A good accountant can be a boon to a small or medium sized business.  Bookkeepers are great for making entries into the accounts, but a CPA will help you navigate tax laws, provide financial advice, and help with other business decisions.  The problem is how to find a CPA near you that’s appropriate for your business.

Ask Around

Networking is not just for generating new business.  It can also lead you to professionals who can help you in corporate maintenance, like accounting.  When you ask about who the CPA firm is, also ask why the other person/company likes them.  Had they worked with anyone else and if so, why did they change.   

If you don’t get any good leads, try the internet.  Search for accountants that deal specifically with the size of your business and, if possible, the field or industry you serve.  If you opt for cold calling, ask the receptionist those same questions so you can narrow your possibilities.

Questions

Prepare a list of questions you want to ask prospective CPA firms.  That should include billing rates, how they are determined.  What if you have a quick question?  Will that be included in the billing or separately?  How about emails?  While you are at it, ask about the accountant’s availability, like their phone call or email policy.

Choose candidates that deal with your line of business or related issues.  For instance, if you do international business, be sure the choices are those familiar with other tax laws.  If you do business over the internet, the selections should be people who thoroughly understand ecommerce.

Find out what other related services they might offer like how to develop selling strategies or how to locate investors.

Make Appointments

Once you have narrowed down your group to four or five, finish the research by finding out about their educational background (CA or CGA) and professional associations to verify qualifications and assure there are no outstanding issues.

Then arrange for a face-to-face introductory meeting, which should be at no cost to you.  Ask your questions and any others that crop up during the conversation.  See if you are both comfortable with each other.

Be sure to bring along your last tax return and any other pertinent financials like balance sheet, etc.  That will give the accountant an idea of where you are in the business picture.

Conclusion

At the end of all this work, you should be able to make a reasonable decision about a good accountant that can help you build for the future.  At that point you can arrange for regular meetings.  You should physically meet with your CPA at least annually and more often if necessary.  You need to receive regular updates about any changes in the tax laws and how they might affect your business operations.  By working with your accountant mid year, you can adjust your strategic plan with an eye toward saving at tax time.

Contact your Accountants today click on this link —> https://capexcpa.com/contact

- The Capex Team