How Often Should You Meet With Your Business Accountant?

Hiring a business accountant is smart for any business owner, especially for small businesses. Experienced CPAs can help with everything from business planning and networking to long-term tax planning and bookkeeping. There are many different types of business accounting software to take advantage of, in addition to seeking professional help from a business accountant. Having an experienced accountant on your side can help so many aspects of your small business, especially with regard to taxes. This article will explore the benefits of hiring a business accountant and how often you should meet with them, as well as:

• What do business accountants do?
• What are the qualifications necessary for a good business accountant?
• How do you choose the right accountant?
• How often should you meet with your business accountant?
• What are the best options for business accounting software?

What Does A Business Accountant Do?

Before considering hiring or meeting with a business accountant, you’ll need to clearly understand what they do and their services. Depending on the size and scope of your business, your accountant will have various roles and responsibilities. Business accountants can do everything from examining your company’s finances to ensuring your taxes are paid correctly and on time. They will notify you of increasing tax rates and problems like disappearing inventory and point out growth potential. Investing in a business accountant is an investment in your business because it will become a valuable asset to you and help your company grow. Here are some of the other responsibilities of business accountants:

• Examine your company’s finances.
• Prepare financial statements and reports.
• Ensure financial data is correct.
• Provide bookkeeping services.
• Identify tax deductions you're entitled to take.
• Maintain your cash flow.
• Recognize problems like disappearing inventory, increased costs, or customers who haven’t paid on time.
• Identify potential growth areas by analyzing cash flow patterns, pricing, inventory management, and business financing types.
• Put together the financial reports you need to get investments and loans.
• Prepare your tax returns.
• Help with long-term tax and business planning.

Business Accountant Qualifications

Every accountant must meet a certain number of qualifications to work legally. These qualifications will vary depending on what kind of accountant your business needs. Accounting clerks need a high school diploma and some on-the-job training, while accountants require a bachelor’s degree in accounting. A CPA needs to have an accounting degree and additional certifications. When hiring a business accountant, you’ll want to ensure they have other credentials, too. They should have a great understanding of accounting software, tax laws, and business management.

The first step in choosing the right accountant is looking for candidates. You should avoid searching solely on the internet; instead, meet people in person to get a better feel for them. One reliable source for finding an accountant is the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, which has a license verification directory of CPAs. This is a trusted way to find a business accountant who has the proper credentials for the job. If you prefer to hire a female accountant, check out the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance to find a trusted female CPA.

Another great way to find a good business accountant is by word of mouth. Ask your fellow small business owners, family, and friends, to see if they know of any good accountants that would be right for your company. Finding a CPA to help with your business’s needs shouldn’t be hard.

Meeting With Your Business Accountant

Determining how often to meet with your business accountant will depend on your company's size and what you’d like the accountant to do for your business. Prices will vary by area, so knowing how much you’ll be charged for the accountant’s work is crucial. Some businesses are large enough to have a staff accountant to help them with daily tasks. The median salary for this position is $70,500 per year.

If you’d like an accountant to check your finances quarterly and assist you during tax season, you will get by with an independent accountant or by working with an accounting firm. Most accountants will charge anywhere from $100 to $275 per hour. Your business accountant should be available to review your finances regularly, not just at tax time. However, extra time may be needed to prepare for your company’s taxes. There is no clear answer as to how frequently you should meet with your business accountant, but rather it’s something that you can discuss with them to work out a plan that will best suit your company.

Business Accounting Software

Even if they use a business accountant, most businesses still need to utilize business accounting software for their business to run. Business accounting software can help you manage your finances, prepare for tax payments, understand how expenses affect profitability, and let you know if you can afford new hires or costs. The software helps businesses know when to invest in new equipment or technology and verify if their budget allocation is accurate. There are several options to choose from when it comes to business accounting software, including:

• Quickbooks Online
• FreshBooks
• Xero
• Sage
• LessAccounting
• Kashoo

Benefits of Hiring a Business Accountant

Much like hiring a business lawyer takes away legal worries, hiring an accountant will help you grow your company without worrying about financial matters. You will be able to focus on developing your business for the future, with the added benefit of having someone who will give great financial advice and ensure your company’s finances are always in order. Approaching finances and taxes as a new business owner can be challenging, but with a business accountant on hand, you will be prepared to face whatever challenges are thrown at you.