Picking the Best Accountant for You and Your Business

how to hire an accountant

If you want a single accounting professional for your business, a firm may not be the best route. But for those needing accounting services and without a preference for an individual, an accounting firm is worth considering. You’ll also want to include more personal or team-based questions that can help you determine if the person is a good fit with your company culture. Interview your accountant with specific skill-related questions, but also get to know them like you would anyone else.

  • Before advertising the role or inviting candidates to interviews, you need to choose the correct type of accountant and whether you even need an accountant at all.
  • When used at the right time during the recruitment process, skills tests provide high-quality, objective data.
  • While it’s not a necessity for most roles, knowledge of Blockchain can set candidates apart and help your organization keep pace with emerging accounting practices.
  • It’s a good idea to meet or at least speak with your accountant every month.
  • Our editorial team independently evaluates and recommends products and services based on their research and expertise.
  • Professional CPAs can better guide your company through IRS correspondence and penalty abatement.

Keywords to Look for in Accountant Resumes

Unbiased data simplifies shortlisting processes, ultimately resulting in better hires. The steps below explain how to hire an accountant in a way Law Firm Accounts Receivable Management that should fit into any business strategy. Accountants also take a macro perspective when analyzing financial statements.

  • Hiring a full-time accountant could be cost-prohibitive to many small business owners.
  • The best support for your real estate business depends on the services you need.
  • Once you have come up with some good candidates, it is important to determine how much of the work your company will do and how much will be done by the accountant.
  • Most accountants can handle basic tasks like financial statements and bookkeeping.
  • As a small business grows, hiring an accountant becomes necessary when its financial responsibilities become more complex.
  • The cost of hiring an accountant can vary widely depending on the services you need, the complexity of your financial situation, and the accountant’s experience level.
  • An accountant will be entrusted with confidential financial details of your business, and to avoid accountant fraud, you must find a trustworthy candidate.

Service

how to hire an accountant

Before you begin your search for accountants, consider what your business’s priorities are. The accountant you hire should ideally be able to handle all your finances to an acceptable standard. But, generally, they specialize in particular areas — choose an accountant who’s skillset lines up with your highest priorities. Picking the right accountant is important for your business’s financial future.

When do I need a small business accountant?

how to hire an accountant

If you’re in a good spot with your finances and mostly need help preparing for tax season, a part-time accountant who specializes in taxes is a good choice. When hiring an accountant, look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, relevant certifications like CPA or CMA, and experience in your industry. Also, consider skills in accounting software, data analysis, and financial reporting. After candidates pass the initial skills tests, it’s ledger account time for technical interviews to assess their hard skills in depth. While skills tests are great for initial screening, technical interviews are key to finding the best-fit candidates for your accounting role.

how to hire an accountant

Advantages of Hiring a Real Estate CPA

Then, use the rest of the meeting to go through what’s important to you and what you want to know about them. However, rather than simply looking for the cheapest option, consider the overall value each accountant provides. But, if they provide 24/7 service or are exceptionally well-versed in tax strategy, for example, that expense could be well worth it. When you’re considering hiring an accountant, follow these steps to increase your chances of finding the perfect fit for your business. We have financial relationships with some companies we cover, earning commissions when readers purchase from our partners or share information about their needs.

After all, you’re trusting them how to hire an accountant with your money and, ultimately, your business’s success. If running a business has you short on time, an accountant can help ease the stress of tax season. Allow them to prepare your financial documents while you focus on more pressing responsibilities. Accountants can go beyond taxes and assist with bookkeeping for your business as often as you need. Once you’ve identified your top candidate, extend an offer and begin the onboarding process. Make sure your job description has all the key information for attracting the right candidate.

  • Write down details of all the checks in your check register, whether they are for utilities, supplies and so on.
  • Therefore, choosing the right accountant for your firm requires asking the right questions during the interview process.
  • This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to hire an accountant who suits your needs.
  • An accountant plays a key role in managing an organization’s financial health.
  • The accountant will most likely know best practices, but if there’s a certain report you’re after, this is the perfect time to put it on their radar.
  • But also mention the company culture, inclusion initiatives, and employee benefits.

Professional CPAs can better guide your company through IRS correspondence and penalty abatement. Real estate accountants can help investors lower capital gains taxes on property sales. Additionally, accounting professionals can determine taxpayer-friendly locations for property purchases. You can lower your tax bill by maximizing business tax deductions from your real estate business.