Using Accountants and Bookkeepers for Small Businesses

If you find that you need some help with your company's financials, look into hiring a bookkeeper or an accountant. Take the following into consideration when you're looking to fill those positions.

Accountants: When looking for an accountant for your business, the emphasis is on finding someone who will not only help you file tax returns, but can also provide ongoing financial advice and guidance. Typically, to find an accountant whom you can place your trust in and the future of your business, it’s advisable to ask other business owners for recommendations. Discuss the type of business that you are starting and see if he or she has experience working with that type of business. Some accountants specialize in working with specific types of businesses and others are particularly familiar with the needs of small businesses.

Use a similar hiring process as you would when hiring any other key employee. Set up interviews and get to know the strengths of each individual. It’s also very important that you have a good rapport and a strong sense of trust in this person who may hold your financial future in his or her hands. Remember that you should be working with an accountant and not relying on him or her to make key financial decisions for you. Therefore, keeping up on the activities of your accountant, or anyone working with your finances, is a must.

A good accountant is someone you can:

Trust implicitly

Expect to be up on the latest changes in tax laws and guidelines

Rely on for specific advice as it pertains to your business

Expect to maintain the confidentiality of your financial information