Did you know that in 2020, the global market for accounting services was worth $544.06 billion?

As a small business owner, you wear many hats. Simply put, you’re the one responsible for keeping your company afloat.

When finding your firm’s accounting services, you can’t entrust it to anyone. Sure, there are other accountants and bookkeepers, but how can you trust any of them?

To ensure that you have the right professional on your team, read on to find out what questions you should ask before hiring an accounting service.

1. What Services Do They Offer?

When hiring an accountant, asking what services they can offer is essential. Many accounting services provide tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll processing, financial planning, and accounting consulting. Make sure any prospective service can offer the same accounting services you need for your business.

Quality services keep customer data secure and confidential. Additionally, understand their billing practices. Some accounting services charge for assistance by the hour, while others may have a flat fee for certain services.

2. What Resources Do They Have?

Understanding what resources an accounting services provider has is an important question to ask before signing a contract. Their size and the services they offer can tell you a lot about what they can provide your business.

Ask them directly what resources they have, such as staff members and technology. If you are looking for financial advice, you may need the help of a professional accountant.

3. What Is Their Cost Structure?

It is essential to ask what their cost structure is. Knowing the different services and fees you can expect from the accounting provider is necessary to ensure you receive the best value for your money.

Finding upfront price points for services such as payroll, bookkeeping, tax preparation and filing, and other accounting services will help you budget and make an informed decision. 

4. What Support System Do They Have in Place?

A great question is what kind of support system they have in place. This could include a range of topics, such as whether they have a help desk available by phone or email, their response time to client requests, or online resources that can help you manage your accounts.

You also want to make sure they can provide you with a single point of contact for any queries or concerns. Learning about the reference materials and educational aids they provide is also pertinent, as you want to make well-informed decisions regarding your business’s accounting system.

Ultimately, the level of support a firm provides is an integral part of ensuring that the accounting services you’ve hired suit the needs of your business.

5. How Experienced Are Their Professionals?

Choosing an accounting firm with certified and experienced accounting professionals is essential. It allows you to maximize the value of your investment. 

Ask about their certifications, like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Ask about their experience in taxation, financial reporting, and unified auditing. Ask about their experience with accounting software and their client base.

Choose the Best Accounting Services

Knowing the right questions to ask before you hire accounting services for your business can help ensure that your financial needs are accurately and professionally managed. Researching and questioning potential firms will ensure that you make the best decision to fit your company’s needs. 

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