Not all bean counters are the same and if you find yourself in the market for an accountant, here are some tips.

Needs

Will you need someone to keep your books and file taxes, or are you looking for more in depth service.  If you want a person or company that will assist in strategies, long-range planning, or legal associated issues like franchises, you need to screen for those skills.  You may also want to consider an accountant that has experience with the particular type of industry or service you deal in.

Credentials

There are different designations for accountancy.

• Chartered Accountants (CA) whose skill sets include startup through bankruptcy.

• Certified Management Accountants (CMA) who have advanced management skills.

• Certified General Accountants (CGA) who have a broader range of expertise.

Each of these categories has specific educational requirements and experience.  Think about what your needs are and will be and then choose appropriately.

Cost

Fees are usually an hourly rate.  Find out what those charges cover and what they don’t.  Ask about minimum charges or for calls outside of regular business hours.  Bring along tax returns and any other paperwork the accountant might need to review in order to determine what the cost will be.  Understand as much as you can to avoid a surprise when you see their invoice.

Personality

Make sure that your personalities don’t clash.  You should feel as though you are treated with respect and your opinion matters.  Read online reviews and evaluate the pros and cons of the statements.  If you are ultraconservative but your accountant keeps recommending aggressive approaches, especially without enough data to back it up, you will come away from each meeting discouraged.

References

Ask for the names of other clients that you can speak with.  Professional associations can provide information on any complaints or actions.  Talk with other business owners for recommendations and find out why this particular accountant is preferable over someone else. 

Accessibility

Find out how often the accountant expects to meet with you and a general idea of the agenda at each encounter.  If it is a solo accountant, they may or may not have availability when you need them.

Experience

Understand their background, especially whether or not this person has owned their own business.  If they have real world experience, it may be advantageous to you in the long run.  

Technology

Be sure they keep up with technologic advances in the accounting programs they use as well as digital and offsite storage.  Will they be able to respond to a quick turn around request for information from a funding source or potential customer?  Are their systems secure or will you need to be concerned about hacking?

Choosing an accounting partner is not always easy.  It will take some research as well as having a strong knowledge of your personal and business requirements.  Try to take as much time as you need to find the best fit.  It will pay off in the long run.

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

- The Capex Team