Why Arborists Switch Accountants

We hear the same frustrations from arborists across Australia. Does any of this sound familiar?

Generic Advice That Misses the Mark

Your accountant treats your arborist business the same way they treat a retail shop or a cafe. They give you cookie-cutter advice that does not account for the high-value equipment you use, the seasonal nature of your work, or the specific tax deductions available to arborists. When you ask about depreciating your chipper or claiming fuel tax credits, they have to research it instead of knowing the answer immediately.

They Simply Do Not Understand Your Industry

You find yourself explaining basic industry terminology in every meeting. They do not know what an EWP is, they are unfamiliar with arborist insurance requirements, and they have never heard of the specific compliance obligations that affect tree businesses. This lack of understanding means opportunities for tax savings and business growth get missed entirely. A specialist arborist accountant already speaks your language from day one.

Slow Responses and Poor Communication

You send an email and wait days for a response. BAS deadlines creep up and suddenly you are scrambling to gather information at the last minute. Your accountant is hard to reach when you need urgent advice about a major equipment purchase or a staffing decision. At Arbour Advisory, we understand that arborists often make quick decisions in the field and need their accountant to keep up.

No Proactive Tax Planning

Your current accountant only contacts you at tax time or when something needs to be lodged. There is no discussion about seasonal cash flow strategies, no advice on structuring equipment purchases, and no guidance on building wealth through your business. You deserve an accountant who thinks ahead and helps you plan for the quiet winter months and the busy storm season.

You Feel Like Just Another Number

When you call, you speak to whoever happens to be available. Nobody truly knows your business, your goals, or your circumstances. You are passed from person to person and have to re-explain your situation every time. At Arbour Advisory, you work with the same dedicated team who knows your business inside and out.

What We Need From You

To make the transition as smooth as possible, we will need access to the following. Do not worry if you cannot find everything immediately. We can work with what you have and fill in the gaps.

Common Concerns About Switching Accountants

We understand that switching accountants can feel daunting. Here are the concerns we hear most often, and how we address them.

Will I Lose My Financial Records?

No. Your financial records belong to you, not your accountant. Under professional guidelines, your previous accountant is required to provide a complete handover of working papers and records to your new accountant. We handle this request directly and ensure everything is properly transferred. Additionally, if you use cloud accounting software like Xero, all your data remains in your account and is not affected by changing accountants.

Will Switching Disrupt My BAS and Tax Lodgements?

We carefully time your transition to avoid any disruption. We coordinate with your previous accountant to ensure all pending lodgements are completed before the handover, or we take over responsibility for them. You will not miss any deadlines, and there is no gap in coverage. We track all ATO due dates and keep you ahead of schedule. Learn more about how we handle GST compliance for arborists.

What If My Current Accountant Makes It Difficult?

Occasionally, some accountants can be slow or uncooperative during a handover. We have experience dealing with this professionally. Accountants have a professional obligation to transfer records, and we know how to navigate these situations. In most cases, a polite, professional request is all that is needed. Even if records are delayed, we can usually reconstruct what we need from bank statements and your accounting software.

Is It Worth the Hassle?

We make the process as hassle-free as possible. Most of our clients tell us they wish they had switched sooner. The short-term effort of transitioning is quickly outweighed by the long-term benefits of working with an accountant who truly understands your industry, responds quickly, and proactively helps you save money and grow your business. Many clients save thousands in the first year alone through better tax strategies and reduced workers compensation premiums.

What If I Am Mid-Way Through a Financial Year?

You can switch at any time during the financial year. We will review the work completed so far and take over from that point. Some clients prefer to switch at the start of a new financial year for a clean break, but it is not necessary. We can slot in seamlessly at any point and ensure nothing is missed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the switching process take?

Most transitions are complete within 2-4 weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly your previous accountant provides records and how complex your situation is. Simple sole trader setups can be done in under two weeks, while larger companies with multiple entities may take a bit longer. Throughout the process, you will be kept informed of progress.

Do I need to tell my old accountant I am leaving?

We recommend letting them know as a courtesy, but we can also handle this communication on your behalf. We will send a professional request for records transfer that serves as formal notification. Some clients prefer to have a conversation with their previous accountant first, while others are happy for us to handle everything. Either approach works.

What are your fees compared to my current accountant?

We provide fixed-price packages tailored to arborist businesses, so there are no surprises. During your free consultation, we will give you a clear quote based on your specific situation. Many of our clients find that while our fees are competitive, the real value comes from the tax savings, better advice, and time saved by working with a specialist who understands your business. We are transparent about our pricing from the start.

Can you help if my books are a mess?

Absolutely. Many arborists come to us with disorganised records or gaps in their bookkeeping. We regularly help clients clean up their accounts, catch up on overdue lodgements, and establish better systems going forward. Our outsourced bookkeeping services can take this burden off your plate entirely. There is no judgement, we just get stuck in and sort things out.

Do you work with arborists outside the major cities?

Yes. We work with arborists right across Australia, from major metropolitan areas to regional and rural locations. Our services are delivered online via video calls, cloud software, and phone. You get the same level of service regardless of where you are based. Many of our clients appreciate not having to drive to an accountant’s office for meetings.