How to find the right accountant for your small business

Running your business means you have many plates spinning in the air as you try to manage the many different things needed to keep your business moving in the right direction.

Getting the right support is crucial and choosing the right accountant – someone who really understands your business needs and gives you the peace of mind that the financial side your company is in safe their hands – is an important step.

In this article, we look at how to find the right accountant, covering references, fees and getting added value. Then once you’ve chosen an accountant, we look at keeping in touch with your trusted adviser and keeping your records up to date.

Checklist: Things to consider to choose the right accountant

Get references and check accreditation

It’s always wise to do a background check and check the accreditation of your potential accountant, which you can usually do online. You could ask the prospective accountant to provide three client references.

It would also be useful to get a recommendation from someone who also works in your industry so you can be sure the accountant has a real understanding of what you are about.

Create a shortlist of candidates

Have a quick introductory chat with a few different accountants, get quotes and make a shortlist. It’s also important to establish how they prefer to communicate with their clients and if this fits with your communication needs.

Traditionally, many accountants only used to meet their clients once a year. But these days, younger and more forward-thinking accountants are embracing the online world and using platforms such as Skype and FaceTime to keep their clients updated on a more regular basis.

Check accountant fees

Often companies are charged by their turnover level, but really, you should only by paying for the amount of completed hours. Check how the accountant works out their charges or fees, as this can potentially save you thousands of pounds.

Always ask for a quote based on workload rather than what your company is making.

Could you be getting added value?

There are many accountants out there who go over and above for their clients. Some are happy to recommend discounted software; others like to hold regular networking events and business workshops.

Some will even give you regular reviews of your finances free of charge, and make recommendations to ensure you get the best profitability. Try and pick one that has a real understanding of customer loyalty and retention.

Checklist: Tips once you’ve chosen your accountant

Stay in contact with your accountant

This is something you also need to keep up on your end; otherwise your accountant won’t be able to provide you with the best advice. Keep in touch regularly.

Companies often go into liquidation simply because they haven’t kept their accountant in the loop, and it has been too late to salvage things after the accountant has stepped in.

By telling them what you want will ensure that they can adapt and evolve to newer ways of working to help you grow your business.

Keep your records up to date

You are legally obliged to keep all your tax up to date, so keep a file of all your bank statements and relevant financial documents for six years. Your accountant isn’t your mother and they certainly shouldn’t be your scapegoat if something goes wrong.

Measure the performance of your accountant

Take the time out to look at how the relationship is going with your accountant. As well as added value, are the services they are offering helping you achieve your business goals? Measure the performance of your accountant and

We’ve highlighted the need for you to stay in contact with your accountant but it goes both ways. Are they checking in with you regularly and making sure you have what you need? If they aren’t, and the service from them isn’t working for you, it might be worth finding another accountant,  someone who fits your requirements.

Hopefully, though, you have find the right accountant to help you and your business.