How to Choose an Accountant?
If you own a micro-enterprise, or a small, medium, or large company, you already know that one of your obligations is to have an accounting professional in charge of your company’s assets and finances. If you’re looking for a Houston accountant, you can reach out to Riley and Company. Choosing an accountant isn’t that complicated. There are multiple factors to consider, which we’ll look at in detail.
What to look for when choosing an accountant?
The act of hiring an accountant, in general, follows the belief that any professional, or the cheapest one, is enough to meet a mere tax obligation. This idea is already in the popular sayings of small entrepreneurs who seek to reduce all types of costs involved in running a business. To find the right accountant, you should consider the following:
Certification
A basic action to take is to make sure that the accountant in question has a valid certificate from the relevant accounting bodies in your area. This way, you will know you are dealing with a professional. The accountant can also be held liable by the relevant authorities in case of any indiscipline cases.
Professional expertise and experience
As in any other profession, inquire about the accountant’s specialty and professional experience. Some professionals or offices may be specialized in certain segments, profiles, or company sizes. Ask, therefore, about companies already served by the professional and prioritize starting the partnership with the one that has more adherence with your business. If you want to hire not only an accountant but a potential consultant for your business, they must know your market at least.
Support and services available
You can find accountants in the market who just want to issue their payrolls, among other accounting documents for tax payments and the like. If you want to escape this proposal, ask the accountant about the type of support they will provide during the contract and what services and contact channels will be available.
By asking this type of question, you will be able to find those who, in addition to complying with the obvious obligations of their profession, will also contribute with analysis, insights, and studies regarding your business.
Technology and data security
Accompanying all the digital evolution in the world, the fiscal and accounting management of a business can now — and should — be done 100% electronically and with technical support.
This way, the accountant must have a repertoire to present you with solutions that facilitate the management of electronic invoices, as well as any other accounting documentation, also ensuring the security of your company’s data.
It may seem obvious to say, but if the professional or firm you are negotiating with does not present these criteria in their speech or does not show affinity with software dedicated to the financial management of a business, we recommend that you search for new options.
Keeping up to date in the accounting area and all the new tools available to run it is a basic prerequisite to offering you good support in every service.