In the realm of business, financial stability and growth rely heavily on the expertise of a skilled accountant. Finding the right professional to manage your finances is key. Here are 6 key questions to consider when hiring an accountant for your business: 

1. What Experience Do You Have in My Industry?  

Understanding industry-specific financial nuances is crucial. Inquire about their experience with businesses similar to yours. In the world of finance, one size does not fit all. Industries have their unique financial landscapes, regulations, and challenges. Therefore, when appointing an accountant for your business, it's pivotal to inquire about their industry-specific experience or as a minimum ensure they have experience transferrable to your industry.

2. Are You Familiar with Current Tax Laws and Regulations?  

Tax laws aren't stagnant, they evolve! From annual adjustments to major legislative reforms, the tax landscape undergoes constant shifts so what was applicable last year might not hold true today. An accountant who’s rooted in outdated tax practices might inadvertently cause financial setbacks for your business, where as an accountant who’s well-versed in current tax laws and regulations can offer significant advantages.  

3. What Services Do You Offer Beyond Tax Preparation?  

When engaging with a potential accountant, inquire about the array of services they offer. Ask for specific examples or case studies where their financial advice contributed to a client's growth or stability. 

Accountants get involved in various tasks e.g.:

• Bookkeeping
• Payments and debt collecting
• Payroll
• Management accounts
• Year end accounts and company tax returns
• Personal tax returns
• Budgets, forecast and cashflow planning
• Data analysis
• Tax advice
• Exit planning
• Outsource Finance Director

So its important to have someone who ticks the boxes of what you need.

4. How Do You Communicate and Collaborate with Clients?  

Communication is a crucial step to building a strong relationship between your business and the accountant. If you want to reap all the added benefits of having an accountant, you must choose one that wants to be contacted and is eager to build the relationship too. Assess their preferred communication channels and frequency of updates or meetings.

5.  What Accounting Software and Tools Are You Proficient In?  

Efficient accountants leverage modern tools that can automate your accounting function. Ensure they're adept at using relevant accounting software to streamline processes which can save you time and money. The key thing is that they know the software inside out so if you have issues they can jump on and solve your issues.

6. What Is Your Fee Structure?  

Understanding their pricing model upfront prevents surprises. Inquire about hourly rates, retainer fees or package options. At Gravitate Accounting, we are transparent with how we price our services. If you are interested in seeing how we price our services, click here. 

Choosing the right accountant can significantly impact your business's financial health and success. Take the time to ask these vital questions to ensure you're partnering with the best fit for your company’s needs. You’re likely to be working with your accountant for many years, so it’s well worth spending a little time and effort to make sure you hire the one that best matches your needs. 

At Gravitate Accounting we collaborate with our clients to provide hands on advice, support and training, we automate clients systems through the best cloud accounting to save them time and money and optimise the tax efficiency of our clients businesses, them personally and their families. We are experts in Xero accounting software and many more and we offer flexible services ensuring the right work is being completed at the right level by our amazing team.

For further assistance or to explore how our accounting services align with your business goals, feel free to contact us today.