What to Look for When Hiring an Accountant: Key Qualities and Questions

The disadvantage of business leaders indulging in accounting activities pertains to the division of attention that the same takes away from duties that bring in revenue, and doing just enough payroll isn’t exactly the best practice to set one up for financial success in the long run. After all, the business lives and dies by the finances. 

Getting a professional accountant is so much fun! Sure, it cannot be very safe initially, but every time it’s known what to look for and find a wonderful accounting solution for the business, it’s exhilarating. When an expert can take on the bulk of the company’s finance management, the owner will inevitably spend more time on other aspects of the entrepreneurial role. Hence, check the information below when looking for a tax accountant in Columbus, OH.

Some necessary questions to consider while looking for an accountant

To know if the candidate is suited for the job, there are ten questions that one should ask candidates when making the hiring decision. 

• What is the number of years of experience in Business?

More experience is generally better, particularly if the accountant has been exposed to businesses within the industry and size. It is very important to request references from similar clients. 

• Who Will Handle the Tax Work? 

The next important question is who will be handling the tax-related issues, as they are one of the confidential aspects of the business. So, whether it is the main accountant that one has been working with or will it go to one of the accountants? Just know who is looking after the books and who will look after them. 

• What are the Common Issues in the Industry? 

If the above does not clearly indicate that equally creates doubt, then one can ask the auditor “What are the common issues in the industry?”. The reason is that it is the most professional question that can help assess the accountant. Accountants have a better track over the industry. An expert accountant must be able to provide future analytics about upcoming issues, especially related to industry-specific issues, which can safeguard the business. 

• How to Achieve Queries?

Can I get in touch by calling or emailing each time there is a concern, or do I need to set up an appointment beforehand?  

• Please describe the Tax Planning Style.

Tax planning seems very individualistic as it does not have the same features for everyone. For instance, should one prefer aggressive business deductions or calculated risks? 

Such styles and decisions need to be considered by accountants when preparing taxes and advising on tax matters. 

Key Qualities of an Accountant  

Accountant responsibilities differ widely from industry to industry or even according to the accountant’s role and position. Some of their common-day duties are: 

• Managing the financial transactions 

• Regularly updates the books and has recorded the details accurately.

• Payment of taxes and issuance of refunds

• Compilation of financial reports 

• Advising in all financial matters 
• Quarterly and yearly forecasting and accounting of financial risk factors

Conclusion 

One of many attributes that should be considered when bringing in new tax and accounting professionals as part of the company is the record of qualifications as an independent quality. He will fit into the existing team yet add something new for himself.

Another big topic that is often overlooked is diversity and inclusion. The best accounting teams span the seniority spectrum- from entry-level analysts to the highest senior partner. After all, a melting pot of different people, experiences, skills, and viewpoints leads to the most creative and comprehensive problem-solving.