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Questions
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During seminars that MaryAnn presents, new business owners frequently ask her how to interview for an accountant. First, ask people you know & whose opinion you respect for recommendations - these might be friends, neighbors, bankers, attorneys, etc. Then, call the accountants to set up a face-to-face meeting. Most accountants are happy to interview for up to an hour at no charge. (However, you should confirm that there will not be any charge when you request the meeting.)
Some questions you might want to ask at the meeting are as follows:
Are you accepting new clients?
What is your professional background? (e.g., CPA, college degree, enrolled agent)
To what professional organizations do you belong? (e.g., American Institute of CPAs, State Society of CPAs)
Do you specialize?
In what industries are your other clients?
What is your billing rate?
What types of software do you use?
What software do you recommend for my business?
How do I transmit my data files to you?
If you are interviewing a firm with multiple practitioners:
Who will be my main contact at your firm?
Who will be performing the day-to-day work? (MaryAnn encourages you to meet all team members if you hire the firm)
If you are interviewing a sole practitioner:
Do you have a contingency plan in place?
Will someone be available to assist you if the practitioner is out of the office for an extended period of time?
If there is a particular issue with which you need assistance, determine that the accountant has expertise in that area. |
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