In our last blog, we talked about knowing when your business needs an accountant. (Click here to read that blog). One of the points made is that working with an accountant should ease your burden, not add to it. Having an accountant help you with your business finances can save you time and money year after year, but first you have to find the right one. If you are beginning your search, you may want to ask yourself a few questions.
What services does your business need? Are you looking for someone to help with your corporate taxes? Do you need someone to take over bookkeeping duties or do you already have a bookkeeper on staff but would like someone to review their work? Many accounting firms can also handle accounts payable and receivable, payroll, as well as offer financial and business services. Once you have a list of the accounting services your business needs, you can look at different firms to decide if they fit your criteria.
How do you want to communicate? Are you a hands on person and want to be able to meet with your accountant in person or are you comfortable with emails, phone calls, or video conferences, etc.? Neither way is right or wrong, and with cloud accounting your accountant can be anywhere, but you may have a personal preference. You want to be sure that you and your accountant will be able to communicate in a way that works for both of you.
What credentials do they have? Are they a CPA, Certified Public Accountant? While some accounting tasks, such as bookkeeping, may not require a CPA, as your business grows you will most likely need the services of a CPA.
So once you have an idea of what you are looking for, how do you find the right match?
Tap into your network and find out what accountants other business owners are working with. Don’t be afraid to ask if they are satisfied with the service they’ve received. Of course, a quick Google search will bring up plenty of options in your area and you’ll be able to get an overview of the services offered as well as see their online ratings and any reviews. Then call and set up a consultation. As you meet with potential accountants, ask yourself:
Does their communication style work with mine?
Do they have the experience and expertise to help me with my business?
Can I build a good working relationship with them?
Hiring the right accountant doesn’t have to be hard, but you might need to do a little legwork first. But when you find the right one, they can help your business reach its full potential. Having the right team who can look at your business’s complete financial picture and provide the right advice, at the right time, is a crucial part of your success.