How to choose an accountant

[Wild Goose]

Originally Posted by elainec100@cheapaccounting

My first memory was the calculator AKA adding machine with the till roll and handle - I blame that adding machine for my right bicep

That and lifting pints

There's a good discourse on the pitfalls of offering free unlimited access to clients on the sister site at http://www.accountingweb.co.uk/anyan...t-trace/507587

[MikeH]

I would generally recommend that people use an accountant from a recognised institute. However, when I found the following site it occurred to me that many business owners may not know which ‘institution’ to trust.

An accountant contacted us recently claiming to be registered with CPA – Certified Public Accountants Association – www (dot) acpa (dot) org.uk

One of the criteria for membership is to
•Have been a principal, partner or director of a practice for not less than three years

So anyone claiming to have been involved in an accounting business can buy membership for 125 and stick letters on a website or business card.

Perhaps I am wrong but this is not one of the recognised accounting institutes that people would recommend.

Do any of the accountants on UKBF have any knowledge of this site/association?

[elainec100@cheapaccounting]

The general public are not aware of the recognised accounting bodies and IMO it is up to the accounting bodies to remedy this.

I know of the CPA and they are other similar ones around.

Caveat Emptor

[MikeH]

Originally Posted by elainec100@cheapaccounting

Caveat Emptor

Indeed Elaine. The problem is the internet is the devils playground and also an opportunity for others to mislead the ill-informed. The site implies there are hundreds of members (many overseas of course). Before I studied accounting (no I am not an accountant, it formed part of my degree), I was not aware of any one institute in particular. We try to advise our customers on how to choose accountants without providing a ‘recommendation’ as this would be unfair to accounting customers. I just hope small businesses do some research first and read the numerous online guides.

[elainec100@cheapaccounting]

Originally Posted by MikeH

Indeed Elaine. The problem is the internet is the devils playground and also an opportunity for others to mislead the ill-informed. The site implies there are hundreds of members (many overseas of course). Before I studied accounting (no I am not an accountant, it formed part of my degree), I was not aware of any one institute in particular. We try to advise our customers on how to choose accountants without providing a ‘recommendation’ as this would be unfair to accounting customers. I just hope small businesses do some research first and read the numerous online guides.

and add to the mix the accountants who have don't really have the experience to serve clients and use forums to answer questions that their clients ask them

It is scary out there

[Wild Goose]

Originally Posted by MikeH

An accountant contacted us recently claiming to be registered with CPA – Certified Public Accountants Association – www (dot) acpa (dot) org.uk

One of the criteria for membership is to
•Have been a principal, partner or director of a practice for not less than three years

So anyone claiming to have been involved in an accounting business can buy membership for 125 and stick letters on a website or business card.

Perhaps I am wrong but this is not one of the recognised accounting institutes that people would recommend.

Do any of the accountants on UKBF have any knowledge of this site/association?

It's akin to a Liberian flag. As you said, Caveat Emptor.

[MikeH]

Originally Posted by elainec100@cheapaccounting

and add to the mix the accountants who have don't really have the experience to serve clients and use forums to answer questions that their clients ask them

It is scary out there

But what would this forum and accounting web do if people only posted the more demanding questions?

[jon.jenkins@smartaccounta]

We have written a blog on this from a slightly different perspective which is what does an accountant do which you may also find useful as it details what you should expect from your accountant in terms of service. You should ask prospective accountants question based around these areas.

Take a look at Smart Accountancy Systems SAS Blog under the general section.

[ortonstarus]

Hello everyone....
I want to hire best accountant for my new business so can you suggest me which factors i have to consider for choosing any accountant.I also want some best and experience person which can handle my accounts.

[jon.jenkins@smartaccounta]

Originally Posted by ortonstarus

Hello everyone....
I want to hire best accountant for my new business so can you suggest me which factors i have to consider for choosing any accountant.I also want some best and experience person which can handle my accounts.

Hi,

Here is a blog which has my thoughts on what factors and what you should be looking for in an accountant. Not a complete list but things worth considering.

http://www.smartaccountancysystems.c...hould-they-do/