Bigger doesn't always mean better

I wouldn't want anyone to be under any illusions. I am not suggesting that you should move to a larger firm of accountants. Size doesn't matter!

I have heard stories of clients of larger firms where the client rarely gets to see the partner (nominally) responsible for their affairs; in some cases the client doesn't even get to see the manager, just a succession of more junior staff. This may be because the manager and partner feel that the client doesn't want to pay 'extra' for them to be involved on a day to day basis. They may be right especially if they have no added value benefit from the client's perspective.

If you see some benefit in being with a large firm and are willing to pay the fees despite the way you are treated, that's fine. Personally I doubt that anyone needs to put up with the sort of 'service' I've described above. If you don't need the input and advice of a partner in the larger firm, then you probably don't need to be with that size of firm.

Rarely will the partner in charge take the initiative and advise you to find a smaller firm of accountants more suited to your needs and your pocket. There's a sort of macho rule that prevents many partners from admitting that some clients are too small for the firm.