Assuming you’re not an accountant yourself, hiring one can be a daunting task. How do you know if they’re qualified? How do you know if they’re reputable?
Here are 12 problems you might encounter when hiring an accountant – and how to avoid them.
1. Hiring An Unqualified Accountant
Before hiring an accountant, make sure they are qualified. In the United States, this means they should have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. You can check this by searching for their name on your state’s CPA Society website.
2. Hiring An Accountant Who Doesn’t Specialize In Your Industry
When choosing an accountant, make sure they have experience in your industry. This will ensure they are familiar with the specific financial issues and regulations that apply to your business.
3. Hiring An Accountant Who Is Not Up-To-Date On The Latest Tax Laws
Make sure your accountant is keeping up with the latest changes in tax law. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 introduced several changes that could affect your business, so you’ll want to make sure your accountant is aware of them.
4. Hiring An Accountant Who Doesn’t Use Technology
In today’s world, technology plays a big role in accounting. Your accountant should be using accounting software to streamline their work and make sure they’re getting accurate results. If they’re not, it could mean they’re using outdated methods – or worse, doing everything by hand.
5. Hiring An Accountant Who Doesn’t Communicate Well
Communication is key in any relationship, and that includes the one between you and your accountant. Make sure you’re hiring someone easy to talk to and who is willing to explain things in a way you can understand.
6. Hiring An Accountant Who Is Not Responsive
When you have a question or need help with something, you should be able to get a response from your accountant quickly. If they’re not responsive, it could mean they’re too busy – or worse, that they don’t care about their clients.
7. Hiring An Accountant Who Is Not Detail-Oriented
Attention to detail is critical in accounting. After all, even a small mistake can have a big impact on your finances. Make sure you’re hiring an accountant who is meticulous and will take the time to double-check their work.
8. Hiring An Accountant Who Is Not Honest
Honesty is the best policy, especially when it comes to money. You need to be able to trust your accountant, so make sure you’re hiring someone truthful and transparent.
9. Hiring An Accountant Who Is Not Reliable
Reliability is another important quality in an accountant. After all, you’re relying on them to keep your finances in order. Make sure you’re hiring someone you can count on to do their job well and meet deadlines.
10. Hiring An Accountant Who Is Not A Good Fit For Your Business
When you’re hiring an accountant, it’s important to find someone who is a good fit for your business. This means they should be knowledgeable about your industry, understand your business goals, and be able to work with you to achieve them.
11. Hiring An Accountant Who Doesn’t Have The Right Skills
When hiring an accountant, you need to make sure that they have the right skills for the job. Otherwise, they won’t be able to do their job properly and you could end up with some serious problems.
12. They’re Not Motivated
If an accountant isn’t motivated, they’re not going to be very effective at their job. Make sure that you hire someone passionate about what they do and who will be enthusiastic about working for your company.
Hiring an accountant is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes, you can be sure you’re hiring the right person for the job.
Click on accountant Oakleigh to hire an accountant.