How To Find An Accountant For Your Business

It would be easy for us to say “choose Black and White Accounting for all your accounting needs”, but before we jump to that inevitable conclusion, it is worth a look at what makes a good accountant and the things you should consider for your business. Perhaps we are right for you, or perhaps not – either way, we are here to help. It’s what gets us up in the morning…

Online or Local Accountants

For most small businesses looking to find an accountant for the first time, it’s a lot more than simply having someone sort out your tax returns. An accountant often becomes a substantial part of your working experience; acting as confidante, advisor and friend. That doesn’t have to be the case, of course, and if you simply want someone to sort out the figures and otherwise be invisible, then your accountant can certainly do that, too!

But it should be your choice. In the world of internet communications and video conferencing, there’s no real need for an accountant that is local to you; but for many businesses, that personal touch makes all the difference.

No matter where your accountant is based, current software means a good accountant will be able to help you in every aspect of your business remotely, from logging receipts for expenses to discussing the finer points of your annual profit.

So, local or online – it really is a personal choice.

Accounting Accreditations

In the UK, anyone can call themselves an accountant, but there’s a vast difference between a chartered accountant with the appropriate qualifications and full understanding of tax law, and someone with a copy of excel and a polished LinkedIn profile!

It is extremely important that you check the credentials of your accountant. In the UK there are four main bodies that provide certification for accountants, so look for these and, if in doubt, ask! Professional accountants will always be able to provide you with their credentials and will never find a query regarding their accreditation disrespectful. They have spent years doing exams and even longer gaining relevant experience.

• ACA – Associate Chartered Accountant: A business diploma from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) that is well regarded around the world.
• ACCA – Associate Chartered Certified Accountant: The official qualification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), this certification is held by our own Jon Mills, Managing Director of Black and White Accounting.
• CA – similar to the ACA above but awarded by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland.
• CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountant: Focussed on business accountancy, CIMA qualified individuals often work as a business accountant rather than independent accountants but are full qualified in both areas.

Also check the accounting firm to see that they are a member of the Association of International Accountants (AIA) or Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA).

If you have any unresolved doubts about your potential accountant’s credentials, it is far better to walk away and find an alternative than become tied to someone without the relevant knowledge and training.

Existing Client Portfolio and Experience

It doesn’t hurt to ask your prospective accountant about their current clients to see if they are used to handling people in a similar situation to yourself. If you are a small one-man band, then a firm that only has large businesses on their books is probably a poor fit; similarly, in reverse. Look for an accountant who understands your business and can talk confidently about issues that affect you. Also check, do they offer a full suite of Accounts & Tax, Book Keeping & Payroll, Business Planning and Software Training?

Accountant Recommendations

If you know other business owners, then talk to them about their experiences with accountants. Good accountants will retain their clients for many years, and those happy clients will usually be more than happy to recommend the service they receive. Word of mouth is always the best source to find your next accountant.

Trust Yourself

Have an initial meeting with a potential accountant, whether in person or virtually, and get to know them. Like anyone you plan to work with for a long time to come, interviewing your accountant provides you with a personal interaction and will help you form an initial opinion of them and their services. Do you walk away from that first meeting invigorated and thinking of all the ways your life will be made easier by them, or are you unsure, finding there were small things that put you off? You do not have to jump on board with the first accountancy firm you meet with; it is a relationship that will become very important to your business so it is one you will want to get right.

Your perfect accountant will click with you, so if you are not getting those positive vibes, consider saying thanks, but no thanks, and looking for an alternative.

Discuss Your Business

Some accountants are proactive, others are happy to just do the minimum required and complete a tax return when relevant.

Your business will benefit from a driven and engaged accountant who offers suggestions as to how you can grow and improve; someone who helps you think about your options and makes recommendations such as software that might improve your administration, or ways to streamline your operation.

Again, this is something that will come out in an initial meeting; discuss your business and see if it sparks the accountant, if it doesn’t then maybe you’re not quite right for them!

Be Wary of Boasts

There are many ways an accountant can help your business, but anyone who boasts about helping you evade tax is not someone you want to be working with. There’s a vast difference between properly utilising tax advantages you might be entitled to, and illegal tax evasion – and remember, it’s ultimately you who will end up in trouble with the tax office!

A good accountant has no need to boast or impress you with outlandish claims; avoid those that offer miracles. As they say, if it’s too good to be true…

Why Choose Black and White Accounting?

Here are ten simple reasons we think you should consider us as your Accountants:

1. We work however you want to work; we understand you, your requirements and can ensure you get what you need from your Accountants;
2. We offer a free initial meeting, to get to know you, your business and understand how we can best support you;
3. We offer bespoke fixed fees, so there are no nasty surprises. We will only charge you additional fees to the agreed amount, if the service is extra to the agreed scope and the amount is agreed with you in advance;
4. We are happy for you to spread the costs over 12 months by Direct Debit or Standing Order [Hyperlink to follow], so you don’t have to pay any lump sums for our services through the year;
5. We have an experienced, professional and friendly team, who are ready and keen to support you. We are not your traditional accountants. We don’t have stuffy offices, hide behind secretaries and big desks, we have personality and are easily contactable;
6. You can have a single main point of contact, so you only have one person you speak to about any assistance you need with your business. Our advice is also tailored to your specific needs as they would know you and your business, so be best place to advise you;
7. Whilst we embrace modern technology, we also have two beautiful offices. This is because we believe face-to-face is best as our business is all about relationships. We are happy to communicate using any of the usual mediums of course, be it telephone, mobile, email, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or whatever you prefer.
8. However, we are also happy to come to you, or meet you somewhere in between. The key thing is you are able to be open and honest with us, so we can best help you;
9. We aim to be a one-stop shop for all your needs. If you need help with something, ask; and
10. When you sign up with us, it’s not just our great team you are connecting with. In the rare event that we are not able to help directly, we can put you in touch with someone in our network to support you, one of our Strategic Partners. We ensure we have great people waiting in the wings to assist you, if and when you need it, along your business journey.

Don’t just take our word for it however, here are a few customer testimonials [insert hyperlink].

Call Black and White Accounting

Of course, we believe that we’re right for your business! But you know best. To find out more, why not email us, complete the ‘Got a Question’ form on the right hand side, or call us today on 0800 140 4644. We look forward to hearing from you.