Tips for Finding the Best Accountant

March 5, 2018

If you are in the market for an accountant, but don’t know where to start, there are several things to look for that can help narrow down your search.

Finding someone to work with who is on the same page as you can be difficult, and when it comes to accounting you’ll want to make sure to find someone you “click” with. But finding an accountant doesn’t have to be a stressful task, and in the end if you follow some simple steps you can remove stress from the situation and end up with a business relationship you are happy with.

Let’s look at some simple ways to narrow down your search and find the perfect accountant for you.

Ask for Referrals

The best place to start when looking for any type of service is with your friends and family. Have a brother-in-law who raves about his accountant? Or a friend who is constantly complaining about their finances? Start out by asking friends and family who they like, and who they don’t. This can help you take options off the table right off the bat, as well as give you some good leads to look into.

Check Out Websites

Once you have a couple of referrals, take some time to look into the accountant via their website. No website? That may be a red flag that the accountant is not taking new clients, or not well established. You can generally tell some basic information about a company based on their website, as it is designed to give you a first impression of their business, their outlook on business, their specialties, and their certifications.

Check for Certifications

Once you’ve found some companies to consider, look for any relevant certifications. Make sure to eliminate any potentials who aren’t a certified public accountant (CPA). There may also be additional certifications or experiences that are relevant to you and your business or personal finances.

Look for Reviews

And finally, once you’ve narrowed down your search some, take some time to look for reviews on the accountant. Most companies feature reviews on their website, which can be helpful, but also check reviews on the internet in other places such as Google or Facebook. You’ll want to be aware of the good and the bad, so you can get a better understanding of the accountant.

Give Them a Call

And finally, once you’ve narrowed down your search, give the accountants on your final list a call. Look for an accountant you can relate to, easily converse with, and feel comfortable speaking frankly with. You’ll be talking with this person quite a lot, and you’ll be paying them—so give them a call and see how you like them.

Finding a CPA can seem overwhelming, but by knowing what things to look for you can greatly reduce your search radius and confidently find someone you look forward to working with. Keep in mind that reviews, certifications, and personality are all important factors in finding the right fit. If you are in need of a Mount Dora tax accountant we’d love to talk with you and discuss how we can serve you best. We’d be happy to go over any relevant certifications, reviews, and questions you may have. Give us a call today!