4th January 2022
Finding an accountant can be a daunting task. You know that you’ll have to speak to them frequently, so developing a good working relationship is essential. But how do you know they are the right fit for you? We listed a few points that we think you should add to your checklist before committing.
1. First impressions
Call them. Yes, it might seem obvious, but nowadays, you can sign up without talking to anyone. At MyAccountant, we never take on a new customer without having a good conversation first to provide a tailored service.
Are they helpful, professional, friendly and approachable? Are they happy to answer all your questions, or do they just want to get you signed up? Rushing you might be a sign that they are only after your money.
Also, it is vital that you understand what they are saying, as in they take the time to explain everything to you in plain English.
2. Qualifications
Did you know that anyone can start an accounting business with minimal training? There are a lot of cheap “accountants” out there, but be careful, your business is your responsibility, so if they make a mistake, it will be down to you to sort it.
Don’t be afraid to ask about their qualifications and do your own research; look them up with the professional body they are a member of.
At MyAccountant your accounts manager will always be an ACCA-qualified accountant.
3. Expertise
When you are doing your research, make sure that they can do what your business needs. Make sure that they have experience working with businesses in your field and that they are compliant, preferably accredited by an independent body.
4. It’s more than just numbers
The role of an accountant is much more than just crunching numbers; they are advisors that help you run a business. They should be proactive with their advice and approachable when you have a question.
Because every business is different, so does the advice it requires, and that’s why the relationship with your accountant is so important. It’s best that your accountant has in-depth knowledge of your business. Unfortunately, with some other accounting firms, this direct connection is lost, and clients get through to a “client representative” rather than their own accountant.
We think this is particularly important, which is why at MyAccountant, we make sure that you get assigned your own qualified accountant you can contact directly.
5. Portals
Some of our competitors communicate with their customers in a very personalised way, through a portal. At MyAccountant, we have never operated a portal.
You may use the phone, email, letter, video call and fax to communicate with us, and we will only use the phone, email, letter, video call and fax to communicate with you.
We are always very happy for you to come and visit us at our offices at any time, and we are also always very happy to come and see you at your business or home.
We hope you find these tips useful for finding the ideal accountant for your business. For more helpful guides, tips, and articles, visit the blog section of our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.