How to choose an Accountant
Choosing an accountant is an important decision; in fact they will probably become
your closest adviser. As a result, you need to find one that matches your needs, who
you feel comfortable with, can trust and whose fee levels are fair. Here are ten top tips
From Ian Kelly, Tax Partner at Davies Tracey, to help you choose and get the most
from your accountant...
1) Telephone calls as needed
Choose someone you can call whenever
you need help, without fear of being
charged every time.
2) Open & honest
Get an accountant you can speak to
openly, who understands what you are
saying and who talks to you and explains
things in plain English.
3) Commercial Awareness
Talk to them about your business and ideas
and see how commercial they are. This is
especially important if you operate in a
niche area.
4) Visits to you
An initial consultation should be free of
charge and doesn’t have to be at their
premises. If you prefer, ask them to meet
somewhere convenient to you.
5) Taxation
No-one likes hidden tax surprises or to pay
more tax than is legally required. Make
sure that tax liabilities and dates payable
are properly explained to you.
6) Prepare for meetings
Make sure you prepare for any meetings
by letting them know beforehand what
you want answers to.
7) Fixed Fees
Make sure you get a fixed fee wherever
possible. If not, get a fee they won't go
beyond without your agreement.
8) Points of contact
Find out who will be your main contact.
It’s a team game, however, and so expect
to have contacts for accounting, tax and
payroll remits. View this as a positive - it
also means you’ll have someone to speak
to if your main contact isn’t available.
9) Fixed Timescales
Agree fixed timescales for work, bearing
in mind, however, that this might be linked
to a date by which time you need to
provide information.
10) Word of mouth
Last but certainly not least, ask to speak
with some of their clients to see what
they say about them.
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