New Client (under enquiry)

New Client (under enquiry)

Didn't find your answer?

I was approached by a ltd co (H&W) client in 2006 to act on their behalf. Trouble is, the company was having an enquiry, so I naturally cannot get too involved.

However, the enquiry is going on...and on... and on...

The current agent is acting dreadfully. They are a family member, which has led to two things:

1. They are getting a really poor service for the enquiry.
2. They are giving extremely poor advice on an ongoing basis.

The company are desparate to get rid. It is having a serious effect on their marriage. They just want the enquiry to end and for me to start acting. The inspector is on speaking terms with the client and acknowledges the bad service they are getting.

Obviously, the family connection makes it awkward. The firm is chartered.

What options are available?

Is there anything I can do?

Any comments or thoughts appreciated.

RR

Replies (3)

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Euan's picture
By Euan MacLennan
22nd Feb 2008 14:42

It is up to the client
From what you say, the H&W clients have a choice - get divorced or disappoint (in two senses) the family member accountant.. It is entirely up to them - they alone can decide who they will appoint as the company's accountant.

I am puzzled about you being asked to act in 2006. Have you been preparing the company's accounts, etc., since then, leaving the previous accountant to deal with the enquiry, or have you not acted at all?

Either way, there is nothing you can do other than persuade the clients to tell the family member that they no longer wish him to act for the company and to appoint you instead.

That's if you are not prepared to take the standard advice and walk away.

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By User deleted
22nd Feb 2008 13:49

Done it before
I took on an enquiry 3 years ago, it was such a can of worms that I vowed never to do it again.

The conventional wisdom that I glean from this site is 'don't do it'.

I am not acting already, but it pains me to see the company suffering.


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By User deleted
22nd Feb 2008 12:48

Whats stopping you acting?
You can take the enquiry midway through. It seems as though you are acting in the background without formal instructions anyway.

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