The No. 1 piece of advice people say they’ve received when they’ve launched their own small business is “Get a good accountant.” But without any previous experience owning a small business, how do you determine which accountant is best for you? Shopping around for a financial expert is not the same as buying a new car or renting office space. But you have to do your due diligence and find the right accounting partner. Making a bad decision can be worse than avoiding the decision altogether. Consider these issues when making your decision.
- Experience in your industry. For instance, artists have vastly different needs than do small tech startups. Choosing an accounting professional with the right experience is as important as choosing one to begin with. Do your research, find out who in your area is a good fit for you and call several before you make a choice.
- Benefits beyond accounting. Your accountant may become more valuable to you than you originally thought. He or she may have business insight that can help you make other, related decisions. Knowing how to tap into your accountant’s expertise can benefit you greatly in the long run.
- Added value. Having an accountant on your side when setting up a business entity or going through an audit is critical and worth the person’s weight in gold. An accountant is your best ally when you feel everyone is conspiring against you. The added value can be immeasurable.
From start to finish, your business will have special needs that not everyone is qualified to help you with. While starting a company can be difficult, transitioning from a sale or closure can be equally as stressful. And don’t forget all the time in between when having an expert to rely on can help you focus on what you do best.
Your small-business accountant should be your full-service financial partner. It can be challenging, and even daunting, to have to make such a big decision for your business, but without the right person in this role, you’ll feel the pressure down the road. Are you ready to choose the right accountant for your small business? Call now!
A small business is almost always a passion project, but no matter how dedicated you are, you will need some help. Click through to learn how the right accountant can assist you through every step of your firm’s future.