Did you know that one in five small businesses doesn’t make it past their first year? And a big part of the reason is that they didn’t have the best accountant on their side.
Choosing the best accountant for your business can be overwhelming, but it’s not as hard as you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to keeping your finances in check.
Determine What Type of Business You Have
Are you a sole proprietor? A partnership? A corporation?
Different types of businesses have different financial needs. A sole proprietor, for example, will need someone well-versed in tax law to help them file their personal and business taxes. On the other hand, a corporation will need someone with experience in financial reporting and compliance.
Knowing what type of business you have will help you narrow down your search for the best accountant.
Know Your Budget
How much can you afford to spend on accounting services?
The best accountant for your business is the one that fits within your budget. But don’t let price be the only deciding factor. Just because an accountant is expensive doesn’t mean they’re the best, and vice versa.
Take some time to compare prices and services before making your decision.
Consider Their Qualifications
What kind of experience does the accountant have? Are they a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)? Do they have experience working with businesses like yours?
It’s important to choose an accountant with the experience and qualifications to meet your needs. For example, if you’re a small business owner, you’ll want someone with experience working with businesses of your size.
Ask for Referrals
One of the best ways to find a great accountant is to ask other small business owners in your area for referrals. They can give you first-hand insight into what it’s like to work with different accounting firms.
You can also check online review sites, such as Google or Yelp, to see what others are saying about local accounting firms.
If you’re in Corona, CA, check out this accountant.
Set Up a Consultation
Once you’ve narrowed your options, it’s time to set up consultations with each accounting firm on your list. A consultation meeting is your chance to ask questions, get to know the staff, and see if they’re a good fit for your business.
Some questions you may want to ask during your consultation include:
- What services do you offer?
- What are your rates?
- How often do you communicate with clients?
After your consultation, you should have a good idea of which accountant is the best fit for your business.
Make Your Decision
It’s finally time to choose the best local accountant for your business. Once you’ve chosen, sign a contract that outlines the scope of work and expected deliverables.
A contract will help protect you and your business if something goes wrong.
Choosing the Best Accountant Simplified
Choosing the best accountant is an important decision for any small business owner. But by following these simple steps, you can be confident that you’re making the right choice for your business.
If you’re looking for more tips on choosing the best CPA for your business, check out the other articles posted on our website.