Asking the right questions can help you decide whether a Utah accounting company fits you and your business well.
When we meet with prospective clients at CMP, many don’t know what questions to ask.
That’s understandable, since the role of an accounting firm for businesses remains a mystery to many.
Here are six questions we recommend asking before hiring an accounting firm in Utah.
1. What industries is your accounting firm familiar with?
It’s important to find an accountant with experience in your industry. For example, a construction company needs to handle contract workers, a tech software company has unique income-reporting criteria, and a restaurant has its own rules for wages and tips.
Find an accountant who knows the ins and outs of vertical.
2. When are you available?
Some people are interested in hiring an accountant to help during tax season, but others will need year-round help.
However, some accounting firms shut down after April 15th and don’t reopen until the next tax season.
Most small businesses need help year-round. It’s not advisable to wait until tax season to address questions about your tax issues.
Make sure your accountant has availability that suits your needs.
3. What are your qualifications?
There are many financial services available that can suit your needs. Some businesses just need a bookkeeper, payroll, or professional tax preparer.
Most small businesses can benefit from a certified public accountant (CPA). They undergo rigorous certification and likely have extensive experience with financial planning issues.
There are also Enrolled Agents (EA), who are certified by the federal government. They’re trained specifically to handle taxes and often are former IRS agents.
4. Who will be doing the work?
For most Utah CPA firms, the person you work with will depend on your needs. For example, if you need tax planning, there may be a specialist for that service.
Some accountants outsource work to a third party. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s good to know before you start. Make sure it is easy to communicate directly with the third party.
Often, a lower-level employee handles the 'grunt' work, while the CPA you work with handles more advanced services.
5. What tax software do you use?
The tax program doesn’t need to be the deciding factor when choosing an accountant, but it’s worthwhile to ask about it.
QuickBooks is extremely popular with small businesses, so if you use QuickBooks, it may be a good thing to find an accountant who excels in QuickBooks.
With it, your financial information can easily be transferred to different accountants. If your prospective accountant uses a less well-known software, it could be difficult to switch down the road.
6. How will we communicate?
It’s important to have a clear understanding of how you will send your financial information and documentation. You may prefer to meet in person or be comfortable sending information electronically.
Discuss how often you will communicate and through what channels.
Conclusion
Keep these questions in mind when you’re deciding which accounting company is the best fit for your needs. Asking the right questions will make the decision process more effective.
