Top Five Things To Look For When Hiring A Public Accountant

If you want to avoid getting on the wrong side of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), then filing taxes correctly and on time is paramount. However, if you’re not savvy with crunching numbers, it’s best to outsource the process to a public accountant that has a specialization in preparing tax returns.

A public accountant has spent years studying accounting principles and mastering how to be frugal with people’s money. They are well versed with all the latest laws and have the financial acumen to manage periodical accounts for individuals, small companies, and corporations by balancing the books.

To help keep your books in order and make your search for the ideal professional a simpler task, we have created a list of the top five things to look for when hiring a public accountant.

1. Customer service
It would help if you looked for someone who delivers excellent customer service and inspires confidence in you. When you initially meet them, you will be able to tell if they have a friendly manner and an altruistic personality.

2. Trustworthiness
Liking the accountant enough to trust them is vital, as accountants are like general practitioners and will know almost everything about you. An excellent rapport must be nurtured from the onset so that the accounting process can become fun and straightforward to undertake for both parties.

3. Availability
You should feel confident that the accountant will be readily available to answer your questions in a timely fashion, by phone or email. Also, check if they are flexible to meet you at times that fit into your busy schedule.

4. Good listener
They must be good listeners and understand your concerns regarding your financial situation. You must find out if they will go beyond just filing taxes, to providing specialist knowledge that will highlight more significant insights to enhance your business.

5. Attention to detail
It’s best to choose someone who pays attention to detail. The accountant may be meeting banks or the government on your behalf, so you will want your position presented most articulately.

If you’re looking for a chartered professional accountant in Concord, Ontario, reach out to James Curran CPA CA. I have been practicing accountancy since 1981, and have worked with various types of clients. My accounting services include public accounting, tax compliance, and business advisory.

My services are available across Concord, Vaughan, Aurora, North York, King Township, Richmond Hill, and the surrounding areas.

To learn more about the services I offer, please click here. To get in touch with me, please click here.