subject: Want A Great Business Acountant [print this page] Are you ready to grow and expand your business, but need specialised professional advice to give you a more strategic and objective approach than you can currently provide? At this crucial point in the development of your business, you would most likely engage the services of an experienced and competent business accountant.
So, how do you go about that? A wrong decision about a business accountant could mean the difference between prosperity and bankruptcy. Some handy hints to help you make the best decision.
Know what you want
A Good business accountant offer a range of services including:
Accounting services including end-of-month reconciliations, and preparation and interpretation of financial reports
Tax planning and returns
Business planning including business loans, restructuring borrowings, equipment financing, personal and business insurance and succession planning
Structuring your business i.e. establish a company, a family trust or some other structure
Superannuation and retirement
Company secretarial
If you know what you want before you enter into any discussions, you can focus on your immediate needs. Don't worry too much about the long-term items just yet.
Ask for recommendations from trusted business colleagues
There will be people in your circle who already have a relationship with a business accountant.
Ask them about their experiences
Canvass their opinions
Find out what services they get from their business accountant
Discuss with them the benefits gained
Get names, contact details and the services provided
Make a list of 3 to 5 prospects and set up meetings
Your short list may also include business accountants you sourced from advertising e.g. Yellow Pages or internet, if you have not been able to get a sufficient number by word-of-mouth recommendations
Make appointments with all the business accountants on your list
Provide your business information
Discuss the needs you have already identified
Ask their fees for specific services e.g. tax or business plan preparation, etc.
Make sure you find out exactly who will be looking aftre your accounts - a single person or several others to choose from. It will be your decision which option you prefer.
Ask for references
Don't be shy about this. Good business accountants will understand your reluctance to place your business affairs in the hands of a total stranger
Get names and contact phone numbers
Make sure you follow them up and speak to them personally
Once you have made your decision, work on establishing a relationship. More than anything you need to feel a connection with your business accountant. After all, this will be a long-term arrangement of mutual benefit, and requires work, just like any other important relationship.
Copyright (c) 2009 Michael Atma
by: Michael Atma
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