| The services of accountants are becoming more | | | | · Library. Does not have to be a huge library, |
| expensive and scarce. Many medium to large | | | | even a bookcase with relevant reading material on tax, |
| accounting firms around the globe have collapsed due | | | | GAAP, labor, will suffice. This indicates that the firm |
| to disciplinary procedures and blatant corruption. | | | | keeps up to date with legal developments. |
| Innocent businesses lost their accounting firms due to | | | | · Archiving. Proper storage facilities for your |
| investigations from authorities into malfeasance related | | | | documents and files. |
| to other corporations. | | | | · Working, permanent and operational files, is a |
| The admission to the industry is becoming tighter, with | | | | good yardstick to gauge professionalism. |
| rigid exams, and even harsher requirements for | | | | · Skills. Are the partners indeed skilled and |
| practicing accountants and auditors. The pool of | | | | qualified to render the services advertised? |
| available practicing accountants is becoming smaller as | | | | · Scope of services. Accounting, tax, business |
| a consequence of regulation. | | | | advice, valuations, investments, auditing, negotiation and |
| It is nevertheless, not impossible to find the ideal firm. I | | | | other financial services under one roof. |
| emphasize, firm, not an individual accountant. | | | | · References. Check references with existing |
| Respective bodies stringently control an accountants | | | | or previous clients of the firm. |
| advertising, but most of them are not precluded from | | | | · Pricing. Fees vary, but compare fees to the |
| advertising in the Yellow Pages or newspapers. A | | | | quality of service and swiftness in delivery of |
| website for an accountant is the most viable form of | | | | assignments and projects. If you happy with the |
| advertising. So if you search through your Yellow | | | | service levels be prepared to pay the fees, excellent |
| Pages, newspapers or a search engine on the web, | | | | service, comes at a price. Rather negotiate rates, than |
| you will find a number of firms offering their services | | | | to opt for a cheaper firm. |
| to the public. | | | | A professional firm will prepare an engagement |
| Follow this guideline when selecting your firm. | | | | letter("agreement"). Insist on such an agreement before |
| · If you a small to medium business, identify a | | | | mandating the firm for work. Such an agreement |
| small to medium firm. | | | | should clearly stipulate the kind of services offered, the |
| · Opt for a firm or company that is registered. | | | | rate and terms. This agreement can also address |
| The number of partners is immaterial. | | | | potential disputes. |
| · Professional Practice/office. Offices with | | | | Don't select the first candidate. Do you research, and |
| proper infrastructure, such as modern computer | | | | you will build a lasting business relationship. A loyal |
| equipment, software, fax machines, telephones, and | | | | relationship with an accounting firm is healthy for your |
| Internet and e-mail facilities. | | | | business. |