Disappearing accountants

Where have all the accountants gone

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We have had half a dozen new client contacts in the last month that have been turned away from other firms, apparently there are firms in our area who just arent taking on new clients as they dont have the capacity, speaking to an accountant in Scotland last week he was turning work away too so it doesnt look geographic. Has anybody else come across this phenomenon. The rumours I'm hearing are that some accountnats are exiting the business due to MTD and having to work with new unfamiliar software , any thoughts.

Regards

 

Replies (67)

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Scooby
By gainsborough
10th Nov 2021 09:17

Could be true. I stopped taking on new clients a year ago in case I need to make an exit before MTD starts (which will most likely happen unless they change the £10K threshold to something more sensible).

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By Tax Dragon
10th Nov 2021 09:25

I thought from the heading that the question was going to be about this forum.

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By sarahg
10th Nov 2021 09:28

We have noticed this too and is definitely not something we have seen before

I think if I was closer to retiring MTD might be when I want to stop too

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By ireallyshouldknowthisbut
10th Nov 2021 09:32

We haven't been taking on clients for some time.

This partly as I simply don't need the money so no point putting in 50 hour weeks. Been there done that, had enough, especially after last year which was ridiculous, never worked so much in my life and for little thanks quite frankly from clients. I am aiming for 35 longer term over 4 and a bit days.

And partly one eye on MTD - the extra work for our practice would be off the scale as most of our SA is caught but far too small to use software under any rational basis so I want to get down to a regular 4 day week so we have spare time to implement the madness which will clearly happen in some form, but I suspect there will be last minute roll back about the size of client. Huge difference if its £25k t/o and not £10k for us for example. Ditto if landlords are pulled out. We only have about 15 sole traders so its trivial to slap some rough numbers for that that in once a quarter vs 100's of landlords with all sorts of holdings which each need their own return.

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By Geoff56
10th Nov 2021 09:34

Yes, I am only taking on new clients who come as a close personal contact of a blue chip existing client, and I tell them it may be for only two years. I don't get many approaches but I am turning away everything else, because I fully intend to retire before MTD for ITSA kicks in.

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Replying to Geoff56:
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By Michael Davies
10th Nov 2021 10:17

Trouble is I decided to retire before they started kicking MTD further down the road.AML obligations don’t help either.They say that for every year you retire adds a year to your life expectancy,or something like that.I did make all sort of pre retirement plans ,however Covid kicked those into touch.Can’t say I am a happy retiree;but not having to get up at 7.00 am each weekday morning helps.

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Replying to Geoff56:
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By L Haldane
15th Nov 2021 10:24

You took the words right out of my mouth !

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Replying to Geoff56:
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By L Haldane
15th Nov 2021 10:25

You took the words right out of my mouth !

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By bernard michael
10th Nov 2021 09:37

It's the same in my area of West Sussex. It could be that people ex furlough don't want to go back to their original career path and are trying self employment = more available clients without more accountants

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Replying to bernard michael:
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By Jim100
10th Nov 2021 10:38

Yes many are so used to working comfort of their own home during the Pandemic they do not want to go back traveling and working in offices. A lot of people are just deciding to setup on their own for this reason as well as in cases where they have lost their jobs.

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Replying to bernard michael:
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By Paul Crowley
10th Nov 2021 10:39

That could be the case
I am getting more enquiries than normal
But it does not explain why I had 3 people with trusts enquire within one week, not having had more than 3 such over possibly 4 years

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paddle steamer
By DJKL
10th Nov 2021 09:38

Well, I heard some people talkin' just the other day
And they said you were gonna put me on a shelf
But let me tell you I got some news for you
And you'll soon find out it's true
And then you'll have to eat your lunch all by yourself
'Cause I'm already gone
And I'm feelin' strong
I will sing this vict'ry song, woo, hoo,hoo,woo,hoo,hoo

I dumped all clients in 2019, just the day jobs now.

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paddle steamer
By DJKL
10th Nov 2021 09:56

A song for accountants on what is "International Accounting Day":

Where have all the good men gone
And where are all the gods?
Where's the street-wise Hercules
To fight the rising odds?

Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?
Late at night I toss and I turn, I dream of what I need

I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He's gotta be strong
And he's gotta be fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light
He's gotta be sure
And he's gotta be soon
And he's gotta be larger than life
Larger than life

Of coure they could also all be "Lost in France"

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Replying to DJKL:
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By Geoff56
10th Nov 2021 10:03

MTD - It's a heartache, nothing but a heartache.

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Replying to Geoff56:
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By pauld
10th Nov 2021 10:32

Not to mention ' it's a fool's game, nothing but a fool's game'

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Replying to DJKL:
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By CW2012
10th Nov 2021 10:04

Ha Ha , That made me laugh, I got through a few lines and then it dawned on me, Bonny Tyler, that takes me back, I bet there will be a few looking at this thinking who the heck is Bonny Tyler. I wonder what ever happened to her, do you think she needs a tax return doing this year.

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Replying to CW2012:
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By Geoff56
10th Nov 2021 10:12

I heard a long radio interview with her a few months ago. She is still active music-wise, and very content with her life.

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Replying to CW2012:
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By Paul Crowley
10th Nov 2021 10:42

Eurovision was a problem, voice did not work on the night
But she was treated as a celebrity for the duration

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Flag of the Soviet Union
By thevaliant
10th Nov 2021 10:02

I've found out I can earn £10k more a year if I drive a lorry.

I'm retraining.

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Replying to thevaliant:
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By CW2012
10th Nov 2021 10:07

Its not so much the income as the hours and stress, is it me or have the clients become less pleasant over the last 10 years, there doesn't seem to be any respect or patience any more.

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Replying to CW2012:
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By Jim100
10th Nov 2021 10:33

I think its not clients that have less pleasant but its people in general are have become rude and entitled. There seem to be more rage nowadays, Pandemic has made it worse.

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Replying to Jim100:
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By Leywood
10th Nov 2021 13:45

Agree with you there, absolutely seen worse since the lock downs were lifted.

But added to that, no-one anywhere can seem to just do their jobs properly, most have no idea what customer service is any more.

I came very close yesterday to telling all of my clients to 'do one', yes every single one, but then thought I need to double check my pension figures a bit more closely before I go on that rampage.

Wasnt helped by taking 3 hours out of my day to trawl to a chemist to have a flu jab, including standing outside in the pi$$ing down rain, only to get to the front of the queue to be told they were not doing them, despite me having booked it online days ago. They had my email/mobile number so it could have been cancelled first thing. They could have come out onto the street and made an announcement or even popped a scruffy note on the window to inform folk, but no, that would have been helpful!

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Replying to Leywood:
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By Michael Davies
11th Nov 2021 11:53

Booked my booster yesterday and rolled up at my local Clinic;only to find the shutters drawn down and a big notice to the effect that they weren’t doing any Covid jabs , And don’t get me started on Autoglass.Is this the useless generation?

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Replying to Michael Davies:
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By the_fishmonger
13th Nov 2021 10:49

Michael Davies wrote:

...Is this the useless generation?

You're now on the third generation where listening to your seniors has been discouraged - because you get learnt behaviour that doesn't fit the models taught by those academics in ivory towers, insulated from real world human actions.

These last three generations then reinforce the view that the model is always right amongst themselves. Those implementing it are the problem because they don't behave per said model.

Some of us listened to every old fart they got into conversation with when young. They passed on what they knew willingly (it would very expensive to buy) and, in doing so, we have been able to foresee issues and fix those we miss.

We don't spend £m's on research first because we see around us too many things where that research still results in enough expensive white elephants (MTD?).

We make informed decisions based on a principal of "I may be right or wrong but made it considering all I knew at the time and others imparted wisdom".

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Replying to Leywood:
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By I'msorryIhaven'taclue
16th Nov 2021 10:13

Leywood wrote:

Wasnt helped by taking 3 hours out of my day to trawl to a chemist to have a flu jab, including standing outside in the pi$$ing down rain

Oh the irony! Did you catch a cold?

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By bluebaron
10th Nov 2021 10:05

MTD has to be a big factor. I'm no longer taking on sole traders or rental clients.

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By Jim100
10th Nov 2021 10:34

Where I am located there is around 130 Accountants in a five mile radius. If anything there are too many accountants.

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Replying to Jim100:
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By Tax Dragon
10th Nov 2021 10:47

That's Norfolk for you. Some people grow the beans, others count them. Not much else to do.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
paddle steamer
By DJKL
10th Nov 2021 11:13

Presume regional comments are still okay, it is obviously just race, religion, sectarian, gender that is off limits, accordingly there was a...........

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Replying to DJKL:
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By Tax Dragon
10th Nov 2021 11:23

I believe one can freely abuse one's own race, religion, secretariat, gender...

...and one of the best holidays of my life so far was in Norfolk. Genuinely. So, whilst that doesn't make me a local, of course, I feel a little freer as it's (in some small way) myself that I am 'bashing'.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By Justin Bryant
10th Nov 2021 11:37

I went to Norfolk for 2021 August Bank Holiday and was far from impressed. It's at best average for a holiday. No wonder there are a few Banksys to be found there e.g. Lowestoft. Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn are also pretty bad.

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Replying to Justin Bryant:
By ireallyshouldknowthisbut
10th Nov 2021 12:04

Justin Bryant wrote:

I went to Norfolk for 2021 August Bank Holiday and was far from impressed. It's at best average for a holiday. No wonder there are a few Banksys to be found there e.g. Lowestoft. Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn are also pretty bad.

LMAO Justin, you went to probably the worst bits of Naaarfolk. GY is OK if you want a "kiss me quick" laugh with some friends with a fish'n'chip supper but is not exactly culture central. There are some lovely bits of the north and east costs full of beautiful beaches and dunes. And seals. There is a load of artists hand outs in the middle bit if you like that sort of thing. The broads I love - but you need a sail to really appreciate it and to overnight and go for a dawn run through the mist and reeds. Magic. There is some great unspoilt areas if you like a bit of twitching, and some great restaurant gems. Norwich is indeed a " fine city" if you like that sort of thing too.

I mildly prefer the SouthFolk to the NorthFolk, but that's personal choice as this takes in Southwold/Aldeburgh area, Minsmere and some other gems.

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Replying to ireallyshouldknowthisbut:
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By Justin Bryant
10th Nov 2021 12:20

Yes; my late afternoon trip to Southwold on the way back home was the best bit!

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Replying to ireallyshouldknowthisbut:
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By I'msorryIhaven'taclue
16th Nov 2021 10:19

ireallyshouldknowthisbut wrote:

GY is OK if you want a "kiss me quick" laugh..

Where's your quick?

ireallyshouldknowthisbut wrote:

I mildly prefer the SouthFolk to the NorthFolk, but that's personal choice as this takes in Southwold/Aldeburgh area, Minsmere and some other gems.

We used to travel to Southwold for the weekend, and swim there, until someone on the pier pointed out Sizewell A & B just along the coast.

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Replying to I'msorryIhaven'taclue:
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By Hugo Fair
16th Nov 2021 11:43

What did they use to point with (the 6th or 7th finger on their right hand)?
I was going to suggest other appendages (being Suffolk) but this is a polite site!

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By CW2012
10th Nov 2021 11:36

This is going way off piste now, but I had a great holiday on the Norfolk Broads, I can highly recommend it. In the old days it was called taking the micky but it seems these things aren't PC any more.

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Replying to CW2012:
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By Justin Bryant
10th Nov 2021 11:39

The Norfolk Broads are OK, but over-hyped in my view.

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Replying to CW2012:
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By Tax Dragon
10th Nov 2021 11:51

CW2012 wrote:

This is going way off piste now...

Yeah, one thing you won't find in Norfolk is a piste.

But I had a great time. Could be to do with the company I was with, I suppose, but I still remember the place with fondness too.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By Tomazaan
12th Nov 2021 10:59

Well that is where you are wrong. I live in Norfolk (and love it) and go skiing most weeks just outside Norwich.

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Replying to Tomazaan:
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By Tax Dragon
12th Nov 2021 11:15

Let's do some more free advertising for the county of 1,000 dreams:

https://www.norfolksnowsports.com/

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Replying to Tomazaan:
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By CW2012
12th Nov 2021 11:19

Is it the Norfolk in Canada where you live, we are discussing the home of Delia Smith, Colemans Mustard and Bernard Mathews.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
paddle steamer
By DJKL
10th Nov 2021 11:36

I tend to restrict my comments to Glaswegians.

Strictly I should also have a go at Burghers but as I have lived here so long I am nearly assimilated (well actually I am really not assimilated as a Burgher , these days I am more a Leither)

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
paddle steamer
By DJKL
10th Nov 2021 11:57

My parents had their honeymoon on The Broads, my Dad had been posted there for a period with the RN sometime between 44 and 46.

Perfect holiday for my Dad, own ship (well boat, hardly a minesweeper which was more his thing by the 50s) to command, with his RN,RNVR background in his element, my Mum as the crew. I believe it all went okay until he shouted at her to jump ashore with a rope and she missed the land.

We also did a holiday circa 1970, of course by then a crew of five, less eventful. Our final boat holiday was 74 on Loch Ness, my role was rowing the dingy ashore so grownups could go to pub and then being hailed at circa 10.45 to cross back to collect)

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By Paul Crowley
10th Nov 2021 13:57

Not unless you declare it, on Aweb.
My such comment was deleted with a warning

As usual someone without the issue taking issue on others' behalf

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Replying to Paul Crowley:
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By Tax Dragon
10th Nov 2021 14:10

tbh I was glad DJKL challenged me, so I could declare the interest. The outcome seems to me far better for everyone than had I been quietly reported and removed. Some of the delights of East Anglia have had some free advertising. And - by the sound of it - we have answered the OP's question (about where all the accountants have gone) to boot!

Aweb at its best.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By DJKL
10th Nov 2021 16:40

I was never going to report you, I was joking, besides dragons are scary.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
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By legerman
10th Nov 2021 16:15

Tax Dragon wrote:

I believe one can freely abuse one's own race, religion, secretariat, gender...

...and one of the best holidays of my life so far was in Norfolk. Genuinely. So, whilst that doesn't make me a local, of course, I feel a little freer as it's (in some small way) myself that I am 'bashing'.

Went to Suffolk 5 years ago for our wedding anniversary. Our highlight of the week was venturing into Norfolk to the Broads and having an hours cruise, loved it.

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Replying to Tax Dragon:
Morph
By kevinringer
12th Nov 2021 21:10

What would Tax Dragon know about Norfolk? We all know that dragons live in Wales, my neck of the woods. Wales is bumpy. Norfolk is unbumpy; not suitable habitat for dragons. Autumnwatch was broadcast from Norfolk the other week. They mentioned loads of stuff but did they mention dragons? No. I rest my case.

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Jennifer Adams
By Jennifer Adams
10th Nov 2021 11:32

As we are in 'song mood'... 'Things can only get (worse') ... sorry D:Ream

The smaller personal accountants have seen the MTD light on the horizon and started to make moves to close as indicated in this and other threads. Where both of my offices are based no new accountants appear to be coming on the scene.

I only take on clients who are recommended (and have done so for a few years now) as I feel that if I turn them away the recommendee (current client) might think something is wrong with the business (ie its closing)

But I am getting more and more clients every month. I think Bernard is right. But I am also finding current clients are setting up additional businesses so I cant turn them away as they are already with me.

CW202 says that clients are getting worse in behaviour - I'm finding that they are nagging more - if the return isnt done within 2 weeks they start.. no patience as you say.

But I put that down to the 'Amazon effect'- people expecting things done immediately.

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Replying to Jennifer Adams:
Morph
By kevinringer
12th Nov 2021 21:12

Does the 'Amazon effect' extend to clients delivering their records?

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