1. Check your engagement letter
French engagement letters usually run for one financial year and renew automatically, with a notice period for termination. Respecting it avoids any dispute.
2. Choose the right time
You can change during the year. The most comfortable moment is usually a few months before year-end, so that the new firm has time to take over the file before closing the accounts.
3. Appoint your new accountant
Discuss your activity, expectations, task allocation and fees, then sign a new engagement letter.
4. Notify your current firm
Send a letter or e-mail with acknowledgment of receipt, respecting the notice period. The new firm then contacts its predecessor, as required by French professional rules, to organise the handover.
5. Hand over the file
Last annual accounts and tax returns, trial balance, general ledger, accounting entries file (FEC), pending filings and tool access are transferred. Fees due for work performed remain payable.
Get an example termination letter
Get an example termination letter free of charge, pre-filled with your details (company, current firm, city, date). It is displayed immediately and also sent to you by e-mail. It includes the subject line, the notice period reminder and the list of documents to hand over to your new firm. It is an example to adapt to your situation and does not commit our firm as to its content: it is for you to review it and issue your letter under your own responsibility.
We handle the handover for you, in English, including direct contact with your previous firm. Contact us
Frequently asked questions
Can I change accountant during the financial year?
Yes. The handover is simply organised around the next deadlines, so that no filing is missed.
Do I need my current accountant’s agreement?
No. You are free to choose your accountant, subject to the notice period set in your engagement letter.
What documents will my new accountant need?
Mainly the latest annual accounts and tax returns, the general ledger and accounting entries file (FEC), payroll records and the corporate documents. Your new accountant usually requests them directly.
Will I still have to pay my previous firm?
Fees for work already carried out remain due under your engagement letter. Settling them makes the handover smoother.
Does the new firm charge set-up fees?
It may charge one-off set-up fees, stated in advance in its proposal. They cover the start-up work: organising the handover and liaising with your previous firm; reviewing the history (latest accounts, tax returns, filings in progress) so that everything starts on a reliable basis; setting up your file and tools (document portal, bank feeds, VAT, deadlines); and talking with you to understand your business and gather any missing information. Done once, at the start, this work makes the ongoing service smoother and more secure. The amount depends mainly on the condition of the file taken over, and you know it before you commit.
How long does the handover take?
Usually a few weeks, depending on the size of the file and the responsiveness of each party.