When it comes to financial advice, you want to make sure you are getting the best possible service for your money. After all, your accountant will be handling some of your most important financial information. So how can you be sure you are hiring the right person for the job?
By asking questions, you can get a better idea of the accountant’s experience, qualifications, and personality – all important factors in deciding whether or not to hire someone.
27 Questions to ask about the accountant:
- Are you a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
- Do you have a Master’s degree in accounting or business administration (MBA)?
- What accounting experience do you have?
- What qualifications do you have?
- What experience do you have with accounting software?
- What is your approach to bookkeeping?
- How often do you update your records?
- How do you keep track of your expenses?
- How often do you issue invoices?
- Do you have experience with my business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation)?
- What accounting services do you specialize in?
- What is your experience in bookkeeping?
- What is your experience in auditing?
- What is your experience in tax preparation?
- Do you have experience working with companies in my industry?
- Do you have experience working with companies of my size?
- Do you have experience working with companies in my country/state/city?
- How long have you been practicing accounting?
- What made you decide to become an accountant?
- Do you have experience with small businesses?
- What accounting software do you recommend?
- Do you outsource some of your work?
- Have you ever had to deal with complex transactions?
- Which tax laws do you feel most comfortable dealing with?
- What do you think is the most important thing for an accountant to know?
- What do you think are the strengths of accounting?
- What do you think are the biggest challenges for the accounting profession?
24 Questions to ask about the service of the accountant:
- Do you offer a free consultation?
- What is your availability?
- What are your rates?
- What are your payment terms?
- What is included in your services?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- What is your confidentiality policy?
- How often will we communicate?
- How would you like to communicate (via email, phone, or in person)?
- What is your policy on overtime/emergency work?
- What are your accounting designations?
- What publications do you read to keep up to date on the profession?
- Do you attend continuing education courses/webinars?
- How many clients do you currently have?
- Can I see a list of your current and past clients?
- Do you have any references I can contact?
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
- Are you a member of a professional organization?
- Have you been disciplined by a professional organization or licensing body?
- Do I have to sign a contract?
- How often will we meet?
- What is the best way to reach you if I have a question outside of our meetings?
- What happens if I can not make it to one of our scheduled meetings?
- Do you have any questions for me or us as a company?
12 Questions to ask an accountant about your business:
- How often should I reconcile my bank statements?
- What should I do if I made a mistake on my tax return last year?
- From your accounting perspective, what are some important things to consider if I want to start a business?
- How can I reduce my taxes?
- What deductions can I claim for my small business?
- Can you help me set up a budget for my small business?
- Can you help me interpret my financial statements?
- What warning signs should I look for in my financial statements?
- Should I use accrual-based or cash-based accounting?
- How can I make sure my books are in order before year-end?
- Do you have any tips for staying organized and keeping on top of my finances throughout the year?
- Do you have any recommendations for financial resources or reading materials for small business owners?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we hire an accountant?
One reason to hire an accountant is that they can help you save money. Accountants can help businesses monitor their expenses and find ways to cut costs. They can also help businesses file their tax returns correctly and claim all available tax deductions. Hiring an accountant can help businesses stay organized and save money.
What are the main duties and responsibilities of an accountant?
The main duties and responsibilities of an accountant are to maintain accurate financial records, prepare financial statements, and provide tax advice. They must also comply with accounting principles and standards.
What are the qualities of a good accountant?
An accountant must be able to keep accurate financial records. They must also be able to understand and interpret complex financial information. A good accountant is also able to provide sound financial advice to their clients.
What are the important skills of an accountant?
The important skills of an accountant are accuracy, attention to detail, and organization. An accountant must be able to accurately calculate figures and keep track of financial records. They must also be detail-oriented so that they catch any mistakes in their work. Finally, an accountant must be organized to keep track of all the different aspects of their job.
Conclusion
Asking accountants questions about their experience, education, and charges upfront can help you set your expectations for what working together will be like. Answering these questions can also give insight into an accountant’s character and work ethic – both important factors when trusting someone with your finances!
