Are you hiring an Accountant?

Are you wondering what exactly you should be looking for in an Accountant?

When hiring an accountant it is important to make sure they are the right accountant for your company. Are you looking for financial guidance from your accountant or do you simply need an accountant to file your taxes? We recommend you consider the following when hiring an accountant:

Find an Accountant that Understands Your Business

Find an accountant that has worked with businesses similar to your business. Software companies face different issues than restaurants and businesses that operate in multiple states face different issues than businesses operating in one location. You will be best served by an accountant that understands your business.

Find an Accountant that Knows Tax Law

At the very least, you want to make sure your accountant understands tax law as it relates to your business. If you have faced specific tax issues in the past, you can ask your accountant about these issues to see how well they understand them.

Think About What to Expect from Your Accountant

Some small business accountants will help you setup QuickBooks, create management reports, and even help you manage your books on a day-to-day basis. Others accountants will help you file taxes, but won’t do anything else. Make sure you hire an accountant that will provide the accounting services you expect.

Make Sure You can Communicate with Your Accountant

You want to work with an accountant that will pick up the phone when you call and you want an accountant that can speak to you in a language you understand. It’s great if they understand tax law and understand your financial statements, but it’s just as important to find an accountant that can explain these things to you.

Ask for References

If the accountant you are interviewing has worked well for others, then it is likely that they will for you as well.

Ask about their rates

Ask potential accountants about their hourly rates and about what they charge for specific tasks, such as completing your annual tax return.