Are you searching for a new accountant? Here are five things to look for.
Many accountants are known for doing tedious but necessary work that others would rather not deal with - meticulously recording every penny spent and earned, preparing tax returns, keeping balance sheets and profit and loss accounts up to date, and generally immersing themselves in spreadsheets, statements and figures.
Accounting has a technical aspect that makes a professional accountant's skills and experience highly valuable. Developing financial expertise and being prepared to walk into the financial mire where others fear to tread are only part of the equation.
A talented and skilled accountant can add value to a business in many ways that go beyond bookkeeping. Choosing the right accountant can increase your team's planning, problem-solving, and overall business advisory skills. Saving money, improving financial efficiency, and increasing profits can all be benefits of this decision.
What should you look for in a new accountant? You should look for these five qualities.
1. Experience in the industry
In our experience, this is what separates straight-down-the-line bookkeeping services from firms like Zyla Accountants that want to become an integral part of your success. In every industry, every sector, and every business, there is something unique about it, and financial success depends on understanding and utilizing those characteristics. An accountant who understands your industry can provide you with tailored advice and solutions. You can gain insight into market trends as well as navigate industry-specific regulations with their help.
2. Taking a proactive approach
The best accountants don't sit around waiting to crunch numbers based on instructions from their clients. As professionals, they take pride not only in maintaining records of the financial past, but also in identifying areas of improvement and growth going forward. They make proactive recommendations as well. Accounting professionals can help your business save money, streamline financial processes, and explore growth opportunities.
3. Effective communication
In order for an accountant-client relationship to be successful, effective communication is essential. An accountant should be proactive when providing advice, especially if it requires sensitive conversations or significant changes. You can find evidence of quality and consistency of communication in client testimonials. Your accountant should be able to explain complicated financial matters clearly and understandably, who is tactful and collaborative in their approach, and who is responsive to your inquiries and provides timely updates without requiring prompting.
4. Knowledge of technology
New technologies are rapidly transforming the accounting industry. Using the latest accounting software and other digital tools has become an absolute necessity for top accountants. You can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and gain better insights into your business performance by understanding how to use the right technologies.
5. Services provided
Last but not least, we discussed how accountancy adds value beyond just bookkeeping. In order to get the job done right now, it's necessary to hire someone who can do it. If and when you need different services in the future, having other options available can save you from having to find another firm. Additionally, having people who already understand your business deliver complex services, such as financial auditing and corporate recovery, can be beneficial.
Zyla Accountants provides a comprehensive range of accounting, compliance, financial advisory, auditing, and tax services to small and large businesses. We can provide tailor-made, specific, proactive financial management support for businesses in many different industry sectors from startups, to established businesses and social enterprise.
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For more information about why you should choose Zyla Accountants, contact us today.