Accountants

[mumper]

Hi,

What is the best way to go about finding a good accountant if like me you've never dealt with one before? Are there any tried and tested methods? :D

Thanks in advance

John

[Alpha]

Yes talk to me :D

But seriously

Most accountants are technically competant at putting together a set of accounts and a tax computation. if you want a tax specialist you will bay 'big bucks' and you would have to have pre tax profits of at least £300k to justify them. The revenue however are continuing to crack down on tax loopholes and avoidance so even their effectiveness will be reduced.

The most important thing to consider is what you actually need from your accountant. Make a list of where he can help you and the benefit you would get from each requirement being fulfilled.

Make sure any accountant you engage can provide what you need in terms of business support and more importantly can you work with them. the personal aspects cannot be underrated.

Choose two or three accountants to 'interview' so that you get a good choice but do not be afraid to say no when they cannot provide what you want or you do not think that you can work with them.

Accountants, just like any other outrsourced service should be an integral part of your business!!

[mumper]

Hi Alan,

Many thanks for your advice, I will certainly follow the suggested steps. Thanks for your time.

John

[SmallBizSoftware]

Are you looking for all of the services that an accountant can offer or just a quick tax assessment?

There are online services that will provide tax advice for a fixed price (see my signature block :oops: )

[mumper]

I have acquired an accountant since I first posted but thank you anyway :D

[Cornish Steve]

Finding a good accountant was one of the first things I did. Frankly, I asked local business owners that I know well and trust. I've been pleased with the result.

[coolengineer]

you must have friends who have done their tax returns... ask them who did it for them, accountants? were they good? this is usually a good way to find referrals for accountants

plus you can maybe google it up 8)