Delve into the following pointers to help get a sense of how to find and hire the best accountant to help scale your small business.

How to Identify the Best Accountant for Your Small Business

Find an accountant with related experience.

First and foremost, you’ll want to consider candidates who have experience working with companies in your industry. More importantly, focus on accountants who have prepared financial documents and tax returns for businesses of similar size and age, to yours. It’s also worth finding out if your prospective accountant has larger clients than your current business, as this can show that they are prepared to handle your needs as your business continues to grow.

Check their credentials and references.

Once you’ve found a candidate, you’re interested in having a discussion with, you’ll want to do your due diligence to ensure that the Accountant you’re speaking with has all the experience and credentials you’re looking for. Make sure that they’ve been licensed by the state and participate in the continuing education required to maintain that license and stay up to date on all relevant tax laws. Additionally, you want to check references for each prospective accountant to ensure they are who they say they are—as well as to alleviate any worries about working with this particular partner. 

Arrange an in-person meeting.

Remember, this is the person who will be in charge of handling all of your money, which means your life. You will want to establish a personal relationship and use the opportunity to get a feel for who they are, and if they’re someone you can see yourself partnering with long-term. Also, it’s a major red flag if your prospective accountant is not ready and willing to meet with you in person and should immediately prompt you to move on to the next candidate.

Interview with multiple candidates.

Even if the first accountant you meet appears to be a great fit, it’s imperative to conduct interviews with multiple candidates before making your final hiring decision. Better position yourself when you can compare numerous accountants and the products, services, and prices that they can provide. Interviewing multiple accountants allows you to compare what it’s like to have a dialogue with each candidate, hopefully clarifying which person you can best see yourself working with in the long run based on where your business is headed.

Use your social networks.

Social networks are powerful tools for hiring for your small business. Not only can you ask your friends and professional connections for recommendations, but you can also do your own research on prospective hires. Using these networks, you can find out who else your potential accountant is connected to and how they talk about their work. It’s also helpful to keep an eye out for feedback and reviews from current or previous clients.

Trust your gut.

Above all other criteria, make sure you listen to and trust your gut. Your instincts are powerful, and if something tells you that a person is not a good fit, you’re probably right even if they check all of the boxes. Someone might be a great accountant but not the right accountant for you, and figuring that out before entering into a serious business relationship with them can save you both a lot of time, money, and stress.