Choose and Manage an Accountant

How to choose the right accountant

It's very important to select an accountant who's right for you. There really is no substitute for speaking directly to everyone on your short list and discussing their experience and services and your business needs. Ideally you are looking for a long-term relationship with an accountant so these are important considerations.

Telephone your short list

Ask each accountant about their practices:

• Experience
• Charges - what do these cover, how are they scaled and do they offer all-in fees?
• Personnel  - who will look after your finances most of the time - a partner or someone more junior? How many partners are there? Sometimes smaller practices are just fine .
• Efficiency - what response times do they work to?
• Added value - what additional services can they offer?

Choose about three to visit. Check whether you will be charged for this meeting.