes beyond just number crunching or tax filing. They are supposed to be strategic partners offering valuable insights to help drive the growth and financial health of the business. A reactive accountant who only responds to issues as they arise can cause several problems:


  1. Missed Opportunities: Proactive accountants help identify growth opportunities such as potential cost savings, tax incentives, or investment opportunities. A reactive accountant might miss these, potentially leaving money on the table.
  2. Lack of Planning: Businesses require strategic financial planning, from budgeting and forecasting to risk management. Proactive accountants assist in these areas, while reactive accountants might not, leaving the business vulnerable to unexpected financial shocks.
  3. Delayed Problem-Solving: A reactive accountant addresses problems as they become serious, potentially leading to financial losses or regulatory issues. Proactive accountants help anticipate and mitigate issues before they become detrimental.
  4. Limited Strategic Guidance: A proactive accountant can provide guidance on strategic decisions such as expansions, acquisitions, or financial restructuring. Without proactive advice, a business may not fully understand the financial implications of these decisions.

If your accountant is not providing the proactive advice you need, consider having a discussion about your expectations. If there's no improvement, find another accountant who understands the value of being a proactive partner in your business.

The Wood and Disney Difference - Proactive Advice


Are you getting the advice you are paying for?


If you’re paying your accountant, your hard earned money and in return getting annual accounts that they ask you to sign off, tax returns that you diligently pay, Vat demands that you pay on time. Then your accountant is ticking the right boxes as far as their compliance duties demand – assuming that they are producing and submitting accurate figures of course! But for your money, all you’re actually getting is the snow layer, sitting on top of the ice, above the waterline, of an iceberg.

Wood and Disney use your financial figures as a window into your business. The compliance work we do in terms of generating your annual and management accounts, the cash flow forecasts … are not just paper figures that tell you how much profit you’ve made and how much tax to pay. They are vital tools that we use to dive deep into your business.

You could say that interpreting your financial data is like learning a foreign language. Many accountants master the basics to a level that enables them to churn out the compliance accounts. But we at Wood and Disney are fluent. We know how to interpret your data, we understand how to leverage your figures to delve deep into your finances, to understand the inner-workings of your business.

We dig through the snow layer, drill down through the ice and don dry suits to dive deep down to the underside of that iceberg*, to explore, understand and resolve any underlying weaknesses in your business.

*In the interests of transparency, please note that we do on occasions use a remotely operated submersible as Peter, in particular, is finding the dry suit a bit of a squeeze these days.



Proactive advice.


This is the core, raison d'être, the heart of the Wood and Disney mission. The home page of this website states:

“Our mission is to provide our clients with proactive financial support and business advice to ensure their long term success and give them the time, confidence and freedom to enjoy their business and family life.”

Look at 1-4 above: “Missed opportunities, Lack of planning, Delayed problem solving, Limited strategic guidance”. If we let our clients down in any of these areas then we have failed. But we don’t fail. Why? Because …


  • We meet our clients at least quarterly, often monthly to track progress, to make decisions and set new goals. So we are up to date on what’s going on in their business and their lives.

  • We are experts. We are professional Chartered Accountants. We have been in business, helping our clients for many years – Peter and Brendon alone have between them 70 years of business experience.

  • We give structured business advice. Using our Journey to Freedom toolkit which ensures practical advice and help in delivering and implementing proven, workable solutions for your business. We don’t just give you one-off, stand alone solutions then walk away and just let you muddle through.

  • We build your business foundations. Help you achieve sustainable growth. Support you in adapting to change. Ensure you realise your aspirations. We Build, Better, Futures.

4  Errors in your Financial Statements

Accurate and timely financial reporting and tax returns are essential for any business

Errors in your financial statements or tax returns are a sign that your accountant is not paying enough attention to detail. Errors in financial statements or tax returns can cause a myriad of problems for a growing business:

  1. Financial Loss: Mistakes in financial statements can lead to inaccurate financial reporting, impacting decisions related to investments, loans, or expansions. Errors in tax returns can result in fines, penalties, and interest charges from the tax authorities.
  2. Regulatory Issues: Errors can lead to non-compliance with financial regulations or tax laws. Which can lead to legal problems, fines, or penalties, and harm a business's reputation.
  3. Investor and Stakeholder Confidence: Investors, lenders, and other stakeholders rely on accurate financial statements to make decisions. Errors can undermine their confidence in the business and its management.
  4. Procedural Decisions: Accurate financial statements are essential for making informed procedural decisions. Mistakes can lead to poor decision-making, potentially hampering business growth.
  5. Time and Resources: Identifying and rectifying errors can consume significant time and resources, which could be better spent on strategic activities.

An accountant who is meticulous and detail-oriented is vital in ensuring accuracy in financial reporting and tax compliance. If you notice errors and think your accountant isn't paying enough attention to detail, you need to discuss your concerns.


If errors persist, it is time to find a new accountant. One who will maintain the accuracy and integrity of your financial records.

The Wood and Disney Difference - Meticulous Attention to Detail

  • Wood and Disney have fully documented processes, that we call our 'Success Systems'. Each element has a graphical image/flowchart to ensure they are easy for our team to follow for our team. By following a structured process we ensure the high quality of our accounts preparation. This is how we can be committed to getting it right the first time.

  • At Wood and Disney our meticulous attention to detail ensures accurate financial statements and tax returns, minimising costly errors. In fact, when new members of staff have joined our accounts team, they have frequently been amazed at the level of detail and drilling down we go into when preparing accounts.

  • We will not cut corners and have set up focused review processes to catch any mistakes at an early stage. All of our accounts work is reviewed by a senior member of staff who was not directly involved in the preparation of the accounts. And when we say “reviewed”, we don’t mean given a quick flick through. Each set of accounts is examined with a critical eye not just looking for technical errors but also taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture. How do the figures stack up in terms key performance indicators. What do the accounts tell us about what is going on in the business. What are the weak areas, or potential problems or, of course, strengths and successes. This all feeds back into “Pro Active Advice” above.

5  Ethical Concerns

Do you trust your accountant?

Ethical concerns about your accountant's practices could include; questionable tax strategies or advice that you feel uncomfortable with. If this is the case you need to distance yourself from them.


HMRC can conclude that an accountant's practices are dishonest. In this case, that accountant’s clients can all be drawn into the same investigation. At a significant cost both financially and emotionally.


Ethical concerns about an accountant's practices can have severe repercussions for a growing business. Here are a few reasons why:


  1. Regulatory Investigations and Penalties: If your accountant employs dubious tax strategies, your business could be investigated by tax authorities like HMRC. This could lead to fines, penalties, or even legal sanctions. Moreover, the cost of responding to investigations, both in time and money, can be substantial.
  2. Reputation Damage: Ethical issues can harm your business's reputation. Stakeholders may lose trust in your operations if they perceive you as being associated with unethical practices.
  3. Business Risk: If your accountant is found guilty of fraudulent activities. Then they may face legal actions that affect their ability to continue providing their services. This could disrupt your business operations, especially if the transition to a new accountant is not smooth.
  4. Emotional Stress: Dealing with investigations or accusations of unethical practices can cause significant emotional stress for you and your team.

If you have ethical concerns about your accountant's practices, you need to address them directly and promptly. If the issues persist, you need to disengage and seek the services of another accountant.


In addition to technical competence, it's crucial to consider integrity and ethical standards when choosing an accountant. An ethical accountant will ensure that your business complies with all relevant regulations and maintains its good reputation.

The Wood and Disney Difference - the Highest Professional Standards


  • We have been trading for over 45 years. We have a reputation of trust with HMRC and other local professionals. We will not do anything that damages that reputation. We will not advocate or advise on any tax avoidance schemes or structures.

  • We are not “Yes people”. We will not always tell you what you want to hear. Maybe you’ve heard via a mate or friend about a new scheme recommended by their accountant which could save you loads of tax but might bend the rules slightly. We will tell you and explain clearly why it is wrong for you. It may be illegal, unethical or just not right for your business. If a client insists on ignoring our advice we will part company from them and this has happened on more than one occasion in the past. Our reputation is of paramount importance to us.

  • Wood and Disney ensure that our clients understand their accounts and our advice. We will never ask you to sign paperwork that you have not read and understood.

  • Wood and Disney adhere to the highest ethical standards as demanded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. We are strictly regulated and inspected by the ICAEW. So you can trust your financial matters to us without worry. We understand the potential impact of HMRC investigations and ensure our advice is sound, ethical, and compliant. We are your trusted accountant.

  • Take a look at our page “ What our Clients say”. Our client retention record is second to none. Many of our clients have been with us for over 30 years.

6  Lack of Transparency

Do you know exactly what you are paying your accountant for?

Your accountant should be transparent about their fees, services, and any issues that arise. If this is not the case, it could be a sign that they are not acting in your best interests.

 

Transparency in accounting practices is essential for establishing trust and for the effective financial management of a business. If your accountant is not transparent, several problems may arise:


  1. Unexpected Costs: If your accountant is not clear about their fees upfront, you will likely face unexpected costs later. These can affect your budget and cash flow management.
  2. Inadequate Service: Without clear communication about the services provided, there can be confusion about roles and responsibilities. Usually resulting in inadequate service.
  3. Missed Issues: If your accountant fails to discuss financial issues, you won't have the information needed to address these issues promptly. This can have a negative impact on your business's financial health.
  4. Distrust: Lack of transparency can lead to a breakdown of trust. Feeling your accountant is not acting in your best interests, will strain your working relationship, causing unnecessary stress and uncertainty.
  5. Inaccurate Financial Planning: Without transparency, it can be difficult to plan accurately. Additional costs or services, that you are unaware of, could throw off your financial planning and lead to costly mistakes.

If you're experiencing a lack of transparency with your accountant, it's important to address this concern directly. If the issue persists, it might be time to consider a new accountant who values open communication and clarity.


In choosing your accountant, look for someone who is upfront about their fees. Is clear about the scope of their services. And demonstrates that they openly communicate any issues or concerns. Transparency should be a fundamental attribute of any accountant-client relationship.

The Wood and Disney Difference - Transparent Pricing

  • Wood and Disney give all clients an annually agreed breakdown of costs for the coming year which is agreed at the start of the year or anniversary of our appointment. We use a system called GoProposal which itemises, defines and gives a cost for every aspect of the service we will be providing in the year ahead. We make it crystal clear the detail and scope of the work we will be doing for you, the deliverables and what you will be paying for that work. A client can directly compare each year’s proposed fees with the year before on an item by item basis, track fee changes and we discuss any changes.

  • If, as we progress through the year, we agree with you to carry out any one off, ad hoc work, you will be given and be asked to agree in writing with a detailed proposal for this work including: scope, deliverables and price breakdown.

  • Wood and Disney provide full transparency about our fees, services, and any issues that arise. When dealing with Wood and Disney, you now exactly what work we will be carrying out for you, what deliverables you can expect and the price you will pay. No nasty surprises and no hidden costs. In fact, we were awarded a Clear & Transparent Pricing award by GoProposal.com in 2019.


Go Proposal

7  Unresolved Issues

Are your questions or concerns going unanswered?

Have you raised issues or concerns with your accountant? A frequent complaint we hear from potential clients, unhappy with their current accountant, is "why is my accountant taking so long responding". If your accountant is not responding to your concerns and they have not been resolved to your satisfaction, it may be time to find a new accountant. You should feel comfortable and confident in your accountant's ability to handle your financial needs.


Unresolved issues or concerns with your accountant can lead to a number of complications:

  1. Disruption in Business Planning: Unresolved issues can disrupt your business planning and decision-making processes. Concerns over the accuracy of reports, or the fitness of advice, can lead to poor strategic choices.
  2. Loss of Confidence: Unresolved issues can lead to a loss of confidence in your accountant's abilities. You might start second-guessing their advice or doubting their competence, causing unease and potential mistakes.
  3. Financial Risks: The issues you raised may involve financial errors, tax errors, or non-compliance risks. If they are not resolved, your business may face financial and legal risks, including penalties from regulatory authorities.
  4. Time and Energy Waste: Continuous follow-ups on unresolved issues will drain your time and energy. Distracting you from focusing on core business activities.
  5. Strained Relationship: Persisting issues can strain your relationship with your accountant. And lead to ineffective communication and cooperation, which might adversely affect your business operations.

When issues arise, communication is key. If your accountant is not responding, concerns are not addressed, despite repeated attempts, it's a clear signal you need to change your accountant. You should feel comfortable and confident that your accountant is capable, reliable, and responsive to your business's needs.


The right accountant will address your concerns promptly, effectively, and to your satisfaction, thereby fostering a strong, productive relationship.

The Wood and Disney Difference - Building Long Term Relationships


  • At Wood and Disney we believe in addressing your concerns promptly and satisfactorily. Looking back at “1. Lack of Availability”, Wood and Disney “… aim to respond within 24 hrs to every email or message we receive. We may not always be able to give you an immediate detailed answer to your query, sometimes we will need a few days to fully answer you, but you’ll know that we’ve got your message and that we are working on it.”

  • If your query or problem is more complex or you aren’t initially satisfied with our response, then we will keep looking for an answer or solution until we are all happy that your question is resolved. We will keep you updated with progress at all times so that you are in the loop and know what we are doing and how we are working to resolve your issue.

  • Wood and Disney are interested in long term relationships with our clients. Our approach is centred on your confidence in our ability to manage your financial matters for the long term. Don’t forget it’s our mission to “Build Better Futures”. Our approach with our clients is to act for them for decades rather than for our own short term gain and to uphold our reputation for excellence. 

8  Lack of Innovation

Is your accountant leveraging technology and innovation to give you the best service possible?

Is your accountant still using outdated methods and technologies? It may be time to find someone who is more innovative. More up-to-date with the latest accounting tools and practices. An accountant who is not constantly learning and improving their skills may not be able to provide the best service possible.


As a growing business, having an accountant using outdated methods and technologies can pose several challenges:

  1. Efficiency: Modern accounting tools significantly increase efficiency, enabling the quick processing of large volumes of transactions and reducing manual work. An accountant relying on old methods might take longer to complete tasks, which could delay decision-making and business progress.
  2. Accuracy: Advanced accounting technologies often have built-in checks and balances to minimize errors. With outdated methods, there's a higher risk of human error, which can lead to inaccurate financial statements and potentially costly mistakes.
  3. Data Analysis and Insights: Modern accounting tools can provide valuable insights through data analysis, such as trends, forecasts, and financial ratios. This information can guide strategic business decisions. If your accountant doesn't utilize such tools, your business might miss out on these insights.
  4. Integration and Automation: Current technologies often allow for integration with other business software. Such as CRM systems, inventory management, payroll, and more. This can automate many processes, saving time and ensuring accuracy. An accountant not versed in these technologies might not be able to fully leverage these benefits.
  5. Regulatory Compliance: There are continuous changes in financial regulations and reporting standards. So, it's important to have an accounting system that can be updated to comply with these changes. Outdated systems might not have this capability.
  6. Security:  Modern accounting software generally has robust security features to protect your financial data. Outdated methods may leave your data vulnerable to theft or loss.


Is your accountant keeping up with the latest in accounting technology and practices? If not, it will hamper the growth and efficiency of your business. It is worth discussing your concerns with them.


If they're unable, or unwilling to adapt, consider finding an accountant who is knowledgeable about modern tools and practices. And is committed to ongoing learning and skill improvement.

The Wood and Disney Difference - Leading Innovation


  • We don’t like to brag but we are leaders in technology too with 4 technology awards under our belt including the 2015 “Most Innovative 2-4 Partner Firm” awarded by the 2020 Group of Accountants in 2015. We won the AVN Practice Differentiation award in 2017 and the AVN Changing Lives award in 2018. We are a paperless office and have been since 2003 meaning no lost files and immediate document recovery.

  • Wood and Disney have been using cloud accounting software since 2008, in fact we were one of the first practices in the UK to see the potential of the cloud and start to move our clients onto cloud accounting systems. We are experts in many cloud accounting apps and use many apps to manage our own business, saving us both time and money. For more information take a look at our web page: Cloud Accounting Solutions

  • Wood and Disney will help you to identify the technology that will add value to your business by helping you achieve your goals including CRM, performance measurement technology, cloud financials and apps. Leveraging technology is currently where the most successful businesses are spending their money

  • We have been at the forefront of innovation for decades using technology to assist us since the 1980's.

  • Going paperless in 2003 we became a paperless office meaning no lost files and immediate document recovery.

  • We adopted cloud bookkeeping in 2008, and going fully cloud-based in 2016.

  • Our Wood and Disney “Accountant in your Pocket” mobile app went live in 2015.

  • In 2022 we launched our very successful “Future Proof Business Assessment” a free to use on-line assessment of how future proof your business really is.

  • In the Spring of 2023, we researched and developed an NTAG215 NFC tag marketing solution, to enable visitors at exhibitions with NFT enabled mobiles, to access web based information from tags attached to our displays and literature.

  • Most recently we have been assessing new Apps which utilise AI based tools to increase business and financial efficiency for their usefulness within our own business and to our clients.

  • Wood and Disney constantly strive to improve our service. We never rest on our laurels and are always looking for ways to innovate, embrace and leverage new technology.

9  Location based Constraints

Do you feel your accountant is located too physically distant to build a relationship?

If you have moved to a new location, it may be difficult to continue working with your current accountant.


Location changes can present challenges when working with your current accountant:

  1. Availability and Convenience: There has been huge progress with remote working technologies. But many businesses still prefer face-to-face meetings for sensitive discussions around finances. If you've moved, location and distance might make such meetings inconvenient or impractical.
  2. Local Regulatory Knowledge: If you've moved country, your new location may have different tax laws and business regulations. An accountant familiar with your new location's local laws and regulations would be advantageous.
  3. Time Zone Differences: find you have a significant time difference between you and your accountant? This can lead to delays in communication and may slow down decision-making.
  4. Networking and Local Connections: Accountants are well-connected. And often have a network of local contacts. Such as lawyers, bankers, and potential clients or partners, which can be beneficial for your business. 


The Wood and Disney Difference - Local, Regional and National


  • The majority of Wood and Disney clients are based in East Anglia, London and the South East of the UK. However we do also have clients all over the UK, UK offices of overseas companies and some clients based overseas.

  • At Wood and Disney, we have adapted to offer comprehensive remote services, to ensure we can meet your needs, regardless of your location. How?

  • All our clients records are held in the cloud so we can access them anywhere and any time, to give you the most up to date information - real time information.

  • Similarly, clients can access their financials and records 24/7, anytime and from anywhere.

  • We operate a secure document exchange. Clients can upload documents from anywhere in the world and at any time for us to access or for secure storage. Similarly we hold each individual clients’ documents securely and they in turn, can be accessed only by us and the individual client concerned, at anytime and from anywhere.

  • We have embraced virtual meetings to keep in touch with clients as frequently as needed. This option is ideal for more distant and overseas clients but is also an option frequently adopted by local clients as it saves travel time and is good for the environment. Plus we still contact many of our clients by phone, email and less frequently, by letter.

  • Our team maintains up-to-date knowledge on regulatory changes across different regions, ensuring accurate and compliant financial reporting. Plus we have access to specialists if we need expert advise on specific overseas tax regulations or financial compliance.

  • But, we haven’t forgotten our local clients. We are happy to visit clients on their own premises. We find it particularly beneficial at the early stages as it gives us a real “feel” for your business to meet you in your place of work. Plus every client is always welcome to come and see us at our offices. We have free parking for our visitors and awesome coffee.

10  Non-alignment

Do you get on with your accountant on a personal level?

Does your accountant's values, work ethic, or communication style not align with yours? If not, it may be difficult to work together effectively. Find an accountant who shares similar values and work ethics as you. This can lead to a better working relationship and a more successful financial partnership.


Misalignment in values, work ethic, or communication style between you and your accountant can lead to several challenges:

  1. Ineffective Communication: Is your accountant's communication style vastly different from yours? If so, there is a risk of misreading and confusion. Or, you may perceive a lack of information presented in a clear manner that meets your specific requirements.
  2. Decreased Trust: If your accountant's values don't align with yours, it can erode trust, an essential foundation in any business relationship. If you value transparency but your accountant is consistently vague or withholding information, you may start to question their trustworthiness.
  3. Reduced Productivity: Different work ethics could lead to tension. If your accountant avoids taking action or doesn't meet deadlines. And you value timeliness and efficiency, this can lead to frustration, delays, and decreased productivity.
  4. Conflicts and Tension: Discrepancies in values can cause conflicts, leading to a strained working relationship. Over time, this can make your interactions with your accountant less productive and more stressful.
  5. Impact on Company Culture: Does your accountant's values and work ethic significantly diverge from your company's culture? If so, it can cause issues within the team and may even impact the perception of your business to outsiders.

The Wood and Disney Difference - Focusing on Knowing our Clients


  • Family is at the heart of everything we do. We are driven by the desire to build better futures for you, for ourselves and most importantly, the next generation.

  • We want to help you create a business that you can enjoy. Our focus is to give you confidence in your decisions, to take away your worries by having a stable and thriving business and alleviate the pressures on you. We want you to enjoy being in business and have fun at work and more time to spend with those who are special to you. We believe that most business people want the same.

  • We are NOT your stereotypical accountants!

  • Humour. Being in business is not always fun but we like to enjoy ourselves and enjoy being at work. They say laughter is the best medicine. Maybe that’s why we have an enviably low staff turn over rate.

  • We hate jargon. If we can’t explain your figures to you in a way that you understand then we have failed. We don’t use complicated language, keeping our office a “jargon free zone”. Even the mention of “debit” or “credit” in front of a client is a hanging offence.

  • Peter is well known for his VERY bright shirts, colourful socks and his preferred mode of transport – a racing green Morgan Plus 4.

  • We get to really know you. We firmly believe that high levels of honesty, trust, and just following through with what we say is what keeps our clients from going anywhere. Our approach with our clients is to act for them for decades rather than for our own short term gain, hence our excellent customer retention record.

11  Business Growth

Does your accountant have the experience and expertise to advise you through your growth journey?

As your business grows, your financial needs become more complex. This growth poses several challenges if your current accountant can't meet these new demands:


  1. Complex Tax Requirements: With business growth, your tax situation can become more complicated, requiring advanced tax planning and strategies. An accountant with a simple tax background might struggle with these new complexities. Potentially leading to compliance issues or missed tax-saving opportunities.
  2. Financial Planning and Analysis:  Growing businesses often need more sophisticated financial planning and analysis. Including forecasting, budgeting, cash flow management, and performance metrics analysis. 

If your accountant isn't experienced in these areas, your business might miss crucial insights needed for strategic decisions.

  1. Scaling Systems and Processes: As transaction volumes increase, your current accounting systems and processes might need to scale accordingly. An accountant lacking experience in scaling businesses might struggle to implement necessary changes efficiently.
  2. Mergers and Acquisitions: Does your growth strategy involve mergers and acquisitions? Then you'll need an accountant well-versed in due diligence, valuation, integration, and other related complexities.
  3. Regulatory Compliance:  A growing business often faces new regulatory and reporting requirements. If your accountant isn't familiar with the new regulations, it could result in non-compliance penalties.

The Wood and Disney Difference - Business Growth Experts


  • At Wood and Disney, we specialise in giving business advice. Yes we are Chartered Accountants and offer all the traditional accountancy services that you would expect from a professional accountancy practice. However, most clients come to us because they have been let down or ignored by their past accountants. They have not been given the financial and business advice that they need to solve a business problem they are facing, stimulate growth in their business, tackle cash flow problems, raise finance …. The list is endless. Our raison d'être is to Build Better Futures for our clients. Pro-active advice is at the very core of our business and the relationships we have with our clients.

  • We have first hand business experience – not just fresh faced out of uni, going straight into an established accountancy firm; we have real life practical experience of starting, building and running our own businesses. We know how difficult it is establishing and growing a business from first hand experience. Struggles with cashflow and growth, raising finance, getting our marketing mix right, finding and developing staff, we’ve faced all of these difficulties and many more. Nobody, family, friends or government, has ever given us a golden ticket to success – everything we have, we’ve built ourselves through hard work and creating opportunities ourselves.

  • We  understand what it’s like to face the pressures of running a business, the worry, the sleepless nights, the feeling of being alone and not sure of the best course of action, working all hours. Working to provide a better future for yourself and those that are important to you. We’ve been there and done it. We’ve made mistakes and learnt from them. We’ve survived through the early 1990’s recession (inflation peaked at 9.5% in 1990, with interest rates hitting a high of 14.8% on Black Wednesday), the 2008 recession (the deepest UK recession since WWII) and the Covid-19 pandemic. We use our experience of running our own businesses and helping our clients through the good times and bad, to make sure that the advice we give you is practical and works so that your business is resilient and thrives.

  • Wood and Disney have a number of bespoke programs developed over the past thirty years to support business growth and longevity.

  • Our flagship program is called Your Journey To Freedom® which is a registered trademark.

  • So too is our cash protection program developed fortuitously just before the Covid lockdown called The Strategic Cash Retention Program®.
  • Our process to further build longevity and credit worthiness is a recent addition to our toolkit called The NAG Index™.

12  Retirement or Succession Planning

What about the future? Is your accountant helping you plan for the long term?

Are you are planning to retire or pass on your business to a successor? If so, it may be time to find an accountant who can help you with succession planning. And ensure a smooth transition for your business.


The transition of a business due to retirement or succession involves complex financial and legal matters. If your accountant lacks experience in this area, it could create several problems:

  1. Inadequate Succession Planning: Without expert guidance, your succession plan might be inefficient or incomplete. Potentially causing issues when the transition takes place.
  2. Tax Consequences: Transferring business ownership has significant tax implications. An accountant not versed in these matters could make errors, leading to unnecessary tax liabilities.
  3. Valuation Complications: Accurate business valuation is crucial during succession. An accountant naive in this process might not achieve an accurate or optimal valuation.
  4. Legal Issues: Succession planning involves numerous legal aspects. An accountant lacking knowledge in this area might overlook important legal requirements, potentially causing future disputes.
  5. Retirement Planning:  Retirement planning is crucial to ensure you have adequate income post-retirement. If your accountant doesn't have expertise in this area, you might not be able to retire comfortably.

The Wood and Disney Difference - Thinking of your Future


  • There comes a time when we all want to step back from our business and enjoy the fruits of our labour or pass the reins over to the next generation. At Wood and Disney, we have a team of experts experienced in retirement and succession planning. We help our clients navigate the complex processes involved. Ensuring optimal tax strategies, accurate business valuation, compliance with all legal requirements, and comprehensive retirement planning.

  • Wood and Disney want you to understand and have access to, as much information on your future choices and the consequences of these as possible before any decision is made, as getting this right is critical to your future.

  • Wood and Disney revisit your personal goals. What are your priorities now? Do you want more free time to relax or travel, have fun with your family? Are you driven to focus more on your business and take it in new directions or start a new business? Would you like to spend more time on charitable work?

  • Wood and Disney help you achieve your goals by giving you as much information on your choices and the consequences of these as possible before you make any decisions. For example, you may wish to sell and exit. If so, how does that work? What’s the best approach? What about timing? How will any deal be funded and does this have an impact on any tax due? What about tax relief? Can you claim any? When you sell the business, what about the cash you’ll have? How will this affect your estate and Inheritance tax? Will you get any reliefs on this or do you need to plan how to invest the funds? Wood and Disney ensure any sale is carefully planned so you can sleep soundly knowing any questions HMRC may have can be answered thoroughly. 

  • What about if you want to pass the business to your children? As well as the tax planning for you and the business, how will it affect them? What about when they come to sell? Wood and Disney plan and put in place strategies early giving them choices too. When you are ready to handover the reins, we will be there for the next generation with advice and support, so you know that they and your business are in safe hands.

  • Wood and Disney make your transition smooth and worry-free. Allowing you to focus on the next chapter of your life while knowing your business is in good hands.

Is it time for you to think about finding a new accountant?

If you are experiencing any of these issues with your accountant, it may be time to consider finding a new one. 

Switching accountants may be a difficult decision, but once made it is quick and easy to do. It is important to remember that your financial success depends on having the right professionals in your corner.



At Wood and Disney, we are dedicated to supporting your business growth and transition. To provide comprehensive services tailored to your specific needs. If you find you are considering changing your accountant let’s talk.

Contact Us
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” Lao Tzu
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