Top Five Things To Look For When Hiring A Chartered Professional Accountant

A chartered professional accountant (CA) is an individual or firm specializing in accounting and financial reports preparation to ensure compliance with all regulations set by the state revenue service. chartered professional accountants (CPA) are additionally able to represent a taxpayer before the IRS.

With the rapid rise of the internet and cloud accounting software, we can access comprehensive online accounting and tax filing solutions. This being said, if we don’t know how to use them effectively, they are pointless. A proficient chartered professional accountant or CPA will have an in-depth understanding of accounting and the software you need to run your business the right way and make sure you are always compliant with IRS (Internal Revenue Service) guidelines. 

To help you avoid some basic errors that could prove costly, Saklas & Co., CPAs has put together a list of the top five things to look for when hiring a chartered professional accountant. 

1. Experience and expertise in your specific business
Not every business’s accounts and tax is filed the same way. Finding a CA or a CPA with prior experience in your field of work is a precious advantage as they know all accounting practices related to your business and can be counted upon to keep your books in order and your business above board with the IRS. An experienced accountant or CPA typically has a longstanding reputation of success that can be relied upon when things get tough.

2. Available and responsive when needed
In most cases, time is generally of the essence when it comes to accounting and tax issues. If not dealt with in a timely and appropriate manner, accounting problems can build up and adversely affect your business’s running. Choosing a chartered professional accountant that is approachable and responsive to any queries and questions you may have is sure to set your mind at ease and handle your accounts as if they were their own.

3. Proactive
Accounting for both large and small businesses is a task that takes consistent work and diligence. However, an equally important aspect of accounting is the ability to see problems before they arise and handle them accordingly. A proactive approach to accounting will not just keep your business running like clockwork. It also has the added benefit of making tax planning possible while guaranteeing you have no issues filing your tax returns.

4. Reliability
There is probably nothing more essential to your business than a reliable and proficient CPA or chartered professional accountant. While the technical proficiency of a CPA is sometimes hard to gauge, reliability can be deduced from online reviews and by talking to people who have worked with them. The ability to completely hand over your business accounting needs, with the knowledge they will all be taken care of, is extraordinarily valuable and should be sought after. 

5. A willingness to learn
The field of business and accounting is ever-changing and requires a genuine learning attitude. Additionally, no one knows everything about all aspects of your business or every rule in accounting. Choosing an accounting firm that is happy to take the time to understand your business and willing to learn and accept new challenges is wise as you can be ensured your business is in good hands. 

If you’re looking for a Chartered Professional Accountant in Surrey, BC, reach out to Saklas & Co., CPAs. We are a locally owned chartered accounting firm satisfying the needs of businesses and individuals since 1996. We help clients with bookkeeping, year-end preparation, tax planning and consulting to help them build business value. 

Our Services Include business succession planning, compilation and reviews, Quickbooks Advisor, Canadian tax returns and certificates of compliance for non-residents, estates and trusts tax planning and business consulting. We serve clients across Surrey, Langley, White Rock, Delta, Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Fort Langley and Cloverdale.

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