Appointing a suitable accountant is an important business decision. This is because it will be a long term business relationship supporting you on some of the key aspects of your business.
It is vital that you find an accountant that has the relevant qualifications and has a credible reputation and is suited to the way you work.
We hope the following information will help you when searching for an accountant that would meet your needs.
Qualifications
Did you know that anyone can set up as an accountant in the United Kingdom? This is why it is imperative to assess a person’s qualifications; otherwise you could end up paying for the services of someone who does not have the necessary skills or experience. The accountant in question should at least hold one of the following qualifications:
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
- Association of Certified Public Accountants
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland
- Chartered Accountants Ireland
Accountability
Make sure the individual is accountable to a professional body in the industry, so that you are protected if they act unethically. They should have this information displayed on their website. If not you can enquire as to whether they are a member of the institute and request their membership number so you can verify this.
Reputation
Does the accountant have a good reputation? Read reviews that have been left by previous clients to discover whether this is the case. All you need to do is a quick search online, and you should be alerted to any red flags. If the majority of previous clients have been left unhappy with the service they received, you can rest assured some of them will have taken to the internet to warn others.
Is the accountant right for you?
Once you know that the accountant is qualified and boasts a good reputation, it all comes down to whether they are right for you. Your initial communication will be telling. You will get a feel as to whether this is someone you can work with. If there is no chemistry, you will experience hurdles in the long-term working relationship. You also need to make sure they work in a way you are suited to. If you are still not to grips with all of the latest technology and prefer to work with paper, make sure the accountant is adaptable to this.
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Southside Accountants Wimbledon & London. Southside Accountants are chartered accountants based in Wimbledon, London.