Changing Trustees for SMEs and Startups: What Entrepreneurs Should Keep in Mind

Two to five years after founding, a lot changes: employees join the team, accounting becomes more complex, and VAT and payroll become routine—or even a source of stress. For SMEs and startups in this phase, switching accounting firms is a common growth-related issue.

Why now, of all times?

The accounting firm you started with was often a pragmatic choice: affordable, local, someone from your network. For a sole proprietorship, that’s often enough. But as soon as you become a GmbH or AG, hire employees, or operate internationally, you need more: tax strategy, BVG planning, payroll accounting, VAT optimization, and possibly an audit.

What Startups Should Pay Particular Attention To

Startups have specific needs: employee stock options, convertible loans, investor reporting, rapid scaling. Your fiduciary should be familiar with these topics—otherwise, every funding round becomes an improvisation. Industry experience with tech, SaaS, or e-commerce is a clear advantage.

What SMEs should pay special attention to

SMEs need stability and proactive advice. Growth-related issues such as opening branches, expanding the workforce, or succession planning should be planned together—not just when the tax office asks. A good fiduciary thinks four quarters ahead, not just until the next financial statement.

Typical stumbling blocks

When switching at this stage, typical issues arise: transferring payroll data to the new accounting software, clarity regarding VAT balance statements (if applicable), and proper documentation for BVG and UVG. Our article Accounting, VAT, and Year-End Closing During a Transition describes how this works from a technical perspective. You can find the selection criteria that are particularly relevant in our 7 selection criteria.

Conclusion

For SMEs and startups in their early growth years, the fiduciary is a strategic partner. Findea supports SMEs from the very start—and grows with you, so you never have to switch again.