7 questions to ask when hiring an accountant
When it comes to hiring an accountant, it’s important to first understand what you need from them.
Do you need someone who can help you with tax preparation?
Do you need help managing your business finances?
Or do you just need someone to help you keep track of your personal expenses?
Once you know what type of assistance you need, then you can start searching for an accountant who specialises in that area. In this blog, we look at some of the key questions to ask when hiring an accountant for your small business.
1. Who will handle my accounts?
When it comes to taking care of your finances, you want to be sure that you’re putting your trust in the right person. That’s why it’s important to ask any potential accountant to whom they plan on delegating responsibility for your accounts.
Accounting firms should be able to confidently answer who will manage all aspects of your finances. If they can't, you shouldn't let them handle your personal and business finances.
2. What do you think about my current accounting software?
It is one of the most important questions to ask when hiring an accountant. When it comes to your company’s accounting system, it’s important to consult with an expert in order to ensure that everything is running smoothly and accurately and ensure your new partner will be a good fit.
An accountant can help assess your current system and make suggestions for improvements, ensuring that your business is operating as efficiently as possible.
3. How will you help me during the tax season?
Some accountants offer basic tax services such as preparing and filing your taxes, while others offer more comprehensive services such as helping you understand complex tax laws, advising you on what deductions you qualify for, and representing you in front of the HMRC if you get audited. So it’s important to know what services an accountant offers before hiring them.
4. What are your service charges and do you offer tailored services?
Many accountants charge on an hourly basis, some have a fixed price and others still rely on a value billing system. So, it’s important to remember that every accountant is different. They may charge different rates depending on the services they offer, their experience, or the size of your business. It’s always best to consult with them directly to get a sense of what they would charge for the specific services you need.
5. Have you worked with a business like mine?
There are a few reasons you might want to ask an accountant about their experience working with a firm like yours. For one, you may be looking for reassurance that the accountant is qualified and experienced in working with businesses of a similar size and complexity to your own. Additionally, hearing about someone’s first hand experience will give you valuable insight about your sector that can help you make better decisions.
6. Do you provide training to get the best out of my software?
There are a variety of accounting programs and systems on the market, and it can be difficult to determine which one is the best fit for your business. That’s why it’s important to ask an accountant for their recommendation. Zyla Accountants have experience with a variety of programs and systems, and we can help you choose the one that will work best for your business and workflow.
An accountant can also help you set up and use the program or system correctly so that you get the most benefit from it. They can also provide ongoing support and training so that you always know how to use the program effectively. Choosing the right accounting program or system can make a big difference in the efficiency and profitability of your business
7. How will you contribute my business growth?
This question will truly cement whether or not you have the right accountant and bookkeeper for your organisation.
It’s not difficult to get a bookkeeper that can offer you the absolute minimum. Yet, that may be not what you require.
An accountant can help your business grow by providing financial advice, monitoring your budget, and helping you make smart financial decisions. They can also help you plan for future growth and manage your tax burden. Ultimately, an accountant can play a key role in helping your business thrive.
How can Zyla Accountants help?
Our accountants don’t simply ensure that you’re compliant. They’ll work with you to smooth out your business cycles, ensure you’re continuously utilising the best tools & technologies accessible for your business, minimise your tax commitments and find grants and funding for your business when required.
Find out more about the Zyla Accountants story here.
Book a call with us and see how we can help you!
Phone number: 0203 468 2241
Email us at hello@zyla.accountants