Most creative business owners don’t ditch their accountant because of one big disaster.
They leave because of a slow, silent slide in service. Missed details, slower replies, less care and that growing feeling that you’ve slipped down their priority list.
If you’ve been wondering “Is it me… or have they just stopped showing up?” here are the clearest signs that your accountant might have mentally checked out.
1. Your emails take days — or weeks — to get answered
We all have busy days, but if you consistently wait far too long for even basic queries, it’s usually a sign your accountant has deprioritised you.
A good accountant will set expectations, communicate delays, and still make you feel looked after.
Silence, on the other hand, is a choice.
2. Everything feels last-minute and rushed
Your VAT return arrives on deadline day.
Your year-end accounts appear with a “please sign ASAP” message.
You’re always the one chasing.
This usually means your accountant is operating in firefighting mode, and you’re not high enough on the rescue list.
3. They only message you when they need something
If the only time you hear from your accountant is when they’re asking for documents, authorisations, or signatures, that’s a transactional relationship… not a supportive one.
Proactive accountants check in before issues arise; disengaged ones only turn up when your deadlines become their problem.
4. You’re getting generic advice instead of tailored guidance
When you first joined, maybe they explained things clearly, sorted your systems, and gave you ideas to save tax or improve cashflow.
Now?
You get surface-level answers or boilerplate explanations.
If your accountant stops thinking about your business and starts giving canned responses, interest has faded.
5. Mistakes are creeping in
Incorrect payroll codes.
Missed expenses.
VAT calculated incorrectly.
Confusion over who filed what.
Let’s be honest, errors happen. But an increase in avoidable mistakes is one of the biggest red flags that someone is juggling too many clients and you’re slipping through the cracks.
6. You feel awkward asking questions
A great accountant makes you feel comfortable, understood, and genuinely supported.
If your messages feel like an inconvenience…
If you sense irritation, dismissive replies, or a lack of patience…
That’s not you being “needy.” That’s a relationship breakdown.
You deserve an accountant who doesn’t make you second-guess hitting send.
7. They haven't talked about the future in a long time
No forward planning.
No tax-saving conversations.
No review of how your business is evolving.
If all you’re getting is compliance — numbers in, forms out — then they’re no longer invested in your growth. They’re just maintaining the machine.
What This Really Means
Accountants rarely say, “I’ve lost interest.”
Instead, their behaviour changes long before they tell you they’re too busy or no longer the right fit.
But here’s the truth:
You are not too small.
You are not being difficult.
You are not expecting too much.
You’re simply asking for the level of care and clarity any creative business deserves.
If this feels uncomfortably familiar…
It may be time to consider stepping away from an accountant who has stopped showing up — and finding one who values you, communicates with you, and actually enjoys helping your business grow.
(And if you want to explore what that could look like, you know where to find me.)
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