Hiring an accountant or CPA for your small business can save you money, keep you compliant, and relieve the stress of doing taxes on your own. However, ensuring you hire the ideal accountant for your needs is imperative. These questions to ask an accountant can help you choose the best fit for your business. Consider Accounting & Tax Advisors CPAs for your small business accounting in Lombard, IL, and rest easy knowing you’ve chosen the best team for your business.
1. How Long Have You Been a CPA?
This essential question confirms that the accountant can prove their certification and has undergone the training needed to provide exceptional services. Do not leave your financial statements with a non-certified person, or you risk endangering your business.
Experience benefits your company with peace of mind and proper procedure, so find out how long they’ve been a CPA before hiring.
2. What Security Procedures Do You Have in Place?
Your financial records have important, private information, such as social security numbers and addresses. Protect your employees and yourself by ensuring the accounting firms you choose have robust security measures.
As a business owner, you are responsible for protecting your employee’s information. Don’t risk it with public accountants that lack essential safety precautions.
3. What Experience Do You Have with My Industry?
This is one of the more pertinent questions to ask an accountant. Each industry has unique financial requirements, employee expenses, and tax benefits. Whomever you trust to complete your business taxes must be comfortable with your industry.
Not all accounting firms are the same — make sure the one you choose is highly familiar with your needs.
4. How Do You Communicate with Your Clients?
An accountant is a valuable asset to your business and can provide insight into better financial practices. However, you lose out on these benefits if you can’t speak to your
accountant when you need to. Ensure whomever you choose will answer your calls and respond to your emails.
Ideally, you should be able to check in with your CPA on a monthly basis. Your CPA should keep you informed on your business’s financial health and must be accessible. If you believe the accountant is overly busy, doesn’t respond quickly, or has an incompatible schedule, you’ll be better off finding someone else.
5. What Services Do You Provide?
Find an accountant that can help you with everything you need. If you undergo audits, you’ll want the same person doing your day-to-day work representing you.
Find the person capable of performing all your required tasks, from payroll to taxes.
Conclusion
The right accounting professional can significantly improve your business practices and help you thrive. Interview several firms and keep an open dialogue. Find the person you can work with comfortably and who makes your business better.
Call our team at Accounting & Tax Advisors CPAs at (630) 932-9600 to learn more about what questions to ask an accountan