Suggestions on finding an accountant?

[sixghosts6]

Hey all, I wanted to know where would be a good place to start looking for a trusted, reputable and experienced accountant at competitive prices?

If anyone is, or has any recommendations or even places where I can find them for hire, please let me know.

I'm sure this info would come in handy for many, not just myself

 

[Somos Accounting]

Most accountants pick up new clients vis referral. So if you have friends/family that use an accountant, it may be worth asking about their experiences and/or if they can recommend theirs? First-hand experience is a good starting point.

Otherwise, do you have any particular requirements e.g.

• Do you want them to be local to meet face-to-face or would you be happy to deal over the phone/email/skype (more common now)?
• Do you need a specialist in a niche area?
• Are you wanting/need to use accounting software, if so, some have accountant directories as a basis to start?

Make a list of several and make some enquiries and find out their costs. They can vary depending on your requirements and bigger/smaller firms.

 

[sixghosts6]

Thanks for your reply, definitely helps.

I think in our day and age, I wouldn't mind the communication being all digital. That's how the majority of the business is ran for me anyway.

It's more of a thing of where would I go to find someone offering their services online? I'd have thought there is some sort of 'job marketplace' for this kind of thing, but obviously I'd want to start looking for somewhere I know is reputable

Most accountants pick up new clients vis referral. So if you have friends/family that use an accountant, it may be worth asking about their experiences and/or if they can recommend theirs? First-hand experience is a good starting point.

Otherwise, do you have any particular requirements e.g.

• Do you want them to be local to meet face-to-face or would you be happy to deal over the phone/email/skype (more common now)?
• Do you need a specialist in a niche area?
• Are you wanting/need to use accounting software, if so, some have accountant directories as a basis to start?

Make a list of several and make some enquiries and find out their costs. They can vary depending on your requirements and bigger/smaller firms.

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Somos Accounting has made some very good points.

Another source is this site. Quite a few accountants myself included contribute regularly here.

You can also check a firms qualifications on the various professional body sites mine for example is here

 

[Somos Accounting]

I agree with Nicola, too - some valuable contributions from accountants on this site and they should certainly be a consideration as a starting point.

Digital communication, in my opinion, is the way to do it. There will be a lot of accountants that still don't so I guess you've ruled some out there.

A Google search will bring up those that pay for Ads and more local to you firstly, but you have got marketplaces such as Bark, People per Hour etc. though not all accountants will list there. Some bigger firms will list on Trustpilot.

Good luck in your search.

 

[Ecomccountant]

A good place to look is Quickbooks or Xero "find an accountant" tool.

While this is controversial, I would look for a qualified accountant or at the very least a few reviews.

I would stay away from the people per hour sites - its a race to the bottom and you will end up having some questionable people doing the work for you.