Are you looking for a business accountant?

Keeping on top of your finances is vital, which is why many businesses hire an accountant to go over their books. But hiring the wrong accountant could be detrimental to your business.

Read on for these three questions to ask, to make sure you find the right business accountant for your needs.

1. Do They Hold the Right Certifications?

A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) will go through strict licensing requirements. These are set by the state they’re practicing in and include:

• professional experience
• ongoing requirements to continue education
• a multi-day exam

Both accountants and CPAs can handle your basic accounting needs. Within their field, both are usually highly-skilled with years of experience. Future balance CPAs come with a few advantages though. Because of their ongoing education, they’re usually well versed in changing tax laws.

Depending on where they’re specialized, they will have industry-specific requirements as well. This can be a huge bonus to small businesses needing that extra edge. If you’re small, it’s important to also know when to hire an accountant for small businesses.

Also, CPAs can do more than create and analyze your financial reports. They can help put together profit and loss statements like this example. Another bonus for small businesses who need a more fine-tooth-comb analysis.

They’re qualified to offer strategic advice where needed. They are also one of the two types of accountants who can represent you at the IRS. No need to change accountants at auditing time.

2. How Many of Their Clients Are in Your Industry?

You need to choose an accountant with the right kind of experience. You need one who has experience in your type of business of tax prep and planning.

An accountant might have 300 clients who are successful in the manufacturing industry. This doesn’t mean they can help a business that sells their products in an online store worldwide.

There are many cookie-cutter steps that an accountant can apply across the board. It keeps business books up-to-date and the correct amount of tax goes out on time.

But, each industry has its nuances that need more delicate handling. It’s better to pay more for an accountant that knows your niche inside out than take a risk with one who doesn’t.

3. Other Than Compliance What Added Value Will They Bring?

“Compliance” refers to services that keep businesses operating within government regulations. A common example refers to Income Tax and filing the tax returns on time and with accurate data.

You should make compliance a priority, but it shouldn’t be your only goal when you hire an accountant. By asking this open-ended question, you can find out a lot more about their experience.

The right accountant should be able to help your business grow and succeed. You want an accountant that can become a valued advisor, to help you through challenges. Not one who only knows their way around a business bank account.

If they seem like they know what they’re talking about, be more direct. Ask them exactly how they think they can help you grow your business. Or pose to them a challenge you faced in the past to see how they would have helped you through it.

Hiring the Right Business Accountant Made Easy

So, there you have it! Now you know what to ask, you’re on your way to getting the right business accountant for you.

You need to make sure you hire someone with the right qualifications and tools to do the job. Experience is important, but it has to be the right kind that will benefit your business. Think of your accountant as an asset for growth, not only for tidying up your books and business account.

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