A Guide to Finding the Right Accountant
So many of us assume that all accountants do the same job, and any that any accountant offering a reasonable price will do what you need them to. Unfortunately, there’s a lot more to it than that.
If you’re in the market for a new accountant, it will be for one of two reasons. Either you’ve left your previous accountant because it wasn’t working out, or you’re starting a new business and are struggling to find the right person to look after your finances – (check out our guide on how to change accountants).
Whatever the reason, you’re in the market for an accountant and don’t want to constantly be on the phone because you aren’t happy with the service.
To avoid this, you should carefully consider the following points before picking any name from a hat and hoping they’ll do a good job.
Online or local?
For the majority of small businesses and start ups, an online accountant will be perfect. Everything can be sorted either on the phone, through emails or on video calls. It also means the majority of work will be paperless, so you don’t have to worry about mountains of documents taking over your home office.
However, you might require a local accountant if you struggle with understanding accounts, or require face-to-face consultations. In fact, even those of us who are more visual learners will benefit from a local accountant, as the interaction can help us learn and put our minds at rest.
Get more information about online accountants here.
What kind of business are you?
Depending on the size of your company, you might need a different kind of accountant. If you’re a start-up or freelancer, the chances are you’ll be more concerned about price rather than their expertise.
Even if you want to keep those purse-strings nice and tight, you still need to consider your business’ needs. An accountant that specialises in start-ups or small businesses will be a good ‘all-rounder’ if you’re navigating a business for the first time.
However, if you’re running a larger business, you’ll probably be a little pickier when it comes to who’s doing your accounts. You’ll also have a more lenient budget, so don’t afraid to shell out for the more experienced accountants if that’s what you need.
What services do you need?
Another factor to consider is what kind of legislation will apply to you, and if you need a specialist accountant.
While the majority of accountants will be able to help out the average business owner or sole trader, you might just have to face that your needs are more specific than others.
Some specialist sectors that you might need to consider include:
* Forensic Accounting Services
* Music and Entertainment Accountants
* Charity and Not for Profit Accountants
If your industry falls into one of these categories, it’s likely that a regular accountant just won’t cut it for your needs. Rather than struggle on with a regular accountant, seek out the right one for you. It’ll guarantee a healthier business relationship and save you heartache and stress.
Still struggling to find the perfect accountant? Tell us about your business in the comments below and we’ll point you in the right direction!