Ask These Questions to Help Your Small Business Pick an Accounting Firm

Just like with your employees, funders, and partners, it’s important to make sure you and your business will jibe with your accountant. You want an accounting partner that will work well with you to help your business grow and succeed.

Despite the many jokes about dry accountants, we’re not all the same and we each have unique communication styles, practices, and procedures that may work for some businesses and business owners more than others. It's important to find an accountant that will fit your style and will ultimately help your business the most.

One way to help you find the best accountant for you is to spend some time meeting multiple different accounting agencies to get a better idea of what working with them will be like. When you meet a potential accounting partner, use these questions to help you determine if they will be a good fit for you:

1. What is your communication style and how easily are you able to be reached?
   As with any business relationship, it is key to be able to easily communicate and reach your contacts. If the potential accountant speaks only in complicated accounting jargon and won’t help you understand the ins and outs of your finances, perhaps they aren’t a good fit. If your accountant is only available on a limited basis and you feel like you’ll need help more often, they might not be the accounting partner for you either. Finding these things out before you agree to work together can save you time and headaches down the road. Find an accountant who communicates in a way and at a frequency that works for you. 

2. Will I work with one main point of contact, or will I have multiple people working on my account?
   Some accounting firms have ‘Accounting Specialists’ (or other similar titles)  who only focus on a handful of clients and are their main point of contact. Other firms share workloads and spread around communication among a team of accountants without one main owner of the relationship. Depending on your business and needs, you should first determine which would be best for you and then find out from the firm the style they employ. If you prefer to always work with the same accountant, find a firm who operates this way—either way, know what you’re signing up for when you decide to work with the firm.
   

3. How will you help me grow my business?
   Believe it or not, accountants are uniquely positioned to help you find creative ways to grow your business by looking at trends, inventory, sales, and more. Asking potential accounting partners this question will give you a good idea about whether or not they will be invested in your success and if they are ready to help you look for opportunities. 

4. What is your accounting process and can it be customized to my needs?  
   Accounting isn’t always one size fits all. First ask questions to help you understand a potential accounting firm’s typical operating procedures to see if they will fit your needs. If they don’t, ask about how the firm can customize its services and offerings to do so. If it is unwilling to be flexible, it might be time to consider another partner.  

5. What is your experience level in my industry?
   Every industry has specific regulations, tax eccentricities, and standard practices. It’s important to find an accounting professional who understands your industry and will be able to help you navigate it successfully. Find out from potential accounting partners how much they know about your specific industry and how much experience they have working in it. 

6. How will your accounting firm help me through tax season?
   One of the most disliked parts of owning a business is tax season. It often leaves business owners with a huge headache and great stress. Your accounting professional should be able to help you through tax season; find out what services they offer and how they will help you navigate the filings, paperwork, year-end financials, and so on. Make sure whichever accountant you choose has the skills and bandwidth to best help you.  

7. What should I know up front about your fees and services?
   Just like with any business relationship, it’s critical to understand how their pricing structure works and what you’ll get for your payment. Leave no room for mystery and be realistic about what fits into your budget.

Don’t be afraid to tell an accounting firm no if they don’t meet your needs. Interview several options until you find the one that will help your business manage your financials and grow. Be up front with your needs and expectations and build a great working relationship with your accounting professional to ensure the financial and bookkeeping side of your business gets the attention it deserves.

Tally Services in Fort Collins, Colorado, is your local accounting and bookkeeping firm. We pride ourselves on being a fun accounting partner that becomes not just an acquaintance, but also a friend. We’d love to sit down with your team and see if we’re a good fit for each other. Tally Services is ready to meet you where you’re at with smart and efficient solutions to help your business thrive. Your one-on-one accounting specialist will give you the support you need to feel confident in your financials and help you prepare for payroll, taxes, year-end financials, and more. Contact us to get started!