Thankfully, we live in a world that’s finally beginning to accept we should only keep things in our life that serve us. Great relationships, fulfilling friendships, a job with purpose – they’re what you deserve.
However, some things just take longer for us to quality-check. Maybe it’s your bank, your phone plan, or the place you get your Friday night takeaway*. Whatever it is, it might be easier to let something roll on year after year but what if you could have had it so much better all along?
Sometimes, it pays to do a stock check on your own suppliers and here’s why your accountant should be at the top of the list.
Audition potential accountants
If you’re a Type A, ambitious hustler who wants to triple profits or a content creator juggling invoices and payments from social platforms, there are accountants who work specifically in those fields.
If you’re a family-focused creative business owner who loves to give back to the community, there’s someone for you too (hi, that’s probably us!). There are accountants for every type of business and it literally pays to know that.
Owners who hire their accountant based on their business needs and values will vastly improve the performance of their business. A good partnership creates an awesome synergy altering the way your business looks in the future.
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’ve made the decision to change accountants. This is a great first step – well done! Now it’s time to find the one who’s right for you. Here’s a few questions to guide you to the right accountant for you and your business.
Accountant check-list
- Do your values and attitudes match up?
If you’re an altruistic, community-focused business owner, you’re probably not going to get the service you need from a suited-up corporate centric firm. Write down what is important to you (like sustainability, growth, your team or family) and ask for their values in return.
- Do they have clients in similar industries?
This is important, it means they will be familiar with what you need and how to provide you with the very best service and tax knowledge. Now is not the time for square peg, round hole.
- Why do you want to change accountants?
This is a good question to ask yourself. What’s getting on your nerves with your current accountant? The answer will best educate you on what to look for and what you really want. Make a list and ask questions about the processes most important to you.
- Check to see if they’re interested in you.
Are you just another client? Make sure they’re inquisitive and interested in your business before they add you to their list of clients. This is your livelihood, one of the things most precious to you, go with someone who recognises that and wants to know more.
- Make sure they’re a straight shooter.
Trust us, you want to make sure your business is in the hands of someone you can rely on. You’re not looking for someone who can find tax loopholes, you’re looking for someone who knows the numbers, tax codes and software inside out so you’re only spending what you need to. A good accountant will also have your interests at heart, and they won’t take on your business if you’re not a good fit. A great accountant will suggest someone better suited to your needs.
- Make a shortlist.
Don’t just go with the first one, have a list of options you can choose from. Talk to a few contacts and get recommendations from business owners within your industry and call around. Get some quotes. If you’re going to go through this process, use the opportunity and arm yourself with choice!
What do I do after I’ve found my new accountant?
When you’ve found a new accountant (congrats!) you’ll need to inform your old one. This is called professional clearance and it’s standard protocol. Don’t worry, it’s super easy and doesn’t take long, you can find out what you need to do here. We also give you a template you can use.
Put us to the test.
Of course, you can try out the above on us to see if we’re a good match! We’re always happy to chat things through and show you how we do things at Fearless Financials. You’ll notice some good questions in there because we want to work out if you’re a good fit for us too. Check the How We Work page on our website and get in touch through the Get Started form.
*pssst…we’re all about supporting local businesses. If you’re looking for something new and delicious to try in Glasgow, we recommend trying out Errol’s Hot Pizza, Sacred Tum Tacos, Sunny Acre (all southside) or Set! Cafe Bar (at Tron Theatre, City Centre). And, if you want a really special meal, check out Big Counter on Victoria Road (near Eglinton Toll).