Most founders assume switching is complicated. It isn't. We handle the entire process — from contacting your previous accountant to getting everything up to date. You don't have to do anything except say yes.
Here is exactly what happens when you switch to Runway — so there are no surprises.
We talk through your business, your current setup, and what you need from an accountant. No commitment required — just an honest conversation. If we are the right fit, we will tell you clearly. If not, we will tell you that too.
We put together a clear, fixed-fee proposal covering everything your business needs. No off-the-shelf packages — it is tailored to your specific situation. You will know exactly what you are getting and what it costs before you decide.
Once you are happy to proceed, you sign an engagement letter and a professional clearance authority — a standard one-page form that gives us permission to contact your previous accountant directly. That is all you need to do.
We reach out to your outgoing accountant on your behalf, request all the records, working papers, and information we need. This is a standard professional process — accountants do this every day. You do not need to be involved.
We review everything we receive, pick up exactly where your previous accountant left off, and get your compliance fully up to date. Within two weeks you will have a fully active Runway relationship with no gaps in your compliance.
Switching is the easy part. Here is what your relationship with Runway looks like from day one.
We start with a structured onboarding call to ensure we have everything we need — your business history, structure, any open questions. We set up all the systems and technology for your account at the same time, so everything is ready from day one.
Every service we provide for you is loaded onto our practice management system with deadlines, owners, and reminders built in. We are always ahead of what needs to happen next — and we will tell you about it before it becomes urgent, not after.
We meet with every client regularly — monthly or quarterly depending on your needs. We cover your business performance, personal finances, upcoming tax obligations, and any strategic decisions you are facing. The goal is always the same: make sure you are a few steps ahead, and that your setup is as tax-efficient as it can be.
You do not need to wait for your year-end to switch accountants. That is a common misconception — the truth is that we can take you on at any point in the year and simply continue from where your previous accountant stopped.
Whether your accounts are two months behind, your VAT returns are up to date, or your year-end is next week — it doesn't matter. We will assess where things stand, pick up the work, and get everything in order.
The sooner you switch to an accountant you trust, the sooner your finances start working properly for your business. There is no good reason to wait.
"My accountant has all my records — getting them back will be complicated."
Your records belong to you. Accountants are professionally obliged to hand them over promptly. We make the request directly and it is a standard process.
"I've been with them for years — it feels disloyal."
Switching accountants is a normal, professional decision. If your current accountant is not serving your needs, staying out of loyalty is costing you money and clarity.
"There will be a gap in my compliance while I switch."
There is no gap. We pick up immediately from where your previous accountant left off. All deadlines and obligations remain covered throughout the transition.
"I'll have to explain everything about my business again."
We get a full handover from your outgoing accountant. You will need to have one conversation with us — that is all. We do the rest.
"What if something was done wrong by my previous accountant?"
We review everything we receive and flag any issues we find. If corrections are needed, we handle them. This is actually one of the best reasons to switch.
"It will take months before they really understand my business."
Most clients feel fully embedded within the first few weeks. Because you deal directly with a co-founder, the learning curve is steep in the right direction.
“I put off switching accountants for two years because I thought it would be a nightmare. It took about ten minutes on my end. Runway handled everything and we were fully up and running within a week.”
Sarah M.
E-commerce Founder — Runway Client
No. This is the most common misconception about switching accountants. You can switch at any point in the year. We take over exactly where your previous accountant left off — there is no need to wait for a natural break in the financial calendar.
Yes. Accountants are professionally obliged to release your records to you or your new accountant promptly. We make this request on your behalf using a standard professional clearance process. It is routine — not contentious.
For most businesses, the transition is complete within two weeks. Once you sign the engagement letter, we take over. You will have a fully active Runway relationship — with all your compliance covered — within that timeframe.
That is absolutely fine — and actually one of the most common reasons people switch. We will assess where things stand, catch everything up, and get your compliance fully back on track. We have done this many times.
Very little. You have one conversation with us to discuss your business, and you sign an engagement letter and one authority form. Everything else — contacting your previous accountant, collecting records, reviewing and updating your accounts — is handled by Runway.
Yes. If there is something part-way through — a tax return, a set of accounts, a filing — we will either pick it up from the outgoing accountant or complete it ourselves. Nothing is left in limbo.
Start with a free 30-minute call. No pressure, no commitment — just an honest conversation about whether Runway is right for you.