Three Questions to Ask Before Hiring a CPA

When hiring a CPA, it is important that you know exactly what you’re getting into before you allow a CPA to step in and begin to run your company’s finances. Oftentimes people make the mistake of simply hiring the first CPA they can come into contact with before taking the time to carefully determine whether that particular CPA is right for their business.

Before your company takes on the huge responsibility of hiring a CPA here are just a few questions you can ask along the way:

Do You Have Experience Working With Small Businesses In My Industry?

While this may seem like a no brainer, it’s important to always ask CPAs about the experiences they have with small businesses in your industry. Asking this question will not only give you insight on how well the CPA works but it will also show if they have enough expertise to handle you as a client.

What Types of Accounting Services Do You Offer?

One size doesn’t have to fit all when it comes to accounting services and in most cases it doesn’t. Being clear on what types of accounting services your CPA offers could save you not only time but money. If the CPA you are interviewing doesn’t offer the services you need, you may need to search for someone else to hire.

How Much Do You Charge?

Every CPA doesn’t charge the same amount and so you may want to check that you can actually afford the CPA you are thinking about hiring. Before you turn down a CPA because of a high price, ask your CPA how much they charge hourly, via a proposal or via a structured rate. You may not be able to hire them hourly but you may be able to afford one of their a la carte services if you ask.

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