It is all about the numbers, right? Well, not really. When it comes to accounting for your business, not finding the right professional can land you in a whole lot of trouble, both financially and personally. As a small company, if you hire someone in-house you have to worry about human resources issues and a full-time salary, but if you outsource, how do you know that you will get the same individualized attention? Before just Googling “accounting firms in Charleston” and choosing the first company that appears, go the extra step to ensure that the firm you hire can do it all.
Experience
It doesn’t just take education to be the best accounting firm; it takes work in the field and hands-on experience. The accounting firm you hire should work in all areas of finance and accounting. And it is important to find one that has been exposed to a lot of difficult problem-solving situations. Yes, even accountants need to be innovative and think outside of the box at times. The more experience an accountant has across the board, the better equipped they are to handle anything that you throw at them.
Technology
Accounting isn’t just about inputting numbers into a program and counting receipts for the IRS. Choose an accounting firm in Charleston that is cutting-edge and one that stays current in accounting software. As a small business, you want to make sure that you are using all the data at your disposal about where your financials currently are. It isn’t just about what is coming in and what is going out. Financial analysis can help you to forecast day-to-day activities, plan everything from purchasing to staffing, and help you to develop a clear plan for the future of your company.
Reputation
Word of mouth is as important as the initials that accompany any accountant in the field. It isn’t enough to Google “accounting firms in the Charleston area” and choose whoever comes up first. To get the very best in accounting services, take the time to read online reviews and gauge what their customers’ experiences are. A business owner who is happy with their accounting firm will likely be very happy to voice their pleasure. On the other hand, if there have been problems in the past, unhappy customers can help you rule out who not to hire.
Education
Although it isn’t all about education, things in the tax code and other regulations change very quickly. And to ensure that you are compliant while also taking advantage of all the avenues you might have at your disposal, you want to hire an accounting firm that believes in continuing education. You also want to find a firm that is good at anticipating things that might come down the pipeline so that you aren’t caught off-guard. An accountant who is passionate about what they do will always be researching better and more efficient ways to deal with the financials of a small business. And they are the ones that you want on your side.
Small business owners who appreciate the wealth of knowledge that their financial data can provide to them should find a professional accounting firm that strives to make their information accessible through the use of technology, education, and a desire for customer satisfaction. Don’t simply Google “accounting firms in Charleston” and contact the first one that pops up; make sure that you are getting the best and most passionate professionals in the industry. At Current Accounting, we care greatly about the success of the businesses we serve. Contact us today to discuss how we can take your business to the next level.