You know the saying “no news is good news”?
Yeah — that doesn’t apply to accountants.
If your accountant has gone quiet, your reports don’t make sense, and you’re starting to wonder who’s actually looking after your money — you’re not being paranoid. You’re seeing the warning signs of an accountant who’s mentally clocked out, even if they’re still sending monthly invoices right on time.
As someone who’s worked with more than a few business owners stuck in this situation, I can tell you: it usually doesn’t end well. But it doesn’t have to get to that point. The signs are there — clear as day — if you know what to look for.
So here they are: 7 red flags that scream your accountant is coasting.
Ignore them at your own (financial) risk.
- You Ask a Question and Get a Shrug (or Silence)
Ever send an email with a simple question and get a reply that says, “It depends”? Or worse — nothing at all?
If your accountant dodges questions, gives vague answers, or only responds when chased three times, that’s not “being busy.” That’s being unavailable.
Clear communication isn’t a bonus. It’s the bare minimum.
- Your Numbers Keep Changing… and No One Explains Why
One day you’re profitable. The next, there’s a mysterious journal entry that flips the whole story — and no explanation in sight.
Look, it’s your business. If your accountant is changing figures without telling you, they’re not just being lazy — they’re being disrespectful. You deserve to know what’s going on in your own books.
- You’re the One Catching Mistakes
Payroll errors. Wrong VAT amounts. Invoices in the wrong months. And somehow, you are the one noticing them — not your accountant.
That’s like hiring a lifeguard and having to rescue yourself every time you fall in the pool.
One mistake? Fine.
Two? Concerning.
More than that? Get out.
- They’ve Gone Completely Off the Radar
You ask for a meeting. Nothing.
You send a follow-up. Still nothing.
But sure enough, their invoice for “monthly support” lands right on time.
Accountants don’t need to be glued to their phones — but if you feel like you’ve been ghosted, it’s because you probably have.
- You Can’t Understand Their Reports — And They Don’t Help
They send over your management report or tax return. You open it, blink three times, and close it again. Too many numbers, no clear summary, no explanation.
If your reports look more like abstract art than financial guidance, the problem isn’t you — it’s them.
A good accountant doesn’t make you feel stupid. They make things simple.
- They Never Offer Advice — Just Documents
Accounting isn’t just about keeping the books tidy. It’s about helping you make smart decisions.
If your accountant never says,
“Here’s something you could do better,”
or
“This could save you money,”
they’re just processing data — not supporting your business.
- Their Fees Go Up — But Their Effort Doesn’t
Let’s talk about money.
If your accountant is charging more each year but offering less in return — fewer updates, less clarity, slower replies — you’re not in a professional relationship. You’re in a subscription you forgot to cancel.
The Bottom Line
If a few of these red flags are hitting uncomfortably close to home, don’t wait for things to go from bad to worse. Poor accounting doesn’t just cost you time and money — it puts your entire business at risk.
The good news? You don’t have to settle for silence, confusion, or half-hearted support.
There are accountants who show up, explain things, fix problems, and genuinely care whether your business survives the next tax season.
And yes — we happen to know where to find them.
Not Sure If Your Accountant’s Slacking?You might be one click away from saving your business a whole lot of stress.
