If you’re a business owner, you know that hiring an accountant for your company is essential for maintaining a healthy bottom line. But if you don’t know what to look for in candidates or how to judge the credentials of an accounting firm, it can be difficult to find the perfect fit.
A Hollywood, Florida accounting firm can help your business succeed by helping you stay on top of your financial game. The accountant you choose needs to have extensive knowledge of both finance and your business. In order to be a successful accountant, one must have a wide array of skills. An accountant must be knowledgeable about accounting software programs, tax laws and regulations, payroll laws, legal and ethical guidelines for accountant conduct, and must have money management skills.
Here are different things you should look for when hiring an accountant for your business.
- Certifications
Certifications are an excellent way to gauge how dedicated and knowledgeable your accountant is. Many CPAs choose to specialize in a particular area of accounting, such as tax law or forensic accounting. So, always cross-check the certifications of the accountant with your business needs.
- Experience
When looking for an accountant, you want to find someone who has several years of experience in the field. Ideally, you’ll want a CPA who has been working for at least 7 years and is qualified to handle all aspects of tax preparation, accounting, and other financial needs of any given business.
- Business references
Ask your potential accountant to share the names of their current or former business clients with whom he has worked and who are willing to serve as references for his skills and professionalism. This is a great way to determine how well your potential CPA interacts with clients and if he has any communication issues which might negatively impact your business.
- Transparency
You want to pick an accountant who is completely transparent with you. Moreover, you also want to be informed of every aspect of his work. Choose an accountant who can provide weekly, monthly, or quarterly data so that you can keep track of your business as it is going forward.
- Proactive attitude
A good accountant should be able to see future problems and issues before they occur. If your potential CPA is proactive, he or she will be able to spot potential money issues before they come at an enormous cost to the business.