Working in the world of finance and accounting for many years, Jay Jensen is knowledgable in helping individuals find the right CPA services for their exact needs.
Finding an experienced accountant, who is ready to tackle your business needs, can be a long and daunting task, especially when there are so many options available. It is important to shop around and find an accountant that is going to suit your company and be able to improve your productivity and success. Although interviewing a hoard of accountants can be a tiresome process, it can be made simpler if you ask prospective candidates the right questions. Here are 8 essential questions Jay Jensen has developed throughout his career to help choose the best candidate for you.
How long have you been a Certified Public Accountant?
You will want an accountant with a history and experience helping small businesses. They need to understand the challenges you face and be able to guide you through the more complicated accounting tasks. Jay Jensen has been a CPA for over 20 years.
Do you have any references?
It is important to hear from other companies that the accountant or firm you are considering are really capable of the task. If they can’t provide any contact for someone who is willing to review their services, then they may not be worth becoming involved with.
How do you communicate with your clients?
You need to establish whether or not you prefer regular face to face meetings or are predominantly going to communicate electronically. It is essential that you choose an accountant that will meet your needs and provide the right amount of assistance.
Will my account be handled by one accountant?
It can be highly frustrating being passed from pillar to post for a simple query. It is better for you to liaise with one individual in order to form trust and create a union between your company and the accountancy firm. Call centre based firms can be vexing as you become locked in an accounting hamster wheel.
How do you calculate your fees?
Some accountants charge by the hour while others have a fixed-fee. You need to be clear what method of payment is going to work best for you. If you are a more hands-on business owner, an hourly fee may serve better as you will not be providing as much work for the accountant but if you are considering handing all of your books over to your accountant then a fixed fee may prove more cost effective.
Are you open all year round?
Some accounting agencies only open for the tax season. While this could suit some, it is not always beneficial for business owners who require year round assistance.
Why should I hire you?
The answer to this question can set one candidate above the others. You will want to hear a logical and well thought out response that assures you you have found the right CPA.