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How To Choose An Accountant
Choosing the right accountant or CPA is a critical step in the success of your small business. Your accountant has access to your financial information and accounts. They must be reputable, show a commitment to ethics in accounting, and be competent financial planners. After all, if they do a poor job, the results could be anything from a negative effect on your credit to financial ruin.
A good accountant or CPA does more than just pay your bills or prepare your taxes. They have experience analyzing the data of businesses like yours and the know-how to make valuable recommendations. They are astute financial planners and assist you with financial decisions critical to your success. They adhere to strict accounting principles and ethics in accounting that protect your interests.
This guide will give you the information you need to choose the right accountant or CPA for you.
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What to Look For
- Education, training, and certification. Not all accountants are CPAs, and while going with a non CPA accountant might save you money, they likely won’t have the education and training to accommodate your needs and be competent financial planners as you grow. You should also make sure they’re committed to continuing education.
- Experience with businesses your size. Look for someone with significant experience providing financial services for other business your size. They’ll be familiar with accounting principles that apply to your needs and will give you the best results.
- Use of technology. While the old pencil and ledger might be reliable, it certainly isn’t cost effective and can’t analyze your data to find the bigger picture. Today’s small business owner needs an accountant that is technologically savvy and is familiar with the leading small business management software.
- Networking. When you need resources or services, has your accountant done enough networking to provide you with quality referrals? Your accountant is your primary financial planner and advisor, and should have enough contacts to provide you with the best options in your area.
- Integrity. Would your accountant take dishonest deductions on your taxes to win your favor? If they do, they’ll also likely win you an IRS audit. And if they’re willing to be dishonest about deductions, what else would they be dishonest about? Be certain that the accountant you’re considering sticks to honest accounting principles and ethics in accounting.
When you’re considering a Certified Public Accountant or firm, decide whether they’ll be business management consultants that you can trust. Do they make use of business analysis tools that will give you the best financial counsel? Do they demonstrate accounting ethics? |
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What to Ask the Accountant you're Considering
- Do you have Certified Public Accountant certification?
- What is your area of specialization?
- How do you calculate fees?
- Can you provide me with references?
- What accounting ethics do you adhere to as a Certified Public Accountant?
- What experience do you have with businesses my size?
- Are you a Business Management Consultant?
- What business analysis tools and software do you use?
- What are your connections to the business community?
- What is your availability for questions and advice?
- What professional organizations do you belong to?
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Ask Around
Be sure to ask others who they use for a Certified Public Accountant and Business Management Consultant. Find out if others have heard about the CPA you’re considering. Check into the references they provide you with, and be sure they don’t have a negative report with the Better Business Bureau. |
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Ask Yourself
Ask yourself how you feel about this CPA. Do they seem competent? Do their accounting ethics work for your integrity? Do you feel comfortable with them? Do you think they’ll be able to accommodate your needs as your grow? Do they have the business analysis tools you need? Do you feel your financial success is a priority to them?
Lastly, trust your instincts. If you have a bad feeling, look elsewhere. If you’re not comfortable with their services, you won’t be able to operate your business confidently. |
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