A good accountant can be a key part of running a successful business. Finding one is especially important if you have difficulty managing money and completing important paperwork, such as taxes and budget statements. Unfortunately, not all accountants are quality professionals. That's why choosing an accountant for your business requires thought and investigation.
In the past, you might have looked for an accountant using the traditional phone book. This can still be effective. However, the Internet makes searches much faster, and the Web can provide more information that just a phone number. For example, many sites that provide contact information for various accountants also let customers rate the services. These testimonials or complaints can provide valuable information when looking for an accountant to suit your company's specific needs.
Word-of-mouth typically is a much better way to select an accountant for your business. We all tend to trust the recommendations of friends, family and colleagues. Therefore, simply asking around may yield a great selection for you. When you ask, however, don't just get a name. Take the time to determine what your friends like and dislike about their accountants. What one person likes may be unacceptable to another, especially when it comes to business. Also, some individuals may be comfortable with their accountant yet not realize they could, and should, be getting better service.
As you narrow down your selections to a few, it's always wise to ask your potential accountants for references from other customers. If the accountant is not a sole practitioner, ask about the firm and determine whom you will actually work with. Often work like tax preparation is passed off to junior staff members. How will you be charged? Will you be billed an hourly rate for a 10-minute phone call? Does the accountant charge a fee for tax preparation and let that cover any other questions that pop up during the year? Does she have a set, yearly rate based on your needs, or are the services offered in a more a-la-carte manner? Make sure you're comfortable with their system.
When determining how to choose an accountant for your business, recommendations are helpful-but your own impressions are most important.
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