Page 2 How To Guide • Thursday, March 13, 2025 pressnews. com
How to...
How to choose an
ACCOUNTANT
Think accountants are only necessary for the wealthy? Think again. A reliable, professional accountant cannot only help you manage your personal and professional assets more effectively, but they also provide an important safeguard— and substantial savings benefits— against financial pitfalls, especially at tax time.
Regardless of your financial situation— whether you’ re managing your personal finances or those of a company or organization— retaining the services of a professional, licensed accountant can help maximize your investments and returns and, it may go without saying, keep you from running afoul of the government on April 15 each year.
Choosing the right accountant is an investment in itself and requires some research. Professional accountants maintain a commitment to ethical, legal and professional standards much in the same way lawyers, doctors and pharmacists do. When accountants put their knowledge to work, they’ re also putting their careers on the line— and that gives them a powerful incentive to do their best to help you handle your money wisely.
Most turn to accountants to help them navigate the complicated maze or rules, regulations and forms that make tax season such a stressful affair. A good accountant can help ease that process by ensuring your tax files are in order and backed by their own expertise. They’ ll prepare and review your tax forms with you and represent you in the case of scrutiny or an audit. Quite simply, an accountant is an insurance policy for your financial world.
But taxes aren’ t the only reason to retain the services of a professional accountant. Consider all your financial affairs. Whether you are saving for the education of your children, your own retirement, preparing for a potential shift or change in your employment, seeking to start your own business or simply to put away money for the proverbial“ rainy day,” a seasoned accountant can help steer you toward maximizing your financial goals.
With so much at stake, it’ s crucial to be smart when choosing an accountant. Fortunately, you don’ t have to be a financial whiz to pull it off— you just need to know a few basics. Finding one isn’ t a daunting challenge, especially once you know how to approach the task.
• When searching for the right accountant, look for someone who has a proven track record and satisfied client base.
• Don’ t be afraid to ask for references from current or former clients— remember, you’ re trusting this individual with some of your most personal information. Don’ t be shy or intimidated.
• Check the Internet. While it may seem tedious to weed through the many claims that pop up during searches, a little tenacity and patience can go a long way toward finding the right person. But beware: People who are dissatisfied are much more likely to post their experiences than those who are happy with the service.
• Family and friends can also be a valuable resource. Successful accountants often rely on wordof-mouth references to build their businesses. Ask around. If someone is happy with their accountant, they will be happy to tell you about them.
• Seek the advice of professional organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. If you choose to use them as a source, contact several accountants and ask for references. Consider requesting a consultation so you can get detailed information about services.
• Once you narrow your list down, look at the Better Business Bureau’ s website. Many accountants are listed, and you can gauge the satisfaction of their former clients.
Most importantly, ensure your comfort level with each prospective accountant. You will be sharing sensitive financial and personal details with this person, as much as you would your personal medical history with a physician. It is vital that the accountant communicates well, returns phone calls promptly and answers questions patiently.