Attention all entrepreneurs! Are the bills past due? Do you know if youre in the red or the black? Are there receipts scattered around your desk? If this sounds like you, then you should seriously consider finding a good Cincinnati CPA . But, how do you go about finding a reputable CPA? Even in a place like Cincinnati, for example, just consult the yellow pages and under the heading of Cincinnati accountants you'll likely find a myriad of accountants with no way of knowing where to start. So, here's a step-by-step guide to finding and selecting a good accountant.
Here's How:
1. Make a list of referrals: Find several accountants by contacting your financial planner, banker, insurance agent, and industry association. Ask other business owners about their accountants. Find out who they use and how satisfied they are with the services their accountant provides. If you don't get any worthy referrals in this manner, use the phone book and choose several accounting firms. During the initial call, ask for an accountant who specializes in small businesses. An accountant that usually handles big businesses will not give you the individualized attention and help you require. Use this information to edit your list of prospective accountants.
2. Prepare your questions: Call the accountants on your list and ask to discuss their services. Find out the firm's size, their experience in your industry and educational background. Ask them to send information on their billing policies and fees. Make sure your accountant is fully qualified"for example as a certified or chartered accountant. Keep in mind that an accountant should be more than a simple tax preparer. You need their advice and guidance in steering your business now and in the upcoming year. After making your initial calls choose two or three accountants to interview in person.
3. Personal interviews: When you first meet a prospective accountant, you will know soon enough if you are compatible business partners. It is important to develop a close relationship and know that your finances are being handled by someone you can rely on. There's nothing like a face-to-face meeting for determining how well you might work with another person. In addition to evaluating the accountant's knowledge, see how comfortable you are with them and how well the two of you communicate with each other. Find out if they will work directly on your account or if it is handled by an employee. Discuss any other additional services the accountant provides. Get a list of existing clients before you hire them. Any respectable accounting firm should be happy to arrange this. You should contact at least three accountants in person and find out which one best meets your requirements.
4. Final selection: Base your decision on the best answers to your questions and the fact that they offer additional services to provide as your business grows or meet upcoming challenges. Determine if they are approachable yet professional. For small businesses, the most successful accounting firms are also likely to be smaller in size. They will understand what it takes to manage a small operation and will have the resources and time necessary to run your finances properly. Make sure your accountant will keep in touch with your business"not just at year end.
Of all the advisers you are likely to encounter when operating your business, a good accountant is perhaps the most indispensable one to have. After all, an accountant isn't just a tax preparer"they can help you make vital plans for the future of your business. Having your accounts in order and being timely with payments will enable you to focus on building the business.
Here's How:
1. Make a list of referrals: Find several accountants by contacting your financial planner, banker, insurance agent, and industry association. Ask other business owners about their accountants. Find out who they use and how satisfied they are with the services their accountant provides. If you don't get any worthy referrals in this manner, use the phone book and choose several accounting firms. During the initial call, ask for an accountant who specializes in small businesses. An accountant that usually handles big businesses will not give you the individualized attention and help you require. Use this information to edit your list of prospective accountants.
2. Prepare your questions: Call the accountants on your list and ask to discuss their services. Find out the firm's size, their experience in your industry and educational background. Ask them to send information on their billing policies and fees. Make sure your accountant is fully qualified"for example as a certified or chartered accountant. Keep in mind that an accountant should be more than a simple tax preparer. You need their advice and guidance in steering your business now and in the upcoming year. After making your initial calls choose two or three accountants to interview in person.
3. Personal interviews: When you first meet a prospective accountant, you will know soon enough if you are compatible business partners. It is important to develop a close relationship and know that your finances are being handled by someone you can rely on. There's nothing like a face-to-face meeting for determining how well you might work with another person. In addition to evaluating the accountant's knowledge, see how comfortable you are with them and how well the two of you communicate with each other. Find out if they will work directly on your account or if it is handled by an employee. Discuss any other additional services the accountant provides. Get a list of existing clients before you hire them. Any respectable accounting firm should be happy to arrange this. You should contact at least three accountants in person and find out which one best meets your requirements.
4. Final selection: Base your decision on the best answers to your questions and the fact that they offer additional services to provide as your business grows or meet upcoming challenges. Determine if they are approachable yet professional. For small businesses, the most successful accounting firms are also likely to be smaller in size. They will understand what it takes to manage a small operation and will have the resources and time necessary to run your finances properly. Make sure your accountant will keep in touch with your business"not just at year end.
Of all the advisers you are likely to encounter when operating your business, a good accountant is perhaps the most indispensable one to have. After all, an accountant isn't just a tax preparer"they can help you make vital plans for the future of your business. Having your accounts in order and being timely with payments will enable you to focus on building the business.
About the Author:
Chuck R. Stewart and his wife sought the advice of Cincinnati accountants with their taxes this year. The Cincinnati CPA was a great help.
