Look for Experience in Your Sector

Be sure the accounting firm you're considering has trained accountants in small businesses of your size and preferably, experience in your field or like fields. During the interview, ask questions regarding your particular industry. Discover how much they know about your type of business and how they might handle changing economic tides.

Obtain Referrals and Check Them Out

Request referrals of existing clients from a prospective firm and find out how they rank in customer service. Engaging a current customer in conversation can be very telling. Look for consistency and longevity. Take the time to evaluate the firm on this level, matching your own values and needs.

Find a Firm Size that Reflects Your Own

Try to find a firm that matches your business size, with room for growth. Are there others in the firm with comparable tax and software knowledge? What other services does the firm offer? How accessible will your appointed accountant be? What is his or her case load? Remember your accountant should be available for quarterly reviews as well as inquiries regarding capital purchases.

Are You Able to Establish a Raportt?

Relaying financial data may be run of the mill for most accountants, but if it's your business and money at stake, you'll want someone who looks out for your interests and treats your business with the same importance you do. It's preferable to have someone who understands you and if necessary, could relate to key members of your finance team. First impressions are not always accurate, but you do need someone you're comfortable with and who you feel is listening to what you're saying.

Can This Accountant Help You Make Money?

Saving money on taxes is similar to putting money in your pocket. Deductions available through home office use, automobile use and proper use of entity structuring are just a few ways an accountant can help. Be prepared to ask pertinent questions on how this firm plans to put money in your pocket. Inquire about their system for keeping abreast of changing tax codes and phase ins.

Obtain and Review Billing Policies

The interview is the perfect time to go over fee schedules and hourly billing rates. Ask for and receive cost breakdowns of services. A firm should be upfront with you and provide written costs. From tax and financial statement preparation to consultation and advising, to teleconferences and emails, you should know how much you'll be paying. Be sure you're aware of all rates, for senior accountants as well as staff accountants. Timeliness is important. Efficiency adds up to savings, lengthy delays add up to costs. When to expect your finished return or financials is relevant and should be a high priority on everyone's list.

Not all accountants are CPA's or certified public accountants. While a CPA has achieved this title through rigorous schooling and testing, your company may not require one. A competent accountant, knowledgeable of the right tax codes and usage, can be just as effective and possibly less expensive. If possible, take a referral from someone in a business similar to yours and interview at least three before deciding.