A Five-Point Checklist to Help You Hire an Accountant

Several people assume that they don’t need an accountant until it’s time to prepare a set of accounts and file their tax returns. Whether it’s for business or personal finances, you require an accountant to manage your accounts and keep a record of all your transactions right from the start. You may think that an accountant is like any other accountant. Wrong! Experienced accountants have specific skills and training that a client can benefit from in a big way.

Experienced accountants possess a wide range of knowledge and training which they maintain through their professional development. They can help you organize your records, tighten up your budget, and make sure you’re staying on the right track financially. They work in all fields of business and finance, including audit, taxation, financial, and general management. They may also provide assistance in estates, wills, and trusts.

While there are several accountants that you can choose from, finding one who will meticulously manage your accounts can take some time. To help simplify the process, we have compiled a list of the top five things to look for when hiring an accountant.

1. Experience within the industry.
Hiring someone who has an extensive experience to complete the job quickly and efficiently is one of the most important things to consider when hiring an accountant. It’s crucial that your prospective accountant has experience of working with your industry. Always ask for a detailed history of years of experience before you hire anyone.

2. Approach and mannerisms.
Ensure your potential accountant has the right approach towards his work, to you, and your case. It’s also crucial to note his mannerisms and the way he behaves with his clients and staff as well.

3. A network of peers and associations.
An accountant should have an excellent reputation among his peers and other associations. He should also have a good rapport with other accountants so that if your case needs any assistance, he can seek help from them.

4. Location.
You will need to discuss the details of all your transactions with your accountant, that’s why you need to confirm that your prospective accountant’s office is situated in a location that can be easily reached.

5. Staff support.
Staff support is crucial for an accountant. Without the help of support staff, they won’t be able to give top-notch accounting services to clients. Hire an accountant who has supportive staff.

If you’re looking for an accountant in Simcoe, St. Thomas, and London, Ontario, contact Wales & Co. Accounting & Taxes. Our firm offers a wide variety of services, assisting a broad range of clients. Using our wealth of experience, we assist our clients in growing their net worth. To learn more about the services that we provide, please click here. If you have any questions about accounting, get in touch with us here.