Choose and work with an accountant

Checklist: ten things to ask your prospective accountant

An accountant can offer your business help ranging from basic bookkeeping to specialist business advice.

To get the best value for money there are things you should find out before you choose an accountant:

• ask about their qualifications
• find out how many partners there are in the practice
• investigate whether they are experienced in dealing with businesses of a similar size and at a similar stage of growth to yours
• assess whether they understand your business sector and its needs
• find out who will look after your business on a day-to-day basis
• ask about their estimated response times
• ask whether the service you will receive will be proactive - eg whether they will remind you when you need to submit accounts, or send you updates on changes in tax law
• find out if they offer any additional services - eg inheritance planning or advice on information systems
• ask whether the practice offers any specialist services - eg in start-ups or stock-market listing
• investigate their charges and what they cover - find out if a fixed fee can be arranged for the first 12 months

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• How an accountant can help
• Where to find an accountant
• Choosing the accountant that's right for your business
• Checklist: ten things to ask your prospective accountant
• Managing the relationship with your accountant
• End the relationship with your accountant
• Here's how I used an accountant to help me in my business

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