How to Choose an Accountant

By: Jason Petrina



Whether you are running a business, or just hoping to set up a realistic budget that you can live with, choosing an accountant will be one of the most important decisions that you ever make. In light of the issues that we all face on a day to day basis, you may not believe that is true – but it is. Think about this: your accountant will know everything about the financial side of your life, and will help you make decisions that have a direct impact on the growth or survival of your business, your retirement, your child’s education, and many other important life decisions.

When you look at hiring an accountant from that view, the decision becomes more crucial, and many people fear that they will choose the wrong accountant and eventually face financial ruin! Don’t panic. Choosing an accountant takes a little work and research, but it is mostly a painless procedure.

Start by making a list of what you need an accountant for. This may be financial problems or situations that need to be straightened out, budgets, financial planning, taxes, or a variety of other needs. Make sure that you list everything that you think you need an accountant to handle. This list will come in handy when you make initial calls to accountants.

Next, gather all the documents your accountant will need. It is important to do this before you start your search because the accountant may have questions during the initial call, or they may set up an appointment for the same day that you make your call. Be prepared, and have these documents already gathered: W-2’s, 1099’s, K-1 forms, any other income forms, past tax returns, bank account information, a list of creditors, and any other documents you have that relate to your financial situation.

Now, you are ready to find accountants. Start with referrals. Talk to your banker, your lawyer, other business owners, and friends and family members. You can even talk to your neighbors and let them know that you are in search of a good accountant. Start compiling a list of referred accountants, and get the phone numbers. It doesn’t matter how long this list gets, you will drastically reduce it to just a few with the first phone call.

Next, make a list of questions to ask the accountants. If this is to be a business accountant, you will want to ask what experience they have in your industry. Ask about their overall years of experience. Ask questions that are specific to your situation. Ask about their hourly rates, and their email and phone call policies. Write down your list of questions, leaving spaces for answers, and make copies. Write the name and phone number of each accountant you contact at the top of the list, and fill in the information as you talk to them.

Now, it is a safe bet that you’ve eliminated quite a few – if not most – of the accountants on your original list. That is exactly what you wanted to do. Call and set up appointments with the rest. When you attend appointments, bring your documents with you, as well as a list of extended questions you have.

During the initial meeting, pay close attention. Does the accountant fully answer your questions? Do they have questions of their own? Do you have good communication with them? Are you comfortable? If you can’t communicate your needs to an accountant, or they make you uncomfortable, move on to the next appointment. Do more listening than talking. Ask questions that you already know the answer to regarding your industry or your situation, and see how knowledgeable they are. Ask for references.

Do not hire the accountant on the spot. Visit the other accountants and then conduct background checks on the ones that you are interested in. This is a vital step. Your accountant will have access to all of your financial records. It will be worth it to pay the money necessary to run background checks on these individuals. Check their education, their references, past work history, and criminal records.

Finally, you will have to make a choice. Of your choices, go with the accountant that has the most experience. This accountant will usually have a larger network of business professionals, and they will have more experience dealing with your specific situations as they come up.



Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com