4 Things To Ask Every Accountant
The key, as with hiring any professional, is to ask questions and if you are looking for a Chartered Professional Accountant, it should be no different – ask questions. Hiring someone to prepare and examine your businesses’ financial records is not something that should be taken lightly because you need to put all your trust in their abilities. Will they make sure your records are accurate and your taxes are paid properly and on time? Is their financial advice based on what’s best for the business? With so much on the line, it is important to ask questions so you can avoid some financial headaches!
Here are some of the top things to ask when interviewing Chartered Professional Accountant:
1. How much experience do you have?
Experience is a major player in just about every industry and the same is true for accountants. Would you prefer a CPA that has an established record or one that is just starting to develop their client list? While the choice is ultimately up to you, an experienced accountant may have more knowledge and skills at their disposal compared to one that’s just starting out. Would you rather have an accountant like Randall Dang with 20 years of experience or an accountant with 1 year of experience?
2. What’s your educational/professional background?
Every accountant is different and you want to make sure you are working with a professional. With that said, be sure to ask them about their educational background and learn about their professional certificates or designations. For instance, Randall Dang has a formal education in accounting and is a Chartered Professional Accountant of Canada and British Columbia as well as a Certified General Accountant and Certified Management Accountant.
3. What are your fees?
All accountants charge different amounts for their services and before you hire one, you should find out how much they will cost. Be sure to get the price figured out before signing a contract so there aren’t surprises later down the road. On top of that, get a list of all of their services so you can know what things can be done for your business.
4. Are your meeting arrangements and lines of communication flexible?
Communication is key in the accountant world and it’s important that you get updates about your records. Ask how you can contact the CPA and how often they can provide you with information. The more communication you can have, the better.