Finding the right accountant can be a game-changer for your business. A good accountant can help save you money, avoid costly mistakes, and make sure you’re taking full advantage of all the tax deductions available to you. But with so many accountants to choose from, it can be a little daunting to know where to start your search.
Spending time to research different accountants is the best idea to ensure that you find someone who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and a good fit for your needs. In this article, we’ll explore:
- How to find an accountant.
- Why finding a good accountant is important.
- How doing your research can help you find the right one.
Are we the right accountant for you? Book a free consultation with one of our team today.
Why do I need an accountant for my business?
An accountant is an essential part of running a successful business, ensuring that you keep track of your finances, that your books are in order and that you’re meeting all your financial obligations. Without an accountant, you run the risk of receiving hefty fines and penalties from the government if you fail to file your tax returns or pay the correct amount of taxes.
The penalties for not staying on top of your finances can be severe and can even cause your business to fail. Additionally:
- Accountants can help ensure that your financial records are accurate and up-to-date, which can be crucial for making informed business decisions.
- Tax laws can be complex and ever-changing, but an accountant can help ensure that your business remains in compliance and takes advantage of all available deductions and credits.
- Accountants allow you more time to focus on your business. By outsourcing your financial management to an accountant, you can free up time to focus on other aspects of your business that may be more directly related to your core competencies and passions.
What are the signs of a good accountant?
So, you’re wondering about how to choose an accountant, but are unsure of what a good accountant looks like. A good accountant must have a strong understanding of accounting principles, as well as a keen eye for detail, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex financial information to others.
Good communication
A good accountant will be able to communicate complex financial concepts in a way that is easy for non-experts to understand.
“I always get prompt answers to my queries from the team and Emma, and most importantly, in words that I can understand, having no accountancy knowledge myself.”
Trustpilot review
Attention to detail
A good accountant pays close attention to detail and ensures that everything is accurate and error-free.
Ethical
A good accountant is ethical and follows all relevant laws, regulations, and accounting standards.
Qualified and accredited
Qualifications and accreditations are also a useful thing to consider when searching for an accountant. Here at CloudAccountant.co.uk, we’re an FCSA-accredited member, an APSCo Trusted Partner, and are ISO 9001 and 27001 certified in information security.
How to find a good accountant
Decide what you need from your potential accountant
Before you begin to research for an accountant, it is essential to establish what their needs and requirements are. All accountants have a unique skill set and expertise. As such, it is vital to find an accountant who can provide the specific services required by your business.
Research potential accountants
Researching potential accountants is a crucial first step in ensuring that you find a professional that meets your business or personal financial needs. There are several ways you can go about this.
How to research potential accountants
Check testimonials and references
Customer reviews are a good and unbiased way of reviewing the suitability of a potential accountancy partner. It’s very rare that a company will be rated highly 100% of the time, (you can never please everyone) but it’s still a good thing to check. Here at CloudAccountant.co.uk, we’re rated excellent on Trustpilot, and 4.6 / 5 on Google reviews.
Check professional organisations
There are six chartered accountancy bodies that cover the UK and Ireland. Our accountants hold qualifications from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and we are FCSA Limited Company Accredited Member (you can find our listing here under our parent company Umbrella.co.uk)
Check a company’s website
A company’s website should house important information you’ll need to help you make the decision, such as prices, packages, and their ethos.
Questions to ask an accountant before signing
- How much do you charge? What services are included in the cost?
- How will we keep in touch?
- How often will we have meetings?
- How will you help my business?
- What accounting software do you use?
- What’s your cancellation policy?
- What experience do you have?
- What records will my business need to keep?
Switching accountants
If you already have an accountant, they may not necessarily be the right fit for your business. People tend to stick with their existing accountant even if they aren’t particularly happy with the level of service, or if they feel they could get better value elsewhere.
Just like your energy suppliers or your car insurance, your relationship with your accountants should be reviewed regularly to ensure you’re getting the best value for money.
And with our changeover team managing the process from start to finish, you can be sure that there’s nothing to worry about. Find out more about how we can help you switch accountants.
Get in touch
Still unsure how you can find the right accountant for your business? If you’d like to know if we’re the right fit for your business, you can book in a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our team today. Simply fill in the form below and someone will be in touch.