Choosing a CPA to handle your personal or business accounting needs is a tricky business. Turning over your financial records and personal information to someone you’ve just met requires an immense amount of faith. How do you decide who to trust?
Integrity
Picking a CPA or CPA firm whom you can trust is key, but it’s hard to know where to start. The United CPA Association keeps an up-to-date directory of its member firms along with data and statistics about each. Founded on the principles of consumer protection, among other ideals, it’s a great place to look for a stamp of approval for a trustworthy company.
Experience
Not every CPA has the right experience for your personal or company needs. Asking the right questions of potential firms is important so that you know the person you hire knows how to help you. If an inexperienced CPA is assigned to your account, make sure there is a more experienced auditor with oversight responsibilities.
Licenses and Degrees
Becoming a CPA requires both passing a test and gaining accounting experience. Do not be shy about asking about what kind of training and certifications the potential hire has. It would be worse to find out after the fact that they can’t perform the tasks you need.
Finding a great accountant is well worth the upfront work. Learning which questions to ask and where to look is crucial if don’t want to go through the process more than once. Trust, experience and proper licensure should all be considered.