A brief daily message or a weekly video call can make a world of difference in keeping everyone aligned. Being proactive with hire accountants updates helps build trust and ensures that small questions don’t turn into large roadblocks. This rhythm keeps your new hire connected to the team and makes it easier for them to ask for help, share progress, and feel like an integral part of your firm’s operations. An accountant with general experience is good, but one with experience in your clients’ specific industries is a game-changer. They’ll be able to provide deeper insights and more strategic advice, making your firm a more effective partner.

While you’ll always want to hire an employee with the technical skills you’re searching for, finding someone you’ll enjoy working with is just as important. Costs vary according to the scope of the accounting services you require. Costs also vary by the level of education (certified public accountant with a college degree) and level of experience of the accountant. Obtaining information about your company’s finances is straightforward if you are looking to apply for a grant or a loan. Your accountant is responsible for preparing financial reports and other financial information about the business and producing statements as needed.

Cost Comparison Analysis

Look for an accountant with the necessary educational background and certifications. Verify that they have a degree in accounting or a related field and any professional certifications, such as CPA, CMA (Certified Management Accountant), or IRS Enrolled Agent. Next, pull together recent bank statements and copies of your sales invoices. Also, have your Social Security Number and Employer Identification Number ready—your accountant needs these details for tax purposes.

Set Budget Parameters for Accounting Services

We’ll talk about some key strategies for finding a reputable small business accountant—but first, let’s look at what an accountant actually does and their key responsibilities. You can find accounting software services online, with options ranging from software to live accountants who are there when you need them most. If running a business has you short on time, an accountant can help ease the stress of tax season. Allow them to prepare your financial documents while you focus on more pressing responsibilities. Accountants can go beyond taxes and assist with bookkeeping for your business as often as you need. Unlike a bookkeeper, professional accountants go beyond recording business transactions.

Franchise Accounting: How to Centralize and Standardize Finance

After selecting an accountant who matches your needs and budget, immediately set clear paths for communication. Clear and open conversation creates a strong foundation for working smoothly with your financial pro. After reviewing skills, experience, and pricing, always trust your gut instinct. Clear, easy communication forms the basis of a successful working relationship.

Background Check Requirements

Toggl Hire, for example, provides instant feedback when candidates complete tests. You can log these results in your candidate pipeline and quickly build skills-based shortlists. After working with various businesses over the years, our biggest tip here is to select role-specific skills to meet the needs of your own business. Your testing mix should seek hires who quickly adapt to your business context and the actual day-to-day issues they encounter. However, let’s assume your accounts are a mess and compliance issues are mounting. They could add a permanent in-house employee or outsource accounting to a third-party firm.

Some businesses might only need basic bookkeeping and tax preparation, while others might be looking for full-service accountants who can provide in-depth reporting. You should consider hiring an accountant at key financial moments in your life or business. If you find that managing your finances is taking too much of your time or causing stress, it might be a good time to bring in a professional. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), on the other hand, brings a higher level of strategic expertise. To become a CPA, candidates must pass a rigorous exam and meet strict licensing requirements.

You can build your team quickly and with confidence, knowing every candidate has been thoroughly evaluated for skill, professionalism, and reliability. Unlike hiring a full-time accountant, you can lean on an accounting firm as needed. This allows you to pay only for the services you need when you need them.

• During onboarding, you set up their access to financial systems, teach them about your workforce processes, and educate them about your company’s specific accounting routines.
• Personal finance tracking isn’t required by law—but skipping accurate records can lead to costly tax mistakes and overlooked deductions.
• They offer advanced services, including audit and assurance, complex tax preparation, and strategic financial advice.
• Additionally, hiring an accountant adds a level of professionalism to your company’s reputation.
• Be aware that some accountants may not quote you a fee before the initial consultation, so choose one that offers free consultations if possible.

However, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a full-time professional accountant is approximately $80,000 per year. It’s a professional service that requires significant education and experience, which means that professional accounting help can be costly, depending on your needs. In a typical work day, these professionals ensure compliance with government regulations, handle financial reporting for government agencies, and manage and audit public funds. If you’re starting a business in California, for example, a local accountant can assist you with navigating state-specific regulations, tax obligations, and financial planning. If you’re based in Arizona, you might consider working with a Phoenix accountant to ensure you’re leveraging every deduction and staying compliant with state-specific tax laws. They should help you budget carefully, manage cash flow, and encourage your business growth.

This will help you gauge their ability to handle the specific financial tasks your firm manages, from complex audits to nuanced tax planning. This specialized knowledge can help you find new opportunities for tax savings and avoid common industry pitfalls. While it’s easy to focus on the upfront cost, the real value of a great hire is the return on investment. A skilled accountant doesn’t just complete tasks; they improve accuracy, ensure compliance, and find opportunities for savings that can directly benefit your clients and your firm.

Definitely—I know plenty of CPAs who handle finances for both businesses and individuals. They can monitor your debit card transactions, organize deposits, and help boost your credit rating. For my small company, monthly check-ins are perfect, with extra meetings planned around tax deadlines. Clearly tell your accountant how quickly you want answers back and how often to send financial summaries.

• Reputable staffing partners build their entire process around security.
• A brief daily message or a weekly video call can make a world of difference in keeping everyone aligned.
• Men often have varying accounting needs, depending on their individual financial situations.
• My current CPA does quarterly check-ins, at no added charge, to review my expenses and pinpoint tax savings as the year unfolds.

Small Business Trends is an award-winning online publication for small business owners, entrepreneurs and the people who interact with them. Our mission is to bring you “Small business success … delivered daily.” In a perfect world, that freelance accountant or subcontractor accountant will become your full-time accountant. There may be an accounting system that could be making your life easier. Problem-solving tests, for example, cast light on the ability to process debts or calculate tax liabilities.

But handling finances can become overwhelming in no time — even the tiniest financial recordkeeping mistakes can result in a headache. A certified public accountant can tidy up your finances in a big way and even help you during tax time. But needing an accountant and knowing how to hire an accountant are two very different things. What’s the real difference between hiring a freelancer on a platform like Upwork and using a dedicated staffing partner?

How to Hire an Accountant for Your Small Business

Next, let’s cover how to smoothly introduce and onboard your new financial professional. Positive client stories online give you confidence in choosing someone who truly understands your financial situation or can support your business growth. Chatting with an accountant’s past clients gives you honest insights into their performance. Previous clients can share details about the accountant’s responsiveness, problem-solving abilities, and industry know-how. Don’t just take the accountant’s word for their skills—talk to their past clients for real feedback.