Top Five Things To Look For When Hiring An Accountant

An expert accountant or Charted Professional Accountant (CPA) is an invaluable asset to your business. They specialize in analyzing your company’s finances, activities, and business surroundings to determine its performance. Accountants help companies to save money and utilize resources to obtain maximum benefit. Besides, having an accounting professional on your team equals to three specialists in one - an advisor, a legal expert, and a consultant.

No matter how big or small your business is, it pays to have a financial expert to guide you. While looking for an accountant, it is important to take your time to review a few prospects before choosing one. You need to think of the different areas of business you need help with and the kind of expertise that will suit your needs. To make sure you keep track of all the vital features of a professional accountant during your search, here’s a list of the top five things to look for in an accountant or accounting firm.

1. Expertise.

When picking a CPA or tax preparer, the first thing you should see is the expertise of the individual or firm preparing your tax return or performing accounting services for you. It would help if you asked about their expertise in the area of services you require. Their knowledge and skills are vital to ensure you get the service you need.

2. Qualifications.

The person or firm you will be doing business with must have the necessary qualifications to perform the services you require. If it's a CPA, check for details with the relevant State Board where they are licensed. You can also check for feedback from prior and current clients on their web page or other information available about them.

3. Current.

Check if the individual or firm has kept up with current laws and changes to the tax code. No CPA or tax preparer will know all there is for every situation. However, all CPAs and tax preparers should have vast working knowledge of the tax code. At the same time, they should be able to research to get you the right answers.

4. Fit.

It is odd to put this in, but I have learned that personalities are significant. You will have a long-term relationship with your accountant, and this makes personalities vital. You must feel comfortable, and at ease with the individual or firm, you hire.

5. Location.

Business location may not be as important with the constant use of cell phones, text messages, and emails for convenient communication. However, if the individual or firm do not have a business location so you can drop by, how do you know they are an actual organization? Where do you meet with them to discuss your requirements in detail?

If you’re looking for a certified public accountant in Bellaire, TX, reach out to Terry Barker, CPA. Accounting solutions should fit the unique needs of individuals and corporates. I ensure my services cater to your specific goals. With over twenty-nine years of experience in tax preparation, business consulting, and accounting, I have learned to work quickly and deliver flawless results to a variety of clients.

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