As a small business owner, hiring an accountant to manage your financial records could be essential. Selecting the ideal professional is crucial and could save money in the long run.
Many smaller businesses opt to hire an accounting firm or independent accountant; here are a few places you can look.
Local Referrals
An accountant is an invaluable asset for any small business owner and should be considered one of their top priorities when building their team. Finding an experienced and dependable one should be at the top of any new small business owner’s priority list.
One of the easiest and most efficient ways for accounting professionals to locate leads is through referrals from existing clients. Asking “do you know anyone who might benefit from our services” could yield some of your firm’s highest-quality leads.
When asking clients for referrals, be as specific as possible about who you’re seeking – this will not only prompt their memory but will ensure the person or business will fit seamlessly with your company. Consider offering incentives such as discounts or rewards points as rewards for helping.
Sources of referrals that should be explored include local business organizations like chambers of commerce and industry trade associations. Networking events hosted by these groups provide an ideal setting to meet potential candidates. Another avenue would be partnering with a recruiting agency which offers accountants from their talent database; these agencies are adept at matching candidates that suit your company needs.
Searching for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in your locality is also an option, or ask other business owners in the area for referrals from banks that specialize in accountancy services for small businesses.
As part of your search for an accountant, be sure to set clear expectations about pricing and deadlines. Doing this will not only save time interviewing unsuitable candidates but will also make your relationship with them more productive and efficient. Furthermore, open communication about pricing can build trust. A CRM specifically tailored for accountants can help keep clients organized as well as automate follow-up communication saving you valuable time and energy.
Online Search
Your business requires an accountant who understands the nuances of its industry. For instance, if you sell specialty products, your accountant should be knowledgeable of sales tax laws and available deductions applicable to you and also possess an in-depth knowledge of accounting software you use – this will allow them to create reports which meet government compliance standards while giving an accurate depiction of your company’s profitability.
At your initial meetings with accountants, ask about their experience working with small businesses to gain an idea of how they might help yours. Inquire also about their rates and preferred work styles: some charge per hour while others have set fees for specific services; negotiating these may save money too!
Another place to find accountants for your business is online. Many accountants maintain websites which display their services and client references, and you can learn about professional qualifications and certifications on them as well. Furthermore, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) maintains an online directory which verifies credentials of accountants.
Consider what services you need from an accountant before selecting your search criteria. For instance, you may require a full-service accounting firm that offers bookkeeping, audits and tax returns as well as financial management advice – some firms operate alone while others may belong to larger CPA firms.
If your budget is limited, consider hiring an accountant who specializes in small businesses to make sure you receive maximum value from your money spent. This way, they’ll offer advice that meets the highest industry standards while giving your investment the maximum return.
Spread the word about your new accounting business to gain clients. Reach out to acquaintances, friends and family, asking them to recommend you to their professional contacts. Similarly, place classified ads in local publications such as church newsletters, kids’ school newspapers or charity event listings. Speaking at seminars and other events can also help build trust with prospective customers – or create educational YouTube videos about relevant topics to make sure prospective customers can access your services easily. But if you want to take the easy and convenient way, click here for certified accountants.
CPA Society Directories
Are You Searching for an Accounting Professional to Keep the Books or File Taxes and Offer Financial Planning Services for Your Small Business? When hiring accounting professionals, find someone who understands the specific needs of your small business and works well with them. There are various professional organizations and directories that offer assistance when looking for qualified accountants: for instance, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers an interactive directory allowing search by location or specialty; CPA Society in Your State also maintains an accountant database.
Before hiring an accountant, inquire as to their specific skillset and how they can aid your business. A good accountant will help you navigate complex tax laws, manage payroll processing efficiently and devise a system for tracking expenses and sales that save time and money in the long run. Depending on your company’s requirements, an accountant may also recommend the type of legal structure your company should adopt – such as an LLC, corporation or sole proprietorship.
Your accountant should explain their hourly rate and billing process in detail. While most accountants charge hourly, some may accept retainers to save some costs. Some websites list rates and services so you can gain an idea of what awaits you before meeting with them in person.
Chamber of commerce or small business organizations can be an excellent source of information. These groups often partner with accounting firms in your area and can make recommendations based on the type of accounting you require. Furthermore, these organizations can connect you with entrepreneurs who have used accounting services before who can share their experiences with you.
Once you’ve narrowed your choices, interview candidates and select one who best meets your company’s accounting needs. Be sure to explain which services are required – for instance cash accounting systems or accrual methods of recording income and expenses. Also obtain a quote of their services so you can compare costs with similar businesses within your industry.
Online Job Boards
Although some small business owners may hesitate to hire an accountant due to costs, there is no excuse for postponing getting one. Filing taxes and managing financial matters of your company takes up valuable time you could be using growing your business instead of filing taxes and managing finances alone. Furthermore, inexperienced accounting can cause costly errors that incur fines and penalties.
Online job boards offer one of the easiest and fastest ways to locate an accountant. These sites specialize in recruiting for positions that match your requirements while providing career advice and tips that can assist with making the most out of your search for one. Furthermore, these websites may connect you with potential candidates with appropriate skills and experience.
Global studies have demonstrated that internet job boards are the go-to option for job hunters when looking for employment. But not all jobseekers visit each board equally – knowing which one best serves your target candidates can make all the difference when posting your ad.
General job boards are the go-to online recruitment platforms and can provide you with access to a vast pool of candidates. Unfortunately, though, these sites also attract an abundance of unqualified job seekers hoping for any work just to stay alive in an ever-competitive job market. Niche job boards tend to cater more directly towards specific industries than general boards do – making it easier for recruiters to identify top performers more easily.
If you need an accountant with industry experience, Accounting Crossing, which caters to professionals in the US, offers free basic listing plans as well as bundles that allow for advertising multiple positions up to $1,050 annually.
If you are having difficulty selecting an online job board, seek advice from trusted colleagues and friends who have previously hired an accountant, then narrow your options down based on those with positive reviews. When possible, arrange to interview at least three potential accountants prior to making your final choice so that you have an idea of their price range, qualifications and skillsets.