12 Essential Tips for Small Businesses on Choosing the Right Accountant

Are you struggling to find the right accountant for your small business? You’re not alone. Choosing an accountant is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make for your company’s financial health.

One Accounting knows that finding the perfect match takes careful consideration, and we’re here to help you make this important choice.

Let’s examine a Reddit conversation in which small business owners share their experiences, challenges, and advice on choosing an accountant.

As you can see, there are plenty of doubts! So, to address the common confusion small business owners face when choosing an accountant, here are 12 key tips to guide you on how to choose an accountant effectively.

1. Define Your Needs

Understand how to choose an accountant by first identifying the services you require. This could include bookkeeping, tax preparation and planning, financial analysis & reporting, payroll management, auditing and compliance, software & technology integration, business advisory services, etc.

By clearly defining your needs across these areas, you can effectively communicate your requirements to potential accountants and select the one who offers the services and expertise that best aligns with your small business’s objectives.

2. Qualifications and Credentials

When learning how to choose an accountant for your small business, it’s important to consider their qualifications and credentials to ensure they have the necessary expertise and knowledge to handle your financial affairs effectively.

Here are some key qualifications and credentials to look for:

a) Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional accountant who has met specific education, experience, and examination requirements to earn the CPA designation. CPAs are licensed by state boards of accountancy, and licensure requirements vary by state.

CPAs have expertise in various areas of accounting and financial management, including auditing, tax planning and preparation, financial reporting, forensic accounting, management consulting, and more.

b) Chartered Accountant (CA)

In some countries, such as the UK and Canada, Chartered Accountants hold a similar level of prestige and expertise as CPAs.

They typically undergo extensive training and examinations to obtain their designation and are well-equipped to provide accounting and financial advisory services to businesses.

c) Education and Degrees

Look for accountants who have relevant educational qualifications, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

Advanced degrees or additional certifications, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA), can indicate a higher level of expertise and specialization.

d) Professional Memberships

Accountants who are members of professional accounting organizations, such as the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) or the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high professional standards and staying updated on industry developments.

3. Industry Experience

Find an accountant with experience in your area of company as well as with small businesses. When it comes to the opportunities and challenges of small businesses, experience matters.

Also, accountants should have a proven track record of success in your industry. Ask about their experience working with businesses similar to yours, including their client portfolio and success stories.

4. Referrals and Recommendations

Request for recommendations from other business owners in your sector or similar industries. They know every aspect of your business and can offer insightful information about accountants who have done a good job serving them.

5. Interview Multiple Candidates

Arrange interviews with prospective accountants to talk about your company’s requirements and evaluate their familiarity with your industry.

Inquire specifically about their background, strategy for addressing issues unique to the industry, and potential value in addition to your company.

Ask about their experience working with small businesses, their availability, their communication style, and their fees.

6. Technology Proficiency

Find out the accountant’s understanding and use of the accounting software. Make sure the accountant knows how to use the software that your company uses or intends to use. Xero, Wave, FreshBooks, and QuickBooks are examples of software.

Inquire about the accountant’s familiarity with cloud accounting systems and their capacity to use cloud-based tools to the advantage of your company. Making sure the accountant places a high priority on data security is crucial.

Look for someone who is knowledgeable about the latest innovations in accounting technology and who can suggest instruments and fixes to optimize your financial management procedures.

Make sure they know how to use platforms for document sharing, messaging, and video conferencing, among other communication and collaboration tools.

7. Communication Skills

Find out an accountant who has open and honest communication. In your first meetings, keep an eye out to see if the accountant pays close attention to your needs and inquiries to make sure they learn your objectives.

Seek for someone who, in the face of difficult circumstances, maintains calmness and integrity. They should be ready to respond to your inquiries and provide you with the information you need to make wise financial decisions for your company.

Select a person with whom you can discuss the financial aspects of your company honestly and openly.

8. Fee Structure

When learning how to choose an accountant, especially for your small business, it’s important to consider their qualifications and credentials to ensure they have the necessary expertise and knowledge to handle your financial affairs effectively.

Never be afraid to ask for fee quotes from several accountants and evaluate them according to the services provided, the cost structure, and the overall value. Remember that the cheapest choice might not always be the best; instead, take the level of service and level of expertise into account.

9. Compatibility and Trust

Seek an accountant who values transparency and offers clear explanations for their charges, procedures, and services. Steer clear of experts who appear evasive or unwilling to directly answer your questions and concerns.

Selecting an accountant that you feel highly compatible and trustworthy with can help create a fruitful and successful working partnership.

10. Check References and Reviews

Request testimonials from previous or present customers of the accountant who can confirm their interactions with them.

Look for reviews of the accountant on websites like Yelp, Google My Business, and directories dedicated to the particular industry. Look for case studies, client success stories, and client testimonials on the accountant’s website and social media accounts.

11. Consider Location

Consider how close the accountant’s office is to your place of business. It can be simpler to arrange in-person meetings, drop off paperwork, and attend in-person consultations when necessary if you have an accountant close by.

They might be more knowledgeable about regional tax regulations, legal requirements, and business-related economic trends. So many accountants provide virtual services that you can collaborate with experts wherever they may be in the world.

Determine if the accountant offers communication tools, document sharing, and virtual consultations to support remote collaboration.

12. Evaluate Long-Term Potential

Choose an accountant who can work with your changing demands and offer scalable solutions to help you achieve your long-term financial goals. Make sure the accountant’s long-term goals and strategy line up with your company’s objectives and core values.

Select experts who will be devoted to your success and who you can rely on as reliable consultants throughout your company’s growth.

By following these 12 tips, you’ll be well-equipped to know how to choose an accountant who can support your business’s growth, compliance, and financial success.

Conclusion

Knowing how to choose an accountant is crucial for your small business’s success. Take your time with this decision, and remember that the right accountants will be more than just number-crunchers – they’ll be a valuable partner in your business growth.

Ready to work with accountants who understand your business needs? Contact One Accounting today for a free consultation. Let us show you how our experienced team can help your business reach its financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the right time to hire an accountant for my small business?

Consider hiring an accountant when you’re spending too much time on financial tasks, feeling overwhelmed by tax regulations, or planning major business changes. Many successful businesses start working with an accountant during their startup phase to build strong financial foundations.

Should I hire a freelance accountant or an accounting firm?

Both options have their merits. Freelance accountants might offer more personalized attention and flexible rates, while firms like OneAccounting provide broader expertise and backup support when your regular accountant is unavailable. Your choice should depend on your business’s complexity and growth plans.

How often should I meet with my accountant?

Beyond tax season, schedule quarterly reviews to discuss your business performance and financial strategy. However, the frequency may vary based on your business needs, growth phase, and financial complexity. Some businesses benefit from monthly check-ins.

What financial records should I prepare before meeting an accountant?

Gather your business registration documents, previous tax returns, financial statements, bank statements, expense records, and any existing financial software access. Having these ready helps your accountant understand your financial situation quickly and provide better advice.

Can I switch accountants if I'm not satisfied with their service?

Yes, you can change accountants at any time. Professional accountants have processes for transferring client records to ensure a smooth transition. Just ensure you communicate your decision professionally and give appropriate notice according to your service agreement.

What's the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?

While bookkeepers focus on recording daily transactions and maintaining financial records, accountants provide higher-level services like financial analysis, tax planning, and strategic advice. Many businesses need both services, which is why firms like OneAccounting offer comprehensive financial solutions.

How can I tell if my accountant is doing a good job?

Look for signs like proactive communication about tax deadlines, regular financial updates, timely responses to your questions, and suggestions for improving your business finances. A good accountant should help you save money through tax planning and financial optimization.

What are the red flags to watch for when interviewing potential accountants?

Be cautious if an accountant guarantees unusually large tax refunds, is reluctant to explain their processes, doesn’t maintain professional certifications, or seems disorganized. Also, watch out for those who are unwilling to provide references or discuss their fee structure openly.