Hiring an accountant or CPA is one of the most important business decisions you'll make. Do it right, and they'll save you money for years. Screw it up, and you'll be cleaning up their mess forever. Here's how to find the right person for the job.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Don't just ask if they're licensed and insured. Ask to see the actual certificates. A legit CPA will have no problem showing you. Then call the issuing bodies to verify everything is current and valid. Anyone who balks at this is hiding something. You also want to know the limits of their liability coverage. You don't want to get stuck footing the bill if they mess up.
Experience & References Questions
Look, there's no substitute for real-world experience. Ask how long they've been in business and what kind of clients they typically work with. Big corporations have very different needs than small businesses. Get a few references and actually call them. Don't just take the CPA's word for it. Ask the references pointed questions about communication, competence, and whether they'd hire this person again.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Accountants and CPAs love to nickel and dime you. Get everything in writing upfront — hourly rates, project fees, even the cost of a simple phone call. And don't be afraid to negotiate. Remember, you're the customer. Also ask about their workload and availability. You don't want someone who's so booked they'll take forever to get to your stuff.
Contract Questions
Don't just sign whatever contract they give you. Read it carefully and make sure it covers things like scope of work, deadlines, revisions, and termination policies. You want an accountant who's willing to be held accountable. If they balk at any of your reasonable requests, that's a red flag. Keep looking.
Hiring the right CPA or accountant can save your business a ton of time and money. Do your homework, ask the tough questions, and don't settle. Check RatingsNearMe to see what other local businesses have to say about the CPAs and accountants in your area.