subject: 5 Steps To Choosing The Perfect Certified Public Accountant [print this page] Choosing a certified public accountant for your business can be a difficult task. There are many CPAs out there, but how do you know which one can be trusted? After all, this firm will be handling your personal financial matters, so trust is one of the most important components. Here are five steps to help you select the perfect certified public accountant for your business:
Collect referrals, preferably from others within your industry. If you dont have anyone else in your industry that you can ask for referrals, check with the local Chamber of Commerce as a starting point.
Narrow down your list.
Interview at least three certified public accountants to find someone you can work well with. Remember to actually look at their licenses and ask them why you should choose them over someone else.
Also be sure to check into the details of working with each accountant. Ask about their rates and bring a copy of your previous years tax return to the interview. They should be able to give you an estimate of what you can expect to pay them. Also ask which accounting software they prefer that you use to keep your records. Find out how each certified public accounts process works. For example, do they want you to send in your records electronically, or do they prefer that you bring in the physical paperwork? Also be sure to look into additional fees that they may have in order to go through your paperwork.
Consider the convenience of each certified public accountant. Do their office hours make it easy for you to call them? Is their office located in a place thats easy and convenient for you if you need to drop some paperwork off?
If you make your selection based on these criteria, you will undoubtedly be happy with the accountant you choose. Many business owners dont even think to ask some of these questions until it is too late. Remember that this accountant will have access to all of your financial numbers, so you cant be too careful about whom you choose.
