Western Advocate

Questions to ask an accountant when looking to hire one

Questions to ask an accountant when looking to hire one
Questions to ask an accountant when looking to hire one

This is sponsored content from Silver Peacock & Co.

With the right accountant on your side, you shouldn't have any problems with the law concerning your taxes and financial statements.

An accountant serves as your financial advisor when it comes to successfully operating and expanding your business.

Thus, one of the most important things to do as a business owner is hiring an accountant.

However, finding the right accountant can be challenging. Accountants are not all the same since they offer different types of services.

Accounting firms like Silver Peacock & Co. provides specialists, sole practitioners, and generalists who use different kinds of approach or methods to get things done.

The best accountant for you and your business is out there, but you have to make an effort to find that person.

To find the best accountant for you and your business involves asking the right questions.

Here are the questions that you need to keep in mind when hiring a suitable accountant:

  • What kind of qualifications do you have as an accountant?

If the prospect works on his own, you need to find out first if he is qualified as an accountant.

Ask the accountant about his qualifications, certifications, and if he can get the job done.

If it is an accounting firm you're talking to, ask about the level of qualifications their accountants have and how many professionals are they going to assign to work for you.

Asking for qualifications should be answered without hesitation. If the accountant is unable to present his qualifications, you're better off finding a new one.

  • Do you have experience working for a client in the same industry and the same size of business as mine?

A qualified accountant must be knowledgeable about all kinds of accounting issues any business from any industry might face.

This person should be able to assist you in filing your taxes and other compliance activities.

But if you want your business to be more successful, you'll want to hire an accountant that has expertise and experience in your industry.

It's important to ask a prospective accountant if he has specialised knowledge that you are looking for.

  • How will you bill me for your services?

You can't work with an accountant without assessing the service fees first. During the free consultation, be sure to ask your prospective accountant all about their service fees.

This includes how and when he is going to bill you for his services. Also, ask about any additional costs for extra services that may incur once you hire an accountant.

Accountants usually have flat or hourly rates. It's important to be aware of how the accountant bills you, and if whether or not, his rates fit with your current budget.

  • Can you help my business save money?

Business owners hire the services of an accountant because they need help in saving money for their business.

An accountant should give you financial advice on how to save from your business' expenses without slowing down its operation.

Asking this question will decide if the accountant is willing to talk with you about the flow of money in your business.

You need an accountant that you can trust handling your hard-earned money. This question will help you find that out.

  • How do you keep up with the latest trends and technology used in accounting?

There's no doubt that the accounting industry has seen substantial changes over the years.

There are now different kinds of ways how accountants handle client work and get things done.

The same as how your business keeps up with the latest trends and technology in your industry, you need to find an accountant that is up-to-date with his methods.

The newest trends and technology in accounting can help your business become more successful.

Accountants who employ efficient and up-to-date technology in their work can accomplish things quickly and serve you better.

Questions to ask an accountant when looking to hire one
Questions to ask an accountant when looking to hire one

Conclusion

These are the questions that you must never forget to ask when hiring an accountant.

Regardless of your business being small or big, having the right accountant at your side is essential.

Doing some investigating to find the right accountant for your business can do a lot in the long run.

It will pay you off when it comes to filing your taxes and financial statements. A good accountant can also serve as a financial advisor for your business.

This is sponsored content from Silver Peacock & Co.