How To Pick The Right Accountant

Hiring an accountant is not only for the mega wealthy, but should be a consideration for many people.

All individuals, encompassing all socioeconomic sectors can benefit from hiring the right accountant. Although it is not uncommon for individuals to have the misconception that accountants are primarily or only used for filing taxes, they can actually be extremely beneficial in all areas related to one’s finances. Selecting the correct accountant can ultimately save time, money, frustration, and energy. In fact, a good accountant will help you stay on top of your financials in addition to being fully committed to your success.

Where Do I Start

Often times, people wonder where to begin their search when it comes to picking an accountant. One of the best ways to start the search for an accountant is to reach out to people in your own network and ask for referrals.

Be as specific with your wants and needs as possible when asking for recommendations as this will help people steer you in the right direction. You may be surprised at how many recommendations you receive.

When it comes to choosing the right accountant, there are several factors and considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential to interview a potential accountant before hiring them. An accountant will have access and knowledge of all personal finances. Sharing this information can seem a bit uncomfortable for some people, but an accountant must be fully privy to his or her client’s finances in order to successfully do their job.

You do not want to share this information with just anyone, so make sure you, at the very least, have a phone conversation with him or her prior to delving into your personal finances.

You may even request recommendations, just as you would in any other job hiring circumstance. You are putting a significant amount of trust into your accountant and it is important to do your due diligence.

It is essential that a person feel comfortable with their accountant. One must feel free to ask any clarifying questions, be guided by their accountant, but ultimately know that their financial decisions are up to them, and be as involved as they want in their own accounting process. If an accountant you may have considered to be a good fit no longer feels right, do not hesitate to switch.

Taxes

There are a couple of different types of professionals when it comes to taxes. Certified public accountants (CPAs) are licensed by the state in which they work and must pass a CPA exam. Typically, CPAs specialize in some area specific to accounting. Not all CPAs necessarily specialize in tax issues, but they are capable of representing you before the IRS should you be dealing with an audit or collections. If you find that you are dealing with a more complex tax situation, an EA (enrolled agent) may be a better fit. EAs must pass intense testing and background checks administered by the IRS.

In terms of taxes, it is important to keep in mind that ultimately, the IRS holds the individual (not the accountant) responsible for their filing and all information included, which further stresses the importance of picking the right accountant to complete, process and file one’s taxes accurately, in addition to providing representation, should that be necessary.

For Further Information

If you follow your instincts and are clear with your needs you will likely find an accountant that is an excellent fit. While the task to connect with the right accountant may seem overwhelming, please keep in mind it will be worth it in the long run. The financial guidance that a good accountant will provide during one’s lifetime can result in significant financial gain. With the full range of accounting services Allman & Allman APAC provide, we are certainly equipped with the expertise for which you may be in need. As a full service public accounting firm, our professional services will surely help you succeed and thrive.

Please feel free to reach out to Allman & Allman APAC via email at [email protected] or via phone at (760) 773-1120 for our Palm Desert office or (424) 334-1120 for our Torrance office. We’ll be happy to discuss your situation and find out how we can help you grow. We look forward to hearing from you.