What to ask before hiring a small business accountant
Five questions that separate a bookkeeper who files your taxes from an adviser who helps you keep more of what you earn.
In this article
Most owners pick an accountant the way they pick a plumber: someone recommended, available this week. A short interview saves a lot of money later.
Do you work with businesses like mine?
A restaurant, a roofing crew and a dental practice all have different cost structures, deposits and seasonal swings. Ask for examples from your industry.
How often will we talk?
Once a year at tax time is too late to change anything. Look for a quarterly check-in and a clear answer on how quickly they reply.
What will it cost, in writing?
Fixed monthly fees beat hourly billing for most small firms because you can plan around them. Ask what is not included.
Once you have chosen, make sure your books stay clean all year; our local marketing and retail desks have more on tracking what each customer is worth.
This guest column was reviewed by the Local Dispatch editors before publication. Views are the author's own. Write for us.
