Done with your current accountant? You’re not alone. Switching accountants in Ireland is a common move we see contractors make for a number of reasons. The good news is, it is a straightforward process once you know what to expect. Whether you’ve been getting slow replies, vague advice, or just feel like your accountant doesn’t really understand contracting, the good news is this: moving is simpler than you think, and we make sure there’s no disruption to your pay along the way.
In this blog, we explain exactly how it works when switching accountants.
Why Contractors Switch Accountants in Ireland
Most contractors we speak to aren’t leaving because something went dramatically wrong. It’s usually quieter than that. A question that didn’t get a straight answer, a deadline that crept up without warning, a sense that their accountant is simply filing returns rather than looking out for them.
The most common reasons we hear are:
- Slow or inconsistent communication
- Advice that feels generic rather than contractor-specific
- No proactive guidance on tax or compliance deadlines
- A feeling of being processed, not supported
- A growing business that needs more than a basic service
If any of that sounds familiar, it’s worth making the move. Here’s how you can do so.
How Switching Accountants in Ireland Works
The process looks slightly different depending on how you currently operate. However, both routes are straightforward, and we guide you through each step in the process.
If You’re Switching Accountant from an Umbrella Company
This is the simplest switch of all. We’ll review your invoicing and payment schedule with you first and agree on the right time to make the move. That timing piece matters. It makes sure there’s no gap in your pay as you transition.
Once we’re ready:
- Your current accountant deregisters you from your existing umbrella company
- We register you under a new umbrella company
- That’s it! You’re up and running
No professional clearance letter is needed here. It’s a clean, straightforward process. If you want to understand more about how umbrella companies work before you decide, our PAYE Umbrella Company page is a good place to start.
If You’re Switching Accountant and you have a Personal Limited Company
Moving your limited company to a new accountant involves a few more steps, but we manage all of it. You don’t need to chase your previous accountant or navigate any of this yourself.
Step 1: We request professional clearance
We write to your current accountant to request professional clearance. This is standard practice in Ireland when changing accountants. The letter ensures a smooth handover, confirms your tax affairs are in order, and establishes there are no professional reasons preventing the switch.
In addition, we coordinate the handover of everything we need: company statutory filings, annual accounts, payroll records, and tax returns. We take it from there.
Step 2: We take over, fully
From that point, we manage your company accounts end-to-end (bookkeeping, payroll, Revenue filings, annual returns). You get on with the contract and we handle the rest.
⚠️ One thing to have: your company’s Annual Return Date. If you’re not sure what it is, don’t worry! We can check it for you and make sure everything is up to date before and during the switch.
Visit our Personal Limited Company page for more on how we manage limited company accounts for contractors.
What About Your Contract?
If you’re switching umbrella company provider, your contract for services will need to be updated to reflect the new company details. This is a compliance requirement and one we handle with your agency for you.
We’ll liaise directly with your recruitment agency to get it updated. You won’t need to manage that conversation yourself.
If switching accountants for your Personal Limited Company, this will not be required as your contract should eb addressed to your limited company already.
How to Switch to Icon Accounting
Ready to move? Here’s what to do:
- Complete our online starter form — choose PAYE Umbrella, Director Umbrella, or Personal Limited Company as your preferred structure
- We take it from there — our team handles professional clearance, record transfers, and agency liaison
- You keep contracting — without interruption, without stress, and with an accountant who actually knows your world
Get set up correctly — complete the starter form here
Why Contractors Switch to Icon Accounting
We're Ireland's highest rated contractor accountant. Every piece of advice we give, every deadline we track, every decision we help you make is built around how contracting in Ireland actually works.
When you come to us, you get:
- Fast responses and clear guidance
- Proactive reminders before deadlines
- Dedicated account manager who knows your situation, stay ahead of what's coming, and are always easy to reach when you need them.
- Fixed pricing with no surprises
- Complete contractor setup and management
- Payroll and expenses fully managed
- Tax and compliance handled correctly
- Tax return support included
- Founding member of the PCSO
- Access to wealth management advice with Icon Wealth Management
- Contractor community and events
- Specialist in-house contractor experts
- Easy-to-use Icon Accounting app
- Exclusive access to iPerks, a wellbeing, learning, and lifestyle savings for contractors
Take a look at our full range of contractor accounting services to see what we cover.
Ready to Make the Move?
Switching accountants in Ireland is a practical decision, and it’s one more contractors are making when they realise they need more than compliance box-ticking. Whether you’re on an umbrella company or running your own limited company, we’ll handle the transition properly, so you can focus on the contract, and leave the admin to us.
Complete our online starter form to get started, or get in touch if you’d like to talk it through first. We’ll give you a clear picture of what to expect, and take it from there.
Frequently Asked Questions on Switching Accountants
Got a Question?
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Icon Accounting, Columba House, Airside,
Swords, Co. Dublin, Ireland, K67 R2Y9