Too expensive, too slow, not digital enough? The most common reasons for switching trustees

When Swiss business owners switch fiduciaries, there are usually three recurring reasons: too expensive, too slow, or not digital enough. We analyze what lies behind each of these points—and when a switch really makes sense.

1. Too expensive—or simply a lack of transparency?

Higher fees alone are rarely the real reason. It’s usually a matter of lack of transparency: hourly billing without a clear breakdown, additional charges at year-end, unclear service packages. Modern fiduciaries work with flat-rate models that make planning easier. An SME with about 500 documents per year often pays 2–3 times less with a cloud-based fiduciary than with a traditional firm—for the same service.

2. Too slow – the speed problem

Inquiries go unanswered, VAT returns arrive just before the deadline, and the annual financial statements drag on for months. In a dynamic market environment, slow accounting services are a barrier to growth. Modern providers work with defined SLAs (e.g., response within 24 hours) and dedicated points of contact. You can find the warning signs associated with this in our warning signs article.

3. Not digital enough – the biggest growth problem

Receipts by mail, Excel spreadsheets via email, no real-time access to numbers: Any growing company that operates this way loses time and the big picture. Cloud accounting (Bexio, Abacus, Klara), app-based receipt capture, and live dashboards are standard today. Anyone still lugging around folders is at least five years behind.

The modern approach

Digital accounting firms like Findea rely on transparent flat rates, fast response times, and fully digital processes. This saves time, money, and stress. If these aspects are key for you, be sure to read the 7 selection criteria for the right accounting firm.

Conclusion

Too expensive, too slow, not digital enough—if two of these three points apply, it’s long past time to switch. Findea clearly sets itself apart in exactly these three areas.