Need to find a good accountant for your business? The right accountant can help you streamline your taxes and payroll, as well as potentially save you money. However, there are a lot of accountants out there to choose from.
Below, you’ll discover how to find a reputable accountant for your business.
Always check testimonials
One of the first things you’ll want to do before hiring an accountant is check through their testimonials. They should have some listed on their website. Or, if not, you can check out online reviews. If you can’t find any feedback for a particular accountant, it should be seen as a red flag.
If you accidentally choose an unreliable accountant, you could end up receiving very bad advice. This could cost the business money and lead to a professional negligence claim. Therefore, always check testimonials to see if others recommend that particular accountant.
Look at their qualifications
Another thing you’ll want to pay attention to is qualifications. How qualified is the accountant?
You’ll want to look at the ICAEW Chartered Accountant directory. This lists the most qualified accountants in the country. Choosing a chartered accountant will ensure you are getting the best service.
Ask a lot of questions
Before hiring an accountant, you’ll want to have an initial consultation. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about them, their experience, and how they can help your business.
When attending the consultation, it’s a good idea to have a list of questions ready to ask. For example, how do they communicate with clients and what type of reductions can they help you make in your business?
They should have a good knowledge of your particular industry. If they don’t, they won’t be able to help you save as much money as an accountant who is specialized in your industry. This brings us onto the next point…
Ensure their expertise matches your business
You absolutely need an accountant that has expertise in your industry. This ensures they will know exactly how to save your business money. They will also be aware of some of the legalities surrounding bookkeeping in your industry.
If you choose an accountant that doesn’t have the expertise that matches the business, you’re not going to get the best service.
Make sure you meet with several accountants
In order to make sure you’re choosing the best accountant, it’s important to meet more than just one. Ideally, you’ll want to have a consultation with at least three accountants.
This gives you the opportunity to see which one you get along with most. It’s important to get along with your accountant, especially if they will be taking over all of your accounting needs. You’ll also get to see which one is most qualified.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price
There are no set prices in accounting. This is especially true if you are choosing a freelance or self-employed accountant. Thus, don’t be afraid to negotiate on price. Do your research to see what kinds of prices their competitors are offering. Then, see if there could be room to negotiate a lower price.
These are some of the main tips to follow when choosing an accountant for your business. It isn’t a decision you should rush into, so take your time to compare your options and don’t forget to check out their testimonials.
