Questions to Ask a New Accountant
Essential questions to ask when hiring a new accountant to ensure they're the right fit for your financial needs, understand their services, and establish a strong working relationship.
1What services do you offer, and which ones are most relevant to my situation?
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What services do you offer, and which ones are most relevant to my situation?
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Why this works
Understanding their services helps you know what they can do for you and if they meet your specific financial needs.
2What is your experience with clients in my industry or situation?
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What is your experience with clients in my industry or situation?
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Why this works
Learning about their relevant experience helps you assess if they understand your specific financial challenges and opportunities.
3What are your fees, and how do you structure your billing?
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What are your fees, and how do you structure your billing?
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Why this works
Understanding their pricing helps you budget for their services and know what to expect financially.
4What is your communication style, and how often will we meet or talk?
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What is your communication style, and how often will we meet or talk?
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Why this works
Learning about their communication approach helps you know how you'll stay in touch and if it matches your preferences.
5What software and tools do you use, and do they integrate with my existing systems?
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What software and tools do you use, and do they integrate with my existing systems?
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Why this works
Understanding their technology helps you know if their systems will work well with your business or personal financial tools.
6What is your approach to tax planning, and how do you help minimize tax liability?
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What is your approach to tax planning, and how do you help minimize tax liability?
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Why this works
Learning about their tax strategies helps you understand how they can help you save money and plan for the future.
7What happens if I have questions or need help outside of our scheduled meetings?
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What happens if I have questions or need help outside of our scheduled meetings?
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Why this works
Understanding their availability helps you know how to get support when you need it and what to expect for response times.
8What are your credentials and certifications, and how do you stay current with tax laws?
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What are your credentials and certifications, and how do you stay current with tax laws?
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Why this works
Learning about their qualifications helps you assess their expertise and know they're up-to-date with current regulations.
9What is your approach to financial planning, and how do you help with long-term goals?
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What is your approach to financial planning, and how do you help with long-term goals?
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Why this works
Understanding their planning approach helps you see how they can help you achieve your financial objectives over time.
10What are your thoughts on my current financial situation, and what recommendations do you have?
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What are your thoughts on my current financial situation, and what recommendations do you have?
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Why this works
Getting their initial assessment helps you understand their perspective and see if their advice aligns with your goals.
11What is your process for preparing tax returns, and how do you ensure accuracy?
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What is your process for preparing tax returns, and how do you ensure accuracy?
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Why this works
Learning about their tax preparation process helps you know how they'll handle your returns and what to expect.
12What are your thoughts on my business structure, and do you have any recommendations for changes?
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What are your thoughts on my business structure, and do you have any recommendations for changes?
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Why this works
Getting their business advice helps you understand if your current structure is optimal and what improvements you might consider.
13What is your approach to record-keeping, and how do you help organize financial documents?
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What is your approach to record-keeping, and how do you help organize financial documents?
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Why this works
Understanding their organization methods helps you know how they'll help you maintain clean financial records.
14What are your thoughts on my investment strategy, and do you have any recommendations?
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What are your thoughts on my investment strategy, and do you have any recommendations?
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Why this works
Getting their investment perspective helps you understand if your current approach is sound and what improvements you might consider.
15What is your approach to client education, and how do you help me understand my finances?
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What is your approach to client education, and how do you help me understand my finances?
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Why this works
Learning about their education approach helps you know how they'll help you become more financially literate and involved.
Choosing the Right Accountant
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Effective Accountant Selection
Ask for References
Request references from current clients to understand their experience and satisfaction with the accountant's services.
Understand Their Specialization
Look for accountants who specialize in your industry or situation to ensure they understand your specific needs.
Clarify Communication Expectations
Establish clear expectations about how and when you'll communicate to ensure a smooth working relationship.