Top Questions to Ask When Choosing a
Business Accountant
Many small business owners attempt to tackle their business finances alone through free resources online. This can be a costly mistake and lead to many errors and missed opportunities to improve the business finances. There are important questions to ask when considering to hire and work with a business accountant. Below are some questions a business owner should ask when considering working with a business accountant.
1. What’s the best way to contact you and how often should we be in touch?
-It is important to be clear on how you can contact your business accountant and clearly define a schedule as to when that communication will take place. It is your business and you don’t want to work with someone that you can never get a hold of or never hear from.
2. How can you help me grow my business?
-Your business accountant should be able to tell you where the business is doing well and what areas are struggling. They also should be able to provide you with ideas to improve upon in the areas that are struggling. This requires ample communication from both sides.
3. How can you help me understand/manage my cash flow?
-Your business accountant should be able to help you understand the state of the business cash flows and present ideas for improving cash flows.
4. Can you help me review/negotiate contracts?
-A business accountant is more than likely not certified to practice law; this subject is probably better left to attorneys.
5. What experience do you have in your expertise?
-Understanding the amount of experience the business accountant has is critical in understanding the knowledge they bring to your small business.
6. What are the services and prices?
-Get clear on what services your business accountant provides and what the fees are. Do not make the mistake of assuming your business accountant provides services that you haven’t received clear confirmation that those services are provided.
7. How is your business performing?
-Your business accountant should be able to not only produce reports but also analyze the data to provide you with an analysis of how your small business is performing. This type of information will assist you greatly with meeting business goals, setting up budgets and planning for business growth.
