| It takes enormous amounts of time and effort to | | | | company? If most of the work is handled by |
| get organized and accurately keep track of your | | | | junior staff, make sure they are well supervised. |
| finances. To eliminate this pain, hire a Certified | | | | - How much interaction will you have with your |
| Public Accountant (CPA). A CPA is a trained | | | | CPA? If the meetings are much spaced out, how |
| financial professional that helps individuals or | | | | much attention will the CPA pay to your company |
| businesses organize and keep track of their | | | | in the interim? |
| financial records. | | | | - Does your CPA firm guarantee its work? |
| Besides tracking your finances, developing financial | | | | - Has your CPA passed the exams to gain the |
| statements and filing taxes, CPAs can also act as | | | | CPA designation? Does she have the license to |
| business advisors. They can create your budget | | | | practice in your state? |
| plans, prepare cash flow projects, advice on | | | | - Is your CPA a member of professional |
| investments and help secure business financing. | | | | organizations that ensure that their members |
| Many businesses hire CPAs to only file their taxes. | | | | follow a professional code of ethics and are |
| CPAs are trained to complete tax returns. They | | | | regularly reviewed for quality? Every country has |
| can help you organize tax documents and | | | | such professional organizations. For example in the |
| maximize deductions. | | | | US one such organization is American Institute of |
| How to hire a CPA? | | | | CPAs (AICPA). |
| Following is a list of things you need to keep in | | | | - Is it important for you to have regular face to |
| mind while selecting a CPA. | | | | face meetings with your CPA? If not then you |
| - Is your CPA familiar with your industry and its | | | | may also consider a non local CPA. There are |
| accounting standards? Ideally, she should have | | | | many firms that operate nationwide accounting |
| experience working with clients in a business like | | | | services and may assign a non-local CPA to you. |
| yours. | | | | - Have you checked the references and made |
| - Does your CPA have good relationships with | | | | sure they are happy with the service? |
| banks? If you are a growing business, your CPA | | | | How much does it cost to hire a CPA? |
| may be able to help you secure funding. | | | | Accounting service can be expensive. Before you |
| - Does your CPA have relationships with | | | | hire, compare price quotes from multiple Certified |
| attorneys? Any business can fall on hard times. | | | | Public Accountants and shortlist a few to |
| Your CPA may be able to help you find an | | | | interview. Ask your business associates and |
| attorney to negotiate with your creditors. | | | | friends for recommendations. |
| - How involved is the CPA going to be with your | | | | |