How To Find A Small Business Accountant: Useful Tips

Your business is growing, the sales are up and you’re on your way to the best year ever. This is an excellent announcement, however, what’s are the tax filing ramifications? And what about the financial goals you’ve set for the coming quarter? If you’re asking these questions, it’s the right time to consult a professional. Small-business accountants can help you navigate the maze of deductions hidden in forms, but they also give you solid advice on planning and projections. Find out the best way to locate a reliable small-business accountant.

What Can a Small-Business Accountant Do?

Small-business accountants are experts, typically Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Professional Bookkeepers, QuickBooks Specialist, Professional Tax Preparers, and Profit & Growth Expert. They have the expertise and know-how to assist business entrepreneurs to navigate their financial accounts. Based on the business’s size as well as the needs of the business, accountants might perform their work on a weekly or quarterly basis, or even an annual one. Although larger businesses typically have accounting professionals on their staff, smaller firms typically hire an accounting company or an independent accountant, who can provide the assistance they require.

How to Find an Accountant for Small Businesses

The search term “small business accountant” will yield thousands of results and trying to sort through all of them would be difficult. Begin by asking small-business owners whom they are confident with their finances. Once you’ve got several names, do some internet studies about their backgrounds and experiences and then read any reviews.

Small-business accountants who are reputable and reputable, as well as accounting firms, shouldn’t have any difficulty arranging an exploratory meeting with you to discuss your requirements and also offer a variety of references.

Essentials to Consider When Choosing an Accountant

In the beginning, you’ll need to decide what tasks you’d like an accountant to aid in, and the frequency you’ll need their assistance. Begin by creating an agenda of your priorities, identifying the items that require immediate attention and those which will have to be addressed in six months. You’ll then have decided if you’d like to collaborate with an individual accountant or with an accounting company. Whatever you decide, it is important to select an accountant who has many years of experience working with the type of small-scale company you run and with whom you are comfortable sharing confidential details.

Find an accountant who is an expert in your field

If your company’s majority of operations are carried out by cloud-based applications it is likely that you need the services of an employee adept in cloud computing.

This rule applies to any field, for example, if you need quality written work, you should contact professionals in your field. StudyCrumb can help everyone.

It’s even better if they have been associated with companies that operate in markets similar to yours, as they will be able to understand the unique needs of your business.

It is possible to determine if they cater to customers of larger scale.

In the event that they have, it is a great sign as you’ll know they will be able to keep up with your demands in the future.

If they do not, that is not a positive sign.

It is also possible to ask for a list of customers which includes details about the company’s total earnings and the employees they employ.

Find out how their former customers have developed and changed throughout the years, to get more insight into how they’ll be capable of meeting the ever-changing needs of your business.

Red Flags To Watch For

Their accountants appear ideal on paper, yet aren’t exactly what they appear to be. While unprofessional accounting isn’t an ideal thing, it could be devastating for small-scale businesses. You must be as vigilant as you can to ensure you are not working with a fraudster which includes conducting interviews with the person, asking for references and conducting background checks. It is also important to remain engaged in your accounting procedures and be aware of warning signs such as:

  • An accountant who advises you to not keep receipts
  • Signing checks or documents without knowing what they’re to be used for
  • The estimate you receive for the services you require until your refund from tax has been calculated
  • Communication ceases or is cut off completely

To summarize

If you decide to employ an accountant for small businesses it can cost you money however, it can help you save money in the end. If you don’t have an experienced bookkeeper, accountant or tax preparer who is up-to-current on tax laws you’ll likely be missing the deductions and other small-business benefits. When your business begins expanding, you’ll probably not have the time or expertise to keep track of your accounts.

If you’re only getting started in your business venture and do not have employees, starting off with accounting software that is reliable and a well-organized system is likely to get you through for a time. However, once the expansion process begins to begin, don’t put off finding an accountant who can keep your best interests at heart.

6 Steps to Successfully Starting a Business While Moving

Life can get complicated, especially when you’re trying to start and run your own business from home. If you live in an apartment or rental space that isn’t suitable for both living and working, you may have to move. Universal Accounting School shares six steps to successfully launch your home-based business in a new home.

1. Renting a Home

If you’re going to open up a shop in your home, ensure it’s suitable for living and working. Some homes aren’t conducive for working because they have no office space or they don’t have an appropriate layout. You need to understand your finances before signing on any dotted lines. Your purchase needs to fit within your budget. If you’d rather put money into your business rather than using it for a down payment, consider renting instead of buying. There are many homes available for rent—simply search online listings and use their filters to find the ideal rental.

2. Layout of Your Home Office

Home offices are typically small, meaning it’s essential that your home office has a specific layout that works for you. Think about how you want your desk space set up and how you want to decorate it. For example, if you have children or pets, you might want to keep your expensive computer equipment hidden away in an area where they’re unlikely to accidentally break it. Plants can bring life into your workspace and add a sense of calm.

3. Moving Tips

Make a moving checklist, and label boxes clearly before packing them up. That way, when it comes time to unpack, you can stack everything in its proper place without having to open every box first.  If you’re moving with pets, getting them comfortable in the new surroundings makes for an easier transition. Ensure your pet has had ample opportunity to explore your new home, so they don’t get freaked out by unfamiliar sights, sounds, or smells.

4. Starting Your Business in Your New Location

Once you purchase a property or sign a lease agreement, register your business with Google Business so local customers can find you online. Be sure to also check if you need permits or licenses in your new area. Depending on your business, you may be required to get a zoning permit or license from local authorities before getting started. When relocating your business, challenges are inevitable, but don’t let them get you down. If you plan well in advance, are organized, and take it step by step, challenges become opportunities for great success.

5. Benefits of Forming an LLC

A limited liability company affords liability protection and tax benefits. When you form an LLC, your personal assets are protected from business liabilities, so if your small business fails and you lose money, it won’t affect your home or car. Your LLC also gives you tax advantages. Each state has its own rules for creating an LLC, so check the requirements before proceeding.

6. Using Social Media to Market Your Business

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linkedin and Instagram are a powerful tool for marketing your business. By creating a page or profile for your business on one or more of these platforms, you can reach a wide audience of potential customers with minimal effort. In addition, social media allows you to interact directly with your customers, build relationships, and address any concerns they may have. Best of all, creating a social media presence for your business is generally free. Enhance your social media pages with an attractive banner. Banner templates are easy to use, and many are free. Once you’ve chosen a template, you can add your own copy, font, colors, and images. 

A Successful New Start

It’s possible to start your business successfully while you move. All you need is patience, planning, and creativity. Find a suitable home, begin the process of moving, register your business, and start marketing on social media to transition smoothly and start earning a profit. Universal Accounting School offers small business, tax, accounting, and bookkeeping online certification programs. Learn more about how you can get certified.