| If you have decided you simply need some help when | | | | one or two areas, while others offer a broad range of |
| it comes to your company's taxes, investments, or | | | | services. From your personal finances to large |
| even payroll, then you're probably looking for an | | | | corporate accounts, there are chartered accountants |
| accounting firm. There are a few things you really | | | | that can take care of your specific needs. Some of |
| need to know before you make a decision on whom | | | | the more popular services include tax preparation, |
| to hire. | | | | investment strategies, and personnel payroll. These |
| #1 Anyone Can Call Themselves and Accountant | | | | services can make your business run a little smoother |
| Anyone can call themselves an accountant. There are | | | | and take away some of the daily burden. |
| no special licensing or training requirements. They | | | | How to Find the Right Professional for Your Needs |
| simple place this word on their business cards, | | | | There are a number of resources available online. The |
| letterhead, and offer their services. However, if you | | | | Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and |
| want a true professional, you'll need to find a chartered | | | | Wales (ICAEW), the largest accountancy body in |
| accountant. This title is reserved for those individuals | | | | Europe, provides a directory of all their members, |
| who have completed a rigorous training and | | | | including their areas of expertise. Most will also have |
| educational program. They have been accepted to | | | | websites that list their experience, services, and |
| one of three organizations that provide testing, | | | | qualifications. Put the internet to work for you. Do |
| employment verification, and the specialized training. | | | | some research before you turn your financial records |
| #2 You Need a Reputable Company | | | | over to just anyone. |
| Complaints may be filed, which if left unresolved, could | | | | A Few Thoughts in Closing |
| result in the loss of this title. The governing bodies of | | | | A chartered accountant can provide you with the |
| these professionals help to ensure there is continuing | | | | services, planning, and assistance you need to keep |
| education, as needed and that the reputation is not | | | | your tax liability low, but also help you to increase your |
| tarnished. | | | | profits. Look for more than a cookie cutter service |
| #3 You Need a Wide Range of Offered Services | | | | plan. Every business is different and will require a |
| You need to consider is the type of services you are | | | | different course of action. It's your money - make sure |
| looking for. There are several firms that specialize in | | | | it stays that way! |