| Selecting an accounting firm to handle business or | | | | have any complaints against them registered with the |
| individual financial needs is an important decision. | | | | Board of Accountancy or the BBB? |
| Whether one needs someone to simply do their annual | | | | 3) What is their specialty? Not all firms are alike. Some |
| tax paperwork or will require ongoing services | | | | offer expertise in corporate and financial matters while |
| throughout the year, there is a firm out there that is an | | | | others are more adept in personal taxes or small |
| appropriate match. The expertise of the practice doing | | | | business bookkeeping. Due to the current state of our |
| the job can have a profound effect on how much | | | | national economy, many have added services that |
| money stays in their clients' pockets, as well as | | | | include debt and bankruptcy counseling as well as |
| whether their customers remain in the good graces of | | | | budgeting advice to their customers. Determine needs |
| the IRS. Here are 5 things to look for when choosing | | | | and then search online for firms that offer the services |
| such a firm: | | | | that are required. |
| 1) Training of accountants and employees: Who is | | | | 4) Location: Having a practice that is conveniently |
| working on the financial and tax paperwork? It is | | | | located and locally situated can be advantageous. |
| important to have trained and experienced personnel. | | | | Much accounting and tax preparation can be carried |
| A CPA is a certified public accountant and has the | | | | out via the mail or internet, but the ability to have face |
| highest level of expertise in this arena as they have | | | | time when necessary is invaluable. |
| completed rigorous college programs and passed the | | | | 5) Communication: An accounting firm that is easily |
| mandated certification examination. A CPA may be a | | | | accessible by phone and that offers broad |
| bit pricey for the average taxpayer's needs, but | | | | appointment timeslots will make business dealings go |
| working with a firm that ensures CPA oversight on all | | | | much more smoothly. User friendly communication skills |
| paperwork is a wise choice. Not only should the | | | | exhibited by the accountants as well as the office |
| employees be trained and experienced but their | | | | staff can be a hallmark of a potentially good working |
| knowledge base must be expanded regularly. Tax | | | | relationship. |
| laws change constantly and those working in this field | | | | When it's time to select an accounting firm, one should |
| must be kept abreast of the newest information. | | | | do a bit of homework and then set up an initial |
| 2) Reputation: It is wise to get a referral from friends, | | | | consultation appointment. Having the right financial team |
| family or the Better Business Bureau when employing | | | | can ease an individual's or business's workload and |
| someone. How long have they been in operation? Can | | | | worry. |
| they give you names of satisfied customers? Do they | | | | |