How to Find the Top Accountants for Your Business
Finding the right accountant is often one of the most overlooked aspects of business/ organization. Keep in mind that the wrong accountant can mean losses, debts and even closure. Therefore, when hiring an accountant, you need to take it as seriously as you would when choosing a business partner.
Here are key things you can do to help you find a top accountant.
Use Your Social Networks
As a business owner, it might be scary to entrust your finances to a stranger. Sometimes the ideal candidate might be in your social circle.
Start by asking your friends and family who have accountants if they have a specific accountant they would recommend for your business. You, however, need to remember that no two businesses are exactly alike; what could be suitable for your friend may not work for your business. So, you will still have to interview the accountant to determine whether they are the right fit.
Read Online Reviews
You can find online reviews of your potential candidates on Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Yelp Angie’s list and on their social media. Just Google the accountant’s name and see what comes up; ensure you scroll through the first few pages to get even the buried information.
In most cases, you can find news articles about them, their publications and any scandals they have been involved in. However, it’s wise to take single negative reviews with some grain of truth. Most disgruntled clients often post negative reviews on public platforms. But if you uncover a pattern of client complaints, arrest records or unprofessional posts on their social media profiles, consider moving on to the next candidate.
Hire Certified and Chartered Accountants
Most countries have a body that registers and certifies all the qualified accountants in the country. Although you can still work with qualified accountants who are not certified or chartered, if you are being audited or want to take a loan to grow your business, working with a certified accountant is best. They most likely have dealt with similar cases and have the experience you need. You can also be sure beyond any doubt that they are qualified for the job.
Check With Your Business Associates
If you are hiring an accountant for your business or company for the first time, you may not know what to look for. In this case, it’s wise to take advantage of your business connections and ask for leads on any qualified accountants who have experience in the same field. Do this a few times, and you are guaranteed to find a top accountant.
Most businesses are often willing to share their accountant for a short period before you can hire one and may even recommend an accountant they have worked with. This makes selection much easier since it cuts down the list of people you have to interview.
Make Use of Online Platforms
Some Online platforms like LinkedIn are business-oriented and can help you find a qualified accountant. You can use it to look up accountants recommended to you by others, look up accountants in the same location who are open for work and interact with them.
LinkedIn is popular because it lists all the organizations the person has worked with, and enables you to reach out to their previous employer or colleagues to inquire about their work. It’s also the best place to start when you have no leads.
Outsourcing Accounting Services
More and more businesses want to avoid going through the process of hiring an accountant or an accounting team and are outsourcing from an accounting firm. It’s easier, and you can be sure you are dealing with qualified accountants. If you are looking to outsource for a top accountant for your business or company, consider turning to CFO Hub for long-term accounting support. To discover more about CFO Hub’s outsourced accounting services, contact us today.