The Importance of a Good Relationship With Your Accountant or Bookkeeper

Joanne Seeley
Jan 17
4 min read

When choosing an accountant or bookkeeper, most people look at qualifications, services, or cost. While all of those are important, there’s another factor that can make just as much difference to your business, the relationship.

Your accountant or bookkeeper isn’t just dealing with numbers. They’re supporting your business, helping you meet deadlines, and often answering questions when you’re unsure or under pressure. That’s why having a good, reliable working relationship really matters.

This article explores why communication, responsiveness, and approachability are just as important as professional expertise and why working with someone who is both friendly and professional can make a real difference.

Do They Reply… or Are You Left Waiting?

One of the most common frustrations business owners experience is slow or unclear communication.

You send an email with a simple question…You wait. You follow up…And you’re still unsure where you stand.

When it comes to finances, waiting for answers can be stressful. Whether it’s a payroll query, a VAT question, or a deadline you’re unsure about, silence can quickly lead to worry.

A good accountant or bookkeeper should:

Acknowledge messages in a reasonable timeframe
Be clear about when they’ll respond fully
Make you feel comfortable getting in touch
Keep you informed, rather than leaving you guessing

You shouldn’t feel like you’re chasing or “being a nuisance”.

Clear Communication Builds Confidence

Financial information doesn’t need to be complicated, but it often feels that way when it’s rushed or explained using technical language.

A strong working relationship means:

Things are explained in plain English
You understand what’s happening and why
You feel confident asking questions
Nothing feels awkward or uncomfortable

When communication is clear, finances become far less intimidating. Instead of feeling unsure or overwhelmed, you feel informed and in control.

Professional Doesn’t Have to Mean Distant

There’s a long-standing belief that accountants have to be serious, formal, or hard to talk to in order to be professional.

In reality, the best working relationships are often with people who are:

Friendly
Approachable
Easy to talk to
Still knowledgeable and reliable

Being warm and personable doesn’t reduce professionalism, it improves communication and trust. When conversations feel relaxed and respectful, issues are raised earlier and dealt with more effectively.

Feeling Supported, Not Judged

Money can feel personal. Many business owners worry about asking “silly” questions or admitting they don’t fully understand something.

A good accountant or bookkeeper creates an environment where:

Questions are welcomed
Things are explained patiently
Mistakes are handled calmly
You feel supported, not criticised

That sense of trust is essential. It allows problems to be addressed early and helps everything run more smoothly.

A Partnership, Not Just a Service

The strongest accountant–client relationships feel like a partnership rather than a transaction.

When your accountant or bookkeeper understands:

How your business operates
Your pressures and priorities
Your goals and challenges

…they’re better placed to support you in a meaningful way.

It’s not just about producing reports or submitting returns, it’s about working alongside you and helping you feel confident in your financial position.

Friendly, Fun, and Still Professional

Enjoying who you work with matters more than people often realise.

When your accountant or bookkeeper is friendly, responsive, and professional, everything feels easier, from meeting deadlines to having honest conversations. A positive relationship reduces stress and helps you stay on top of your finances with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a good relationship with your accountant or bookkeeper important?

A good relationship encourages clear communication, trust, and understanding. When you feel comfortable asking questions and know you’ll receive a clear response, managing your finances becomes much less stressful.

How responsive should my accountant or bookkeeper be?

While response times can vary, you should receive timely acknowledgements and clear expectations. You shouldn’t feel left waiting or unsure whether your message has been seen, especially around deadlines.

Is it okay to change accountants or bookkeepers if communication isn’t good?

Yes. Communication is one of the most common reasons businesses change accountants or bookkeepers. It doesn’t mean anything has gone wrong — it often means your needs have changed.

Should my accountant or bookkeeper explain things in plain English?

Absolutely. You should understand your figures and what they mean for your business. Clear, jargon-free explanations are a key part of good service.

Can an accountant or bookkeeper be friendly and still professional?

Yes. Professionalism and friendliness are not opposites. In fact, approachability often leads to better communication, stronger relationships, and better outcomes.

What should I expect from a good accountant or bookkeeper?

You should expect:

Clear and timely communication
Professional knowledge and compliance
A supportive, approachable attitude
Transparency around processes and deadlines
A relationship that feels collaborative

Final Thought

Your accountant or bookkeeper plays a vital role in your business, and the relationship you have with them matters more than you might think.

You should feel confident that emails will be answered, questions welcomed, and support available when you need it. When professionalism is combined with friendliness and clear communication, finances feel far less daunting and far more manageable.

Need support with accountancy, bookkeeping, or tax compliance?