Five Things To Look For When Hiring An Accountant
When it comes to working with an accountant, most people we deal with think they can handle the process themselves. While accounts and taxation are processes they can, there are various issues. If not handled properly, there could be high fines and penalties that they would have to get through. Additionally, if they work with a professional, there are chances that they could end up saving a lot of their money.
There have been a lot of times that we were asked about the processes we handle. Some of the pointers we mention to the clients are added below. People are usually known to pick the first accountant they find, and while that might work well for many, you want to make sure that you work with the best of the lot.
1. Has the correct credentials
A CPA or an Enrolled Agent would be best suited to get you through the process. Currently, I am a CPA, and I have a team that works under me. I am more than happy to get the team working under me to sort you out, but I want to make sure I am paying attention to the process so you are well looked after.
2. Is experienced and a subject matter expert
Everyone has to start from somewhere but the more experienced team would have been through a lot more of the processes along the way. You want to make sure that you know what you are getting into. If you are working with someone starting, you might feel like they are learning while working on your books which is not the best way because challenges might not be dealt with using the best solutions. Some rules change regularly, and you want to be working with a team that keeps up with these changes so they can assist you through the process.
3. Takes the time to understand the needs of the client and offer options
While all clients have their own needs and requirements, you need to work with an accountant who takes the time to understand the clients and their varying needs. All of them might not have the same tax issues and requirements, and there might be some of them who would want to handle things a little differently. Additionally, not all accountants can work with all processes, and some can, and others prefer working with a specific niche. You want to make sure they would get through the process and be in a better position to figure out the system so they can assist their clients.
4. Choose an accountant that is available year-round
Tax season comes once a year, but you want to be working with a team that would be able to assist with the process all year round. There is a lot they have to do to assist clients in getting their documents and other information in order. If a client is not following the procedures throughout the year, they might find themselves struggling when it comes to filing their taxes at the end of the year. Additionally, they should have an accountant who would be open to speaking to them whenever they need assistance, so they get through the process and on the other side.
5. Knowledgeable in all aspects of bookkeeping and taxes and can represent the client before the IRS
Even if all their taxes are filed and on time, there are a few rare moments where people have to show up before the IRS. They would have to get through the process and explain some of the amounts in their accounts, even if they have proper explanations. People need an accountant who would assist them with these processes, so they can get through and would not have to pay for issues they might not be involved in.
If you are looking for assistance when it comes to your accounting needs, connect at Arrowpoint Tax Services, Inc. We are a team of Tax Accountants and Bookkeepers in the Bronx, New York, and were in this line of work for some time so have a good understanding of bookkeeping and taxation. WE work on the processes that have to be handled by both businesses and individuals and help them get through processes that they might not be able to navigate without us. We also work with our clients to teach them the process they can get through so they know what they are getting into and are prepared to get through the process. If you want a better understanding of the services that we provide, please click here. If you are looking to get in touch with us or think we can assist through the process, please click here.