Both your business and personal finances can benefit from hiring a Chartered Accountant. However, not all accountants are the same. You might be wondering what you should be looking for when selecting the person to help you manage your financial data. Look for the following things in a Chartered Accountant before hiring them.
Referrals
There is no better way to tell if an accountant is good than through referrals. In fact, most Chartered Accountants will tell you that they get the majority of their business through word of mouth referrals. Ask your family, friends, and colleagues for accountant recommendations or if they have heard anything about an accounting firm you are considering.
Determine Your Needs
When looking for a Chartered Accountant, ask yourself what you need them for. Is it personal or small business accounting? Do you need them just for taxes, bookkeeping, or to be there to help you expand your business? Once you determine what you need it becomes a lot easier to find the right Chartered Accountant to fit those needs.
Licensed Professionals
Make sure you look for their credentials and licenses before hiring an accountant. There are different variations of accountants including Chartered Accountants, Certified Management Accountants, and Certified General Accountants. There are different educations and experience levels required depending on the label. Make sure you know what kind of accountant you need and what type of accountant you are hiring.
Accessibility
Make sure you find an accountant that is going to be accessible to you. If you like to have in-person meetings, choose a Toronto Chartered Accountant with an office location that is convenient for you. However, with the latest cloud technology, a cloud accountant is able to do your accounting remotely from anywhere in the country. This is a great option for busy small business owners or even for personal taxes.
Trust
Accounting involves taking an in-depth look at sensitive and confidential information about your personal or small business finances. Make sure to choose an accountant that you are comfortable and confident with to place your trust in. If you’ve already received a personal referral or recommendation from a family or friend, this makes it easier.
If you’re looking for a Toronto Chartered Accountant, contact us for a free consultation.