Selecting an Accountant

• Does he or she specialize in small businesses of my size? Some firms specialize in and look for large clients.
• Does he or she adequately understand my business and its unique problems?
• Does he or she specialize in income taxes?
• Are other local business people familiar with this accountant?
• Has he or she received positive recommendations from my peers in the business community?
• Did the accountant explain the fee structure to me? Am I comfortable with it?
• Am I comfortable using this person as a business advisor?

Some accountants seek a professional designation to set themselves apart from others. Certified Public Accountants have attained the "CPA" title by passing a rigorous examination covering accounting, business law, auditing, and taxes. A CPA is required to have a college degree (or a high level of work experience), and must meet an annual continuing education requirement. The CPA license is administered in every state by some type of state licensing board. A CPA must abide by a code of professional ethics as administered by a state board of accountancy. Many small business owners are more comfortable choosing a CPA as their accountant because, as a rule, they feel it assures them a high level of professional co...