Top Five Things To Look For When Hiring A Chartered Professional Accountant
No matter how small your business is, having a tax and financial advisor has its benefits. Hiring a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) to do your taxes could lead to business growth opportunities you may have never considered. They primarily manage your accounts so that you can focus on building your business.
A CPA can also help you file taxes while answering any financial questions that are on your mind. With legislators continually twisting and tweaking tax laws, CPA’s stay abreast of the new tax laws, and offer financial advice and help individuals and small businesses develop budgets and set new financial goals. They also specialize in working with business owners and can ultimately save you money with their expertise by using techniques and strategies unknown to you.
However, there are many types of CPA firms that can meet your needs; right from small businesses with a single CPA to large firms with several CPA’s. Knowing what to look for will help you select the option that’s best for you. To help you make the best selection and quicken your search, here’s a list of the five most important things to look for while hiring a Certified Professional Accountant.
1. Certification.
Many practitioners present themselves as accountants, but may not possess the required certification that qualifies them to be a CPA. A licensed CPA has completed professional studies, exams, and has the experience required to guide you expertly with all your accounting and tax requirements.
2. Area of expertise.
What is the CPA’s area of practice? Are they proficient in the filing of taxes in your industry? Your needs and the accountant’s field of expertise should be parallel. For example, if you own a trucking company, you should seek out an accountant who is familiar with the trucking industry as there may be special accounting and tax rules that relate to that industry.
3. Referrals.
Is the CPA reputable? Always ask for referrals from family and friends, check online reviews, or check with the Chartered Professional Accountants British Columbia (CPABC).
4. Services.
What services does the accountant provide? Not all accountants are licensed to offer the same services. As your accounting and tax needs may change in the future, if your accountant isn’t licensed to meet those future needs then you will need to change accountants which can be problematic. In addition, your accountant may provide services that you aren’t aware of that could save you time and money, so, it is best to keep your accountant informed about your plans.
5. Communication.
Does the CPA you are considering have a team or are they a sole-practitioner? Ideally, there should always be someone available to answer your questions or provide you with information promptly. There should be someone within the CPA’s organization who is familiar with your file and can address your doubts if your accountant isn’t available at that time.
If you’re looking for a chartered professional accounting firm in Vernon, BC, reach out to Clark Robinson Chartered Professional Accountants. We serve clients throughout the North Okanagan including Vernon, Lake Country, Armstrong, Lumby, Enderby, Salmon Arm, Nakusp, and Kamloops. We use our experience and expertise to guide you through your business opportunities and challenges, by offering corporate and personal tax preparation and planning, estate and trust tax preparation, GST consultations and much more. To learn more about the accounting services we offer, please click here. To get in touch with us, please click here.