Denver Accounting Services – How to Hire the Right Denver Accountant
Everyone knows that a great accountant is critical to long-term business success. However, all accountants are not created equally. Use this handy guide to help you select the accounting professional that is a perfect fit for you.
Consider These Factors When Interviewing Denver Accountants
Years of Experience
While your accountant does not need to have grey hair and thirty years under their belt, hiring an accountant fresh out of school is probably not a great fit for newer business owners. You are not hiring someone to merely crunch numbers, but to advise you on smart financial management. Experience counts when it comes to giving high level business advice. We recommend picking someone with at least five years of experience.
Type of Experience
While the tax laws and accounting rules may be the same, smaller businesses often need to make very different decisions than large corporations. If you own a new or relatively small business, using your friend that is a fancy corporate accountant may not be the best option. Select an accountant that has experience working with businesses of your size and, if possible, within a similar industry.
Services Offered
It may sound obvious, but make sure you select an accountant that offers the services you need. Each accountant has certain strengths and weaknesses or particular areas of focus. For example, if you really need help with payroll every two weeks, don’t hire an accountant who deals mostly with large company audits.
Certification
A certified public accountant (CPA) designation means that the person with whom you are speaking has completed a minimum level of education and pased rigorous tests to prove competency. Also, they must complete continuing education requirements to maintain their license. While there are many competent general accountants and bookkeepers, we recommend sticking with a CPA. Certain tax related issues require a CPA and when you go through DAS you can find one for a very reasonable price.
Fees
Obviously you want great service at the lowest possible price. Fees for accounting services vary greatly depending on the size and sophistication of the firm. For small businesses, we recommend sticking with solo CPAs or small local firms that meet the other criteria in this article. They tend to have less overhead and charge average to below average fees for quality work.
Recommendations
Just because someone has the right experience and seems to offer a fair price, it is always best to get a few recommendations and interview at least two or three accountants. The DAS network is a great place to set up free consultations with several pre-screened and recommended CPAs in Denver.
If things go the way you plan, you will work with your accountant for many years. Take the time to interview several and find one that fits not only your business needs but also your personal communication and working style. You will be richer for your efforts.
Set up free consultations with four, pre approved Denver CPAs now
