Top Five Things To Look For When Hiring An Accountant
Be it maximizing your tax savings or helping better organize your financial records, the benefits of hiring the services of a competent and professional accountant are many. A professional accountant maintains track of your business’ income, liabilities, and assets, and by doing so, allows you to focus on growing your business. Accountants prepare and delve into financial records and help with tax filing, bookkeeping, and payroll services. They offer tax advice, prepare financial statements, and, in some cases, may help make vital business decisions.
However, selecting the right accountant who will help you and work in your best interests can be a tricky affair. So to help you narrow down your search, here’s a list of the top five things to look out for when hiring an accountant.
1. Develops a good rapport
Research suggests that people prioritize two key traits when assessing value, warmth and competence. Warmth relates to how reliable or likable we view someone, and competence means our perception of another’s ability in their specific domain. Surprisingly, technical competence without warmth can come across as threatening and untrustworthy. If your accountant makes a conscious effort to build rapport with you and demonstrates technical competence in the early stages of the partnership, you’ve hit gold.
2. Similar business experience
The complex trade secrets of one field may differ from those of another sector. Therefore, your accountant must have reliable experience in your type of business. Needless to say, they should be up-to-date with the knowledge of accounting and tax as well. In addition to the financial management of your business, an accountant should also be able to provide a holistic perspective of your business.
3. Coaches through business growth
While guiding your finances, your accountant should also be willing to help ensure you have your business and structures set up in a way that allows you to manage risk and grow your wealth. Understanding your business thoroughly and knowing your personal risks will enable your accountant to create a safety net and protect the assets that you are accumulating for the future. They might also be able to discover an opportunity to restructure and reduce your tax bill. This is where a good accountant can help.
4. Offers accounting insight
A competent client-centric accountant will nurture the client relationship by sharing their knowledge. They will update clients on changes in tax policy, or offer them seasonal tips, thereby giving them valuable insight. Most importantly, they should be able to tailor all communication to your specific business needs. If they are able to position themselves as a resource and your business partner, you’re in good hands.
5. Responsiveness
Accountants and their firms have daily pressures and hectic schedules; however, being responsive is critical to client satisfaction. Your accountant should return your calls, emails, and texts promptly to establish trust. If a client wants to meet, they should be able to do it. If a client requests a meeting, they should attempt to meet as soon as possible. By doing so, the accountant highlights their availability and responsiveness.
If you’re looking for a Chartered Professional Accountant and bookkeeper in Kitchener, Ontario, reach out to Misic Accounting. As a Kitchener accounting professional, my mission is to provide you with the information you need to help you make informed decisions about your financial situation. I use the most up-to-date financial analysis and computer technology to ensure that I provide you with accurate financial advice in a timely and efficient manner. No matter your financial situation, I give all of my clients the attention they need and deserve.
My services include business tax, bookkeeping, business accounting, payroll, new business formation, and more.
To learn more about my services, please click here. To get in touch with me, please click here.
