ICAEW chartered accountant sudden resignation

Pending filing for companies, slow response, sudden resignation

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HMRC has requested a list of documents relating to our construction comoany three/four months ago. Ever since the accountant has been sluggish and slow in response with me.

Last week HMRC has severed us a £300 late penalty fee for not giving them any documents. But the accountnant told me a two months ago he had already submitted some documents and he is currently working on a list of what he is missing for me to provide. I have been waiting for this list for a month. He does not respond to my emails and bounces my calls. 

I wrote a complaint letter to the director of the company, who initially assured me he is also keen on wrapping this up and he has urged his accountnant to send me the list ASAP. Ten days after the email I wrote to the director again complaining about not receiving the list, I complained about his ‘lack of urgency’. The director said his company will now officially resign as our accountant and we should find an alternative accountant ASAP. 

I don’t understand what documents I should send in. I am desperately trying to cooperate with HMRC but I just don’t know what to do. 

Can an accountant just resign like that? 

Thank you 

Replies (10)

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RLI
By lionofludesch
01st Nov 2018 08:24

Yes, of course he can.

The first step is to recover any documents this accounting company still retains.

Then make sure HMRC are fully aware and finally get a competent accountant.

It won't be easy to push things along now. Your new accountants will need to spend some time gathering information.

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By Positivelyconfused
01st Nov 2018 08:33

Do I have any recourse? It seems to me this accounting company has failed its job. Could I make a complaint?
Thanks

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Replying to Positivelyconfused:
RLI
By lionofludesch
01st Nov 2018 08:44

If you can piece together enough evidence.

If it's just your word against theirs, don't bother.

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By Wanderer
01st Nov 2018 09:10

What's a chattered accountant?

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Replying to Wanderer:
Oaklea
By Chris.Mann
01st Nov 2018 09:13

It’s like a cold font, on the weather map

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Replying to Chris.Mann:
RLI
By lionofludesch
01st Nov 2018 09:29

No - cold fonts are in poorly heated churches.

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Replying to Wanderer:
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By Positivelyconfused
01st Nov 2018 09:14

Well spotted.
I meant to write chartered.

I will try to correct the title
Thanks

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Replying to Wanderer:
paddle steamer
By DJKL
01st Nov 2018 10:35

A talkative one rather than a taciturn one.

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By Positivelyconfused
01st Nov 2018 11:27

Ok I will start by getting all the files back.

I need a competent accountant to do some basic tasks such as payroll, filing company statements and taxes.

In your experience, what are the best questions to ask when seeking a new accountant for a small limited company?
Is it worth while seeking out an accountant who specializes/experienced in construction and property investment?

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Replying to Positivelyconfused:
Tornado
By Tornado
01st Nov 2018 11:54

If you can, speak to other people in business that you know.

Recommendation is the best approach for engaging a new accountant if you have the time to ask around.

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