Things to think about before hiring an accountant


By Michiel Van Kets


Locating a good honest accountant is not as simple as you would think. The majority of us looks in a local directory and chooses the first one who answers the phone. You should never employ anyone so easily; you might end up spending years with the same accountant so choosing one that suits you is crucial.

Many accountants are not only there to help with your tax returns. A resourceful and professional accountant can also be relied upon for advice on personal issues and other business linked matters. If you have a business you will need them to be skillful in tax laws, but along with that they should also have a great deal of knowledge on other related subjects too.

If you are searching for an accountant to help set up a small business, below are some to locate a professional accountant to help in your business, here are some guidelines as to what qualities to look for.

An accountant should be well-informed in all areas of business finance, not only those related with tax. In particular look for one who is well informed and has experience within the industry you are working. For example, if your company sells motor vehicles, then the accountant should have some previous experience with this type of business and understand the regulations and laws that can affect your business.

Once you find an accountant you feel you can rely on, use them. They can help you out with your personal matters and should be able to point out suitable investments for you, including long-term investments and retirement plans.

An accountant should never take a back seat when it comes to your business decisions, practical and positive feedback should be the least they input. There are many levels within your life and business they can be of help, such as cutting back on expenses, suitable software for your bookkeeping, tax free savings and paying salaries. You should not have to tell a good accountant what tasks need to be done and when, they should be aware of their duties and schedule their own timetable.

Your accountant isn’t necessarily going to be full time, however they should be easily reached if you need them and generally be there as a financial and business consultant.

Contact the accountant you are hoping to employ and then arrange a meeting with them to see how they interact with you. Many people these days turn to their accountants for all kinds of advice, hopefully, this will be a lasting relationship and there has to be some kind of connection between you, your accountant needs to be approachable and have a personality.

Let them know your business ideas and plans and see if they have any ready input and advice regarding them. As you discuss your financial plan, a knowledgeable accountant will be interested and automatically hand out advice or inform you of other ways that would work to your advantage. A qualified accountant should have a lot of feedback regarding your ideas or questions. If you get the feeling that they are not particularly interested, look around for another.

Building up a firm relationship with your accountant can benefit your business. There are many other levels they can aid you with thus saving you time and energy by not having to spend time looking around for other professionals. Forming a good relationship with your accountant will turn them into trusted advisers in all financial and legal sectors.

Some people will only make appointment with their accountant once a year when it is time to complete tax returns. The best accountants, however, will find the time to contact you at regular intervals to see if there are any issues or changes they need to be aware of and make sure all paperwork is correct and up to date.

Large firms can have too many clients and you may feel they tend to forget about you until tax returns are due. Small companies can sometimes be too busy and not have enough time to give you information and advice when you need it. Carry out some thorough research before making a final decision on an accountant; they should be able to answer to your needs and requirements and have time for your inquiries

Search the internet for experienced accountants who have experience in your area and are proactive and motivated.

Michiel Van Kets provides article services for Carl Benson, who writes articles for http://www.accountantsrus.com.au/. The company is an accounting firm, offering chartered accountants or business tax accountants anywhere in Australia. For advice and information on accounting firms and accountants.


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