Every business, large and small, needs the services of an accountant. Not only do businesses need these services, but also the self-employed and even employees need accounting services from time to time – filling out capital declarations, coordinating taxes or for employees renting an apartment, for example. A good accountant is essential for success and serves the business owner in representation before the tax authorities, account management, and financial management, local and international tax advice, and more. Choosing a good accountant is essential to the success of the business, but how should one approach the choice of an accountant? First of all, you should be aware that in today’s world there is such a thing as a virtual accountant.
There are several key areas, however, to consider when choosing a suitable accountant for a business:
- Relevance – To what extent do the accountant’s knowledge and experience match the needs of the business?
- Size – Should you choose a small or large accounting firm?
- Price and contract of engagement – what should you watch out for in the contract of engagement and pricing?
- Testimonials – As with anything in life, testimonials from friends, colleagues, and acquaintances are worth their weight in gold. You should also ask for customer testimonials, and cross-reference information, in addition, you should also check for interaction and personal impression.
- The relevance of the knowledge and experience of the accountant.
Every business, company, self-employed person, or employee who needs the services of an accountant has certain needs that are not necessarily similar to the needs of other clients. There is a business that operates mainly at the international level, for example. This type of business will need an accountant who has experience and knowledge in the fields of international tax advice and sometimes also international financial-legal advice. Other businesses operate in a particular content area for which there are financial implications. Some business owners need tax advice in addition to financial management, while others need legal advice.
Accountants differ from each other in the knowledge they have acquired as part of accounting studies. In most cases, the studies are conducted in the tracks close to accounting: business management, economics, economics and law, and the like. After three years of an undergraduate degree, accountants are required to pass certification exams and most choose to pursue a fourth year of study, which focuses on studies leading up to these exams. Large companies often turn to large accounting firms, but small businesses, self-employed, and employees often find themselves debating whether to turn to a large or small firm. Each of the choices has its advantages and disadvantages. When signing the contract, you should make sure what the level of automation of the firm is. Nowadays an accounting firm with an effective website can save the business owner a lot of money and ongoing monitoring of the accounts. Make sure what services you will receive from the accountant. Is it just about managing the accounts or also issuing financial reports that examine the state of the business and tax planning once a period. It is advisable to choose an accountant who performs these tests at least once every six months, and preferably more to ensure your books are always up to date.