7 Things Smart People Do When Hiring an Accountant

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7 Things Smart People Do When Hiring an Accountant
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• Dealing with finances is inevitable.
• Whether on behalf of a business or your family,
  at some point youll have to wade into the murky
  waters of taxes, accounting, or investments.
  Unless you like to memorize tax code for fun,
  its probably a good idea to hire an expert.
• So where do you start?
• Consider these seven tips when searching for that
  perfect accountant.

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• 1. Assess your needs.
• In the accounting arena, options abound. In order
  to find the right fit, determine your needs
  before you start looking.
• Do you simply want someone to file your taxes? Or
  are you looking for bookkeeping help for your
  business? Knowing your own parameters will
  automatically limit your search and make you more
  efficient as you research your options.

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• 2. Identify areas of expertise.
• Once youve figured out your own needs, youll be
  able to determine which type of accountant is the
  right fit.
• Accounting represents a range of accountant
  types and expertise. For example, graduating with
  an accounting degree, working as an accountant
  (non-CPA) at a firm, and earning the title of CPA
  are three very different things.
• To that end, make sure that the accountant youre
  choosing excels in the specific area you need,
  such as tax preparation.

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• And make sure that accountant is well qualified
  too. Believe it or not, you dont have to have
  any credentials to prepare tax returns.
• Your best bet is a CPA (Certified Public
  Accountant). To earn that title, an accountant
  must pass the four-part CPA exam, along with
  additional education and experience requirements.
• 3. Ask your friends.
• Once you know generally what kind of accountant
  youre looking for, check in with your friends
  and colleagues.

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• Before you start Googling for recommendations,
  reach out to people you know and trust who have
  had similar needs. Find out if they can recommend
  the right personor steer you away from the wrong
  one!
• 4. Check references and reviews.
• We live in a time of connection and transparency.
  Once youve identified several candidates, vet
  them thoroughly.

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• Ask your potential accountants for references
  from past and current clients. Although you know
  theyll give you the most positive ones, its a
  good test to see if a firm has treated people
  well, been trustworthy, and been proactive in
  gathering references.
• Also, check to see if they have any online
  reviews, but remember to take those with a grain
  of salt. Most people who leave reviews feel very
  strongly one way or the other.
• The majority of past clients will remain silent.

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• 5. Ask about availability.
• Your needs will determine what kind of
  availability you need from a potential
  accountant.
• Big accounting firms often provide more services,
  but can be less available, personable, and
  proactive.
• Smaller firms or independent contractors
  typically offer more directed attention and
  timely communication.

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• 6. Get a quote.
• Accounting fees and service costs can vary
  significantly professional accountants charge
  anywhere from 125 to over 400 per hour.
• As you match your needs with an accountant, be
  sure to ask about pricing early on in
  conversations.
• Make sure that you are comfortable with the cost
  and that you dont get saddled paying for
  services that are beyond your scope of need.

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• 7. Talk about tools.
• Accountants employ various types of accounting
  tools and software depending on their personal
  preferences and area of expertise. Be sure to ask
  about what kinds your potential accountants use.
  This will give you a better sense of their
  processes.
• Parting Thoughts
• Choosing the right accountant can be intimidating
  decision. As you wade through these murky waters
  of financial expertise, wed be happy to help you
  find your way, even if that means referring you
  elsewhere.

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• Culpepper CPA is a full-service tax, accounting,
  and business advisory firm. We view our clients
  as partners. By explaining options and bringing
  clarity to complex tax situations, we serve as
  advisors and enable you to make confident,
  tax-savvy decisions.
• At Culpepper CPA, we recognize the value of
  longevity in relationships and constantly look
  for ways to serve our clients with more
  personalized service and better results.
• Click here for more information about the
  Culpepper CPA team. Wed love to connect with you.

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• Culpepper CPA in Knoxville is a full-service tax,
  accounting business advisory firm based in
  Knoxville. We help our clients to make confident,
  tax-savvy decisions. Our accountants in knoxville
  TN began their careers in the fast-paced culture
  of global and national firms. We now believe in
  personalized advice and custom accounting
  solutions. If you are looking for knoxville
  accountant or bookkeeping services or tax
  services or payroll services in Knoxville TN,
  contact us today.