The size of your business really does not matter. Whether you are a compact one person operation or a small firm with goals and expectations to grow into a bigger outfit, you need to enlist the help of a good accountant to handle all the accounting, tax and compliance business areas, to ensure your linear growth in a competitive environment. While it is not imperative that your accountant be in the same area as your business, it does make sense to first try and find a good accountant in your area, for the sake of convenience. This is especially relevant if you are looking for more than basic accounting services as it makes communication and on-hand services easier. 

Do an initial search, either online or through recommendations, regarding accountants in your area. You need to take into consideration the size of your operation and your growth potential when hiring an accountant. If physical meetings are still difficult, organise online meetings to chat with a potential accountant before deciding on who to engage. As you will be working closely on company work it is important that you have a comfortable rapport for a personal connection. 

When you have selected a few candidates that interest you, do an in depth look into credentials, qualifications and experience. A good rule of thumb is to see if your account is qualified through any of the recognised UK bodies such as ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS or CIMA, though there is no legal requirement for an accountant to hold any qualifications. If the accountant is a chartered accountant, then he or she will have an internally recognised professional standing. Make sure the accounting service you choose is GDPR compliant. 

It is important to find out the range of services they offer, because as your business grows your service requirements will expand as well, and it is crucial that you have an accountant service that can grow with you. If not, you will find yourself having to search for new accountants in your area whenever your business requirements diversify and develop. Basically, some of the services you should look for when choosing an accountant, includes tax advice, year-end accounts, book keeping, VAT compliance, and payroll management. 

During your initial meeting or chat discuss fee charges in detail. They will be an integral part of your business operations and as such it makes sense that you find out in details what processes they use and how they deliver their services. Find out payment methods and reach an agreement regarding a system that works for both parties, for instance, if consultations are included in the fee or if they have to be paid separately to the services. Ask about service packages they may have on offer and look into the viability of conveniently upgrading as your requirements increase. 

Choosing the perfect accountant for your business is a vital step. Once you have done the above and have selected your preferences, check reviews online and testimonials from other businesses within your area and beyond. This will give you a clear idea of the expertise and experience of the accountant you wish to choose for your business. 

 

Start your research today to find a suitable accountant for your business who will facilitate all your accounting needs, no matter the size of your operation, so that you can focus on other areas of your work to ensure its consistent growth.