new accountant - help needed

[hunny]

Hi,
I am contemplating phoning a couple of local accountants today, can anyone give me any advice on what questions are important to ask.
I intend doing my own accounts, but will need help when it comes to tax issues and end of year.
Any ideas of costs involved, ie whether they charge by the hour or an overall package cost etc?

Any advice would be greatfully received.

Thanks.

[Alpha]

Hunny

Have you thought about trying one of the accountants off the forums?

I must admit that Joyous springs readily to mind although there are a few others. Most would be able to service you very easily via telephone and internet.

If you really need a local accountant I could post some pointer questions just send me a PM. :)

[Jayne]

You know i'm going to do it Alan :lol:

Darren@1staccountancy is mine, nice bloke and very good and he's a forum member.

Jayne

[epiphany]

Just because an accountant is local doesn't mean they are going to be good, having a long distance accountant is easy as pie and you have a lot more accountants to choose from.

[hunny]

Hi
thanks to you all for your suggestions, i've nothing against not using a local accountant, just thought it would be easier for them to look over the books, so now i'll look into the accountants on the forum also.
thanks,
Anne.

[Joyous]

Hi Hunny

I've cut and pasted my answer to this question from when I answered it on another forum. It might sound a bit OTT, and some of it might not be relevant to the type of service you want from them but it gives you a general idea of the sort of thing to bear in mind.

Do they have other clients in your line of business?
Do they have any objection to you contacting them to get their opinion of the firm?
Are you encouraged to contact them with ad hoc queries and will they charge you extra for this?
What level of staff is dealing with your file – office junior or qualified accountant?
Is there a dedicated person dealing with your file or is it just whoever’s standing in line when they’re sharing out work.
How big is the firm – you get a more personalised service with a smaller firm.
How quick is their turnaround, i.e. a set of accounts is completed within how many days of you submitting your records
Can they offer you proactive advice e.g. if they knew of a company that could use your services would they let you know?
How proactive are they generally – will they offer you advice without you having to ask for it.
Other than doing your books and producing your accounts what other services can they offer you. They should lay out what they’re going to do for you in an engagement letter. If it’s not in the letter don’t assume that they’re going to do it.
Do you only get to see them at year end or will they contact you for periodic reviews



Alpha - thanks for keeping me in mind. I certainly appreciate it.

Regards

Joy

[hunny]

Hi Joy,
Thanks for your reply, much appreciated.
Anne

[Jayne]

Hi Anne,

You should try Joy for your books, i've been told by other members she's a good accountant and she's very helpful on here too :D

(sorry Darren, just telling the truth, i'm not black leggin :lol: )

Jayne

[Joyous]

Wow! Two rec's in two days, I'm well chuffed.

I'm so glad people are finding my offerings helpful. Thanks very much.

Regards

Joy

[phoenix1]

Can we help you

[Alpha]

Can we help you

Well as we have no idea who you are(see introductions) and the website address doesnt appear to work I would hazzard a guess that the answer would be NO :wink: