File a complaint against an accountant
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During the life of your business you may need a Chartered Accountant
to help with a major financial decision, or to help keep your business on
track. Although Chartered Accountants have a rigorous regime of training and
examinations, they can still make mistakes or offer misleading advice. Complaints can arise because of a lack of communication between
client and accountant. These complaints can often be resolved by discussion,
however you may find that you are unable to resolve the problem or that the
issues are so serious that you need to contact an Institute of Chartered
Accountants. There are institutes in the UK and in Ireland. How to make a complaintBefore making an
official complaint try discussing the problem with the accountant first -
addressing it to the senior partner within the accountancy firm may see action
taken faster. If not contact the Institute and they will send you a complaint
form or explain what is needed in the letter. When completing and returning the
complaint form, remember to enclose copies of any relevant correspondence and
documentation and forward all papers.What happens nextThe institute should
acknowledge the safe receipt of your complaint and then pass it on to an
assessor, who will consider your complaint to see if action can be
taken.If the complaint shows a potential liability or disciplinary action
the assessor will consider how your complaint is best dealt with. However, if
the assessor feels that a matter is capable of being settled without
disciplinary action, conciliation will follow. A conciliator will try to help you and the accountant reach a
satisfactory agreement. Although the Institute does not have the power to award
compensation through conciliation it may be possible to broker a settlement
between the parties. If you have a clear idea of what would be required to resolve your
grievance set this out clearly in your original complaint. If your accountant
is prepared to take the steps you have outlined or suggest satisfactory
alternatives, the Institute will try to resolve the matter without using its
formal disciplinary procedures. Registered accountantsAlthough most
accountants come recommended, as with any profession, you may be unlucky enough
to come across a charlatan. If you are still deciding where to take your
business, and the accountant you are considering isn't well known, it may be an
idea to check the Chartered Institute's register to make sure that they are
qualified and that they have not been struck off. This information is readily
given to customers.
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