Whether you’re on the verge of starting your business or have been in operation for years, having a quality accountant can help your company thrive. They can save you money, reduce costly tax errors, and teach you financial best practices.
Find an accountant that will treat your business like a partner. This will require clear and regular communication.
1. Get Referrals
The accountant you choose will become intimately involved with the operations of your business, so it’s essential to take the time to find one that you can work well with. Ask for referrals from other businesses, or check out the directory on Accountants world. If you’re unable to get any recommendations, consider visiting your local Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Development Center to meet potential accounting firms.
Look for accountants with experience working in your industry or with businesses of a similar size to your own. This will help ensure they understand your specific needs and can offer you valuable advice.
It’s also a good idea to seek out accountants who speak highly of their clients. This is a good indication of their character and shows they take pride in what they do. Consider asking for a client testimonial or case study, too. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door!
2. Ask Questions
During the interview, be sure to ask candidates about their work style. Accountants often decipher and communicate sensitive information, so they must be able to explain things clearly. They should also be able to anticipate your needs and offer ideas that can save your business money, like automating accounting systems, Check out the post right here.
Another question to ask is how many small businesses they’ve worked with. Unlike large companies, small businesses have unique financial requirements. You want an accountant with extensive experience working with other small businesses in your industry.
Finally, be sure to find out how much they charge for different services. Some accountants bill by the hour, while others offer bundled packages. You should also learn if they have any additional fees or charges, such as filing fees or mileage. These fees can add up quickly. A good accountant will help you avoid these extra expenses and keep your business running smoothly.
3. Get a Quote
A good accountant will save you more than just money by helping you to manage your finances correctly. If you’re looking for the best value, shop around a bit and ask candidates how much they charge. Some will charge by the hour, others may work on a monthly retainer, while some will offer a range of services for a set fee.
Also, find out if they include bookkeeping services in their pricing. Bookkeepers are great for handling day-to-day data entry tasks, but an accountant can provide a bigger picture of your business’ financial health and help you navigate complex compliance issues and more. They’ll take a holistic approach to your company, and help you plan for the future while saving you money now. They can also free up your time so that you can focus on growing your business. And they’ll avoid costly errors that could put your business at risk. If you’re not quite ready to hire an accountant, then consider outsourcing your financial management needs to a virtual assistant for now.
4. Schedule an Interview
When you’re narrowing down your choices, it can help to make a short list and interview a few potential candidates. Asking a few targeted questions can give you more insight into their level of expertise, approach to accounting, and overall professionalism.
For example, you can ask them about how they handle explaining complex situations to clients. You’ll want an accountant who can clearly explain complicated financial information that makes sense for your business.
You can also ask them about their fees. It’s common for accountants to charge differently — some will charge by the hour, while others might charge a monthly retainer or even a percentage of your revenue.
Conclusion:
You can also ask them about their experiences with accounting software. You’ll want an accountant who is familiar with the software your business uses. This can save you a lot of time in learning the ropes.