What Business Owners Should Know Before Switching Bookkeepers
Thinking about making a change? Switching bookkeepers can feel overwhelming. Even if you know your current setup isn’t working, there’s always that voice in the back of your mind saying,
“Is now the right time?”
“Will I lose information?”
“Will someone new actually do it better?”
We’ve heard it all before—and we’ve walked many clients through the decision (and transition). If you’re unsure about taking the next step, here’s what we want you to know.
1. You’re Not Stuck. And You’re Not Alone
We’ve had clients come to us mid-year, mid-project, and even mid-mess. The truth is: there’s no such thing as the “perfect time” to switch bookkeepers—but the longer you wait, the more complicated things can get.
If you’re experiencing repeated errors, inconsistent communication, or your financials are always late (or unclear), that’s your signal. You don’t need permission to want better support.
At L&L, we help you move forward without missing a beat—even if your books are behind or your current bookkeeper isn’t giving a clear handoff.
2. Know What You’re Actually Getting Now—And What You’re Missing
Before you switch, it’s important to know what’s really happening with your books. Many business owners don’t realize their current bookkeeper is only entering transactions—not reconciling accounts, reviewing reports, or flagging red flags.
Some questions to ask yourself:
Am I getting monthly financial reports I understand?
Is my bookkeeper proactive or reactive?
Who else has access to our financial software or financial emails?
If I had a question today, would I get a clear answer?
Who owns the login credentials to my bookkeeping software?
If you’re not confident in the answers, it’s time to look at a provider that gives you more than data entry.
3. Safeguard Your Access and Logins First
If you’re planning to part ways with your current bookkeeper, here’s what needs to happen before the conversation:
You should be the primary login on your accounting software. We’ve seen business owners get locked out of their books because the previous bookkeeper controlled the credentials.
Gather all passwords and access points: That includes logins for payroll, tax filing portals, email systems, and yes—even the bookkeeper’s work computer, if owned by your business.
Notify your IT support: Your IT vendor or department should be ready to change email passwords, revoke access, and secure sensitive data.
Don’t delay the departure: While it may feel polite to give a few weeks’ notice, it can backfire. If someone becomes upset after the initial conversation, they still have access to sensitive systems.
Have your new bookkeeper lined up in advance: Even great bookkeepers need a few weeks to get set up, get access, and learn your systems. The smoother the transition, the less stress for everyone.
If you don’t already have a termination checklist for internal financial roles, now’s the time to create one.
4. A Good Bookkeeper Has a Transition Plan—Not Just a Sales Pitch
We’ve seen too many handoffs that are vague, messy, or full of missing pieces. A good bookkeeping partner will walk you through exactly what to expect:
What systems will change
What you need to provide
What’s getting cleaned up
Who will be your point of contact
At L&L, we have a clear onboarding process that helps you feel organized, not overwhelmed. We know the right questions to ask and what to look for—especially if your previous setup wasn’t as strong as it should’ve been.
5. Don’t Let Guilt or Loyalty Hold You Back.
This one’s tough—but important. Many business owners delay switching because they “don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings” or feel like they owe it to their current bookkeeper to stick it out.
But your business deserves clarity, accuracy, and peace of mind. If your current partner can’t provide that—and you’ve given them a chance to improve—it’s okay to move on.
You don’t owe anyone your financial stability.
6. L&L Makes Switching Easy (and Less Stressful Than You Think)
If you’re considering a change, here’s what working with us looks like:
You’ll get a lead bookkeeper who’s supported by a full team
We use secure tools like SmartVault and Financial Cents to keep everything organized
You’ll receive monthly financials you can actually understand
We set up a shared accounting@ email so nothing slips through the cracks
We coordinate with your CPA or payroll provider to make transitions smooth
We make sure you maintain ownership of your software and systems
We’ve helped hundreds of businesses switch from in-house bookkeepers, DIY setups, and other firms that just weren’t cutting it. And we’re here to help you, too.
Thinking About Making the Switch?
Let’s talk through it. We’re happy to hear what’s going on and give you honest feedback about whether now’s the right time—and what the process would look like.
Book a free exploratory call to see what’s working (and what’s not).