Finding the right accountant should be one of the first things you should do after setting up your business; but it’s not as easy as going with a recommendation; All counters are very different, so the perfect counter for a friend or family member may not necessarily be right for you; so it’s important to work a little, make a checklist, ask questions, explore options, and make an informed decision.
Here are tips to help you along the way.
Choose an accountant that suits your needs. Counters come in all shapes and sizes. Know what different types of accountants can and cannot provide; Think about what’s important to you and your business because your accountant will most likely be your primary business advisor, and in the case of a small business in particular.
Look at his window. An accountant’s website should show you how serious they are about various aspects of their job, as this is where they advertise their products. Make sure they take things like tax advice at least as seriously as they take “compliance” work, such as filing paperwork correctly and on time, as tax advice is what will save your business money.
Focus on fixed rates. Accountants rarely charge everything evenly, which makes comparison difficult. Many still charge an hourly rate which can be very difficult to budget for; some provide yearly estimates, but be aware that estimates are only and, as such, are subject to change.
Get more than one quote, but do just what is necessary. It is advisable to get comparative quotes, but limiting the number to three or four is recommended, as it is easy to get bogged down in too much information.
Be a little farsighted. The fact that an accountant is close to your institution does not necessarily mean it is your best option, and certainly not a sign of quality or convenience; Today’s information technology allows us to explore options much further, so if you find a great accountant on the other side of the country who is happy to work for you, don’t feel limited in your area.
You are not trapped. If you made the wrong decision and are unhappy with your accountant, switching to another is easy and painless. Accountants must act professionally with clients who want to relocate and usually do so.
Don’t make this an afterthought. If you leave the search for an accountant to the last minute, you will be at a compromise. Don’t wait for a business to be up and running for a year before starting it. Important work must be done in advance, so make finding a small business accountant a priority.
Summary
Having the perfect accountant for your business is no guarantee of success, but if you choose carefully and give yourself time to think, you’ll start how you want.