When you’re looking for an accountant, how do you know that they have the right skills and knowledge, and whether they will be a good fit for your needs? A Google search will return a choice of local accountants, but there’s more that you should look for:
- A good accountant should be proactive in identifying potential issues and suggesting solutions to their clients.
- They should be accessible and responsive to clients’ needs, and should be able to provide timely service and meet deadlines.
- Able to explain complex financial information in a clear and understandable way.
- They should have thorough understanding of accounting principles and regulations, membership of a relevant professional body and industry-specific knowledge.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in their work.
- They should be ethical, reliable and trustworthy and able to keep client information confidential.
- They should be familiar with the latest accounting software and technology in order to offer their clients ways of working more efficiently and moving towards Making Tax Digital (MTD). They should also be familiar with legacy software to help their clients update.
- Choose an accountant who has been established for several years and has good reviews and genuine feedback on Google and review sites.
- A larger firm of accountants who can cover all your accounting requirements may be easier for you to deal with than using separate organisations for areas such as payroll, bookkeeping and business advice.
A sensible way to choose your accountant is to ask your business associates or personal contacts which accountant they would recommend and why.
Then have a look at their website and reviews for confirmation that they offer what you need, and more information about their expertise. When you’re happy with that, give them a call and meet them in person to ensure that you can work together.
Please get in touch, we’re always happy to have a chat with prospective clients and you may be excited to learn that we can offer you more than you’d considered.
