FAQs: Choosing the Right CPA
How Do You Choose the
Right Accountant or CPA?
Start off by asking about
their qualifications, training, and experience. Check to
see if their experience includes working for businesses
such as yours. An accountant from a large practice who
has only worked for large businesses, for instance, may
not be right for someone who owns a small to mid-sized
business. Something else to look for:
An accountant who has experience with similar
businesses that are at the same stage of growth as yours
will also prove invaluable.
How Do You Check a CPA’s
Certification?
If you are hiring a Certified
Public Accountant (CPA) then you can check their
certification, whether they are licensed to practice in
your state, and how recently they were certified with
The American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants.
How Do You Know Which
Accountant in a Firm to Work With?
If you opt for an accountant
from a larger firm, then you may initially meet a
partner. However, it is likely that this partner will
hand over the day-to-day running of your account to a
more junior employee, so make sure you find out exactly
who that person is and arrange to meet with them before
making your final decision.
What about Fees?
Ask for a schedule of fees
and make sure you understand what is paid for by hourly
rate billing and what jobs carry a set fee. Use this
knowledge when comparing candidate accountants on your
short list.
Are References Important?
Yes! Always ask for,
and check, references. Speak to those businesses
that are in a similar position as you and see how they
rate the accountant you are considering.
It might take a couple of times to find the right match
with an Austin accountant or CPA. It is an important
decision. If you don't get it right the first time,
don't hesitate
to make a change. It's YOUR money after all.