Not satisfied with your current accounting firm? You're not alone. Slow response times, surprise invoices, lack of strategic advice, or worse, accounting errors, VAT filing mistakes, or missed tax deadlines that cost you money. Fiduciary errors happen more often than you think, and the consequences fall on you. Yet many Geneva entrepreneurs hesitate to make a change. Fear of losing data, disrupting their accounting mid-year, or simply not knowing how to proceed.
Good news: switching accounting firms is easier than you think. This guide explains when, why, and how to make the transition with peace of mind.
5 signs it's time to switch accounting firms in Geneva
1. You wait days (or weeks) for a response
You send an email with an urgent VAT question. Three days later, still nothing. A responsive accounting firm should reply within 24-48 hours maximum for routine questions.
2. Your numbers always arrive late
You ask for your financial situation and they say "we'll send it in 2-3 weeks". In 2025, with digital tools available, you should have access to your data in real time, or at least within a few days.
3. Invoices are unpredictable
Every email, every question, every small adjustment generates an additional invoice. You feel like you're paying just to breathe. A good accounting firm offers clear, predictable packages.
4. You never have the same contact person
Every time you call, you have to explain everything from the beginning. Nobody really knows your file. This constant rotation is a sign of poor internal organization.
5. Zero advice, zero proactivity
Your accountant just records entries and produces the annual report. No tax optimization suggestions, no cash flow advice, no risk alerts. You deserve a partner, not just a service provider.
Change accountant in Geneva: what you need to know ?
You can switch at any time
Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to wait until the end of the fiscal year. The transition can happen mid-year. Your new accounting firm will pick up the entries where the old one left off.
Your data belongs to you
Your former accounting firm is legally obligated to hand over your complete accounting file: general ledger, journals, supporting documents, tax returns, contracts, etc. They cannot withhold your documents.
Watch for the contractual notice period
Check your current contract. Most fiduciary mandates require 1 to 3 months notice. Respect this deadline to avoid any disputes.
The best time to switch
Ideally, right after the annual closing (once the balance sheet is signed). But if the situation is really problematic, don't wait, a mid-year transition is perfectly manageable.
How to transfer your bookkeeping to a new accounting firm
Step 1: Define your needs and Choose your new accounting firm
Most importantly, clearly define your needs before you start looking. What's missing today? Responsiveness? Strategic advice? Digital tools? Transparent pricing? This list will serve as your evaluation grid to compare candidates, and avoid making the same mistakes again
Then take the time to meet 2-3 firms. Ask questions about their responsiveness, tools, and fees. Request client references in your industry. Make sure you have good chemistry, you'll be working together for years.
Step 2: Sign the new mandate
Once you've made your choice, you sign a mandate letter with your new accounting firm. This document officially authorizes them to represent you and retrieve your file.
Step 3: Terminate the old mandate
Send a termination letter to your former accounting firm (registered mail recommended). Respect the contractual notice period. Your new firm can provide you with a template letter.
Step 4: File transfer
Your new accounting firm contacts the old one to retrieve all documents. This transfer usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. During this period, the former firm remains responsible for ongoing obligations.
Step 5: Validation, takeover and feedback during the learning curve
Your new accounting firm verifies the integrity of the data received, imports it into their system, and takes over your accounting management. You're operational.
The first few months are crucial. This is the mutual learning period. Don't hesitate to give regular feedback: what works for you, what's missing, what you'd like done differently. A good accounting firm will welcome this input to adjust their service. It's precisely this dialogue that will prevent you from repeating past frustrations.
Accounting firm transition: document checklist
Here's the complete list of documents your former accounting firm must hand over
- General ledger and trial balance
- Accounting journals (purchases, sales, bank, payroll, misc.)
- Balance sheets and income statements for the last 3 years
- Tax returns (corporate tax, cantonal tax, federal tax)
- VAT statements and annual summaries
- Salary certificates and AHV/BVG/UVG statements
- Important contracts (lease, loans, leasing)
- Correspondence with tax authorities
- Up-to-date commercial register extract (available on www.zefix.ch)
- Accounting export file (if software compatible)
Tip: Request files in digital format (PDF + accounting export) to facilitate import into the new system.
Switch accounting firms in Geneva with DHAC
At DHAC, we've helped dozens of Geneva businesses switch accounting firms. Our approach is simple: you do nothing, we handle everything.
What we do for you
✓ We draft and send the termination letter to your former accounting firm
✓ We contact the former firm to retrieve your complete file
✓ We verify that all documents are present and correct
✓ We import your data into Odoo (our ERP)
✓ We give you access to your real-time dashboards
✓ We ensure continuity: no service interruption
Typical timeline
Allow 2 to 4 weeks between signing the mandate and the effective takeover of your accounting. During this period, your former firm remains responsible, you have no gap in management.
Our commitment
If your former accounting firm drags their feet or refuses to transmit certain documents, we handle it. We know the legal obligations and how to unblock complicated situations.
Frequently asked questions
No. Your former accounting firm is obligated to retain and transmit your complete file. At DHAC, we systematically verify that everything is complete before validating the transfer.
At DHAC, file takeover and migration are included in our starting packages, no hidden fees. Your former firm may charge closing fees (check your contract), but they cannot overcharge you for document transmission.
Yes, absolutely. It's easier after the annual closing, but a mid-year transition is perfectly possible. We pick up the entries where they left off.
That's illegal. Your documents belong to you. In case of blockage, we can intervene with an official letter. In extreme cases (very rare), a formal notice is usually enough to unblock the situation.
Ready to switch?
If you recognize your situation in this article, it might be time to act. Take 30 minutes for a free diagnostic with our team. We'll analyze your situation and tell you honestly whether DHAC is right for you, or not.