With over 15 years\u2019 experience of working with clients from a wide variety of sectors, we knew she\u2019d have plenty of valuable insights to share with us \u2014 and she didn\u2019t disappoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Isabella Christie\u2019s top three tips for finding the right accountant for your business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Remember it\u2019s about more than just research; it\u2019s about a relationship<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOf course it\u2019s important to do your research, ask for recommendations, read through websites and check qualifications. But do remember that most accountants will have the technical knowledge you need, and it\u2019s far more important to focus your search on something a bit deeper: finding someone you can build a relationship with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After all, you\u2019re looking for someone who\u2019ll help you make financial decisions. It\u2019s your money, your livelihood \u2013 you have to have a rapport with your accountant; you have to be able to trust each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, rather than just firing off an email to a potential new accountant asking for a quote, have a chat with them. See how interested they are in you and your job, see what kind of vibe you get from them. And don\u2019t immediately dismiss them if they haven\u2019t worked with someone exactly like you before, particularly if they seem interested in getting a deeper understanding of what your business is all about and what you\u2019re trying to achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Be upfront about what you need<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEstablishing a great relationship with your accountant often boils down to whether you\u2019re each meeting the expectations of the other, so it pays to be upfront about what you need right from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tell your prospective accountant what you liked about previous accountants and what you\u2019ve been unhappy with, and be clear about how you like to work too. One of the reasons we love working with Clear Books accounting software<\/a> is that many of our clients just aren\u2019t up for doing a bunch of paperwork or sitting in front of a screen for hours; we need a system that\u2019ll make things super easy for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo have a think about how you like to keep your own paperwork, how much hand-holding you like, and how you respond to deadlines. Be sure to share information on things like how well you understand the tax system, on which bank accounts you\u2019re using and what your needs are in terms of business vehicles and mileage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have all of that info ready to share with the accountants you\u2019re considering, you\u2019re far more likely to find a great personality match and someone who can provide the level of interaction you\u2019re looking for, whether you just need an accountant you can check in with once a year or you\u2019re looking for someone who\u2019ll be far more hands-on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to share the fact that you\u2019re still using a personal bank account rather than a business one, or that you know next to nothing about how your income tax will be calculated \u2014 your accountant isn\u2019t there to judge you, they\u2019re there to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Be wary of accountants\u2019 fees that seem too cheap<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPeople tend to get hung up on fees and focus on getting value for money, which is entirely understandable. However, if something\u2019s too cheap, there\u2019s usually a reason why. That said, going with the most expensive option doesn’t guarantee you great service either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask around to find out what other business owners are paying their accountants \u2014 it\u2019s good to have a rough idea about general pricing before going in. If an accountant seems to be on the dearer side of things, be sure to ask what you\u2019re getting in return. Be aware that the more complex your requirements, the more you\u2019re likely to have to pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Different accountants charge in different ways, such as offering a flat rate or billing hourly, so be sure to clarify payment terms before signing any contracts. And, as always, have a good chat with your prospective accountant and ask questions to check that you\u2019re both on the same page about what you need from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"accountancy\"](\"https:\/\/www.clearbooks.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Choosing-the-right-accountant-blog-\u2013-image-2.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThree red flags to look out for when choosing an accountant:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n- First impressions: If you are not comfortable with something then listen to your gut instinct.<\/li>
- How do they conduct themselves? Do they actually care about your business? And are they willing to get into the nuts and bolts of how you operate? Or are they just there to crank out numbers?<\/li>
- Is there something super specific to your industry that they either don\u2019t know about or don\u2019t care enough to know about, even though it\u2019s a vital part of how you do business?<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
The bottom line? Your accountant should be a partner to you in your business and that only comes when you\u2019re a good fit for each other, when you\u2019re on the same page about how your relationship works, and when you take the time to find the right person for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to Isabella for taking the time to provide such great advice \u2014 whether you\u2019re looking for your first ever accountant, or you\u2019re ready to make a switch to someone more attuned to your business needs, we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll find her tips invaluable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ICW Accountancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Isabella is a Director at ICW Accountancy<\/a>, a family-run business based in Lanark which prides itself on its strong, efficient, experienced and friendly team. ICW Accountancy provide tax advisory services for small businesses, working to establish relationships with their clients by getting to know their business aims and understand their concerns so that they can offer focused advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can find out more about the work Isabella does with her own clients here<\/a>. You never know, she might just be your perfect match!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course it\u2019s important to do your research, ask for recommendations, read through websites and check qualifications. But do remember that most accountants will have the technical knowledge you need, and it\u2019s far more important to focus your search on something a bit deeper: finding someone you can build a relationship with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After all, you\u2019re looking for someone who\u2019ll help you make financial decisions. It\u2019s your money, your livelihood \u2013 you have to have a rapport with your accountant; you have to be able to trust each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, rather than just firing off an email to a potential new accountant asking for a quote, have a chat with them. See how interested they are in you and your job, see what kind of vibe you get from them. And don\u2019t immediately dismiss them if they haven\u2019t worked with someone exactly like you before, particularly if they seem interested in getting a deeper understanding of what your business is all about and what you\u2019re trying to achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Be upfront about what you need<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEstablishing a great relationship with your accountant often boils down to whether you\u2019re each meeting the expectations of the other, so it pays to be upfront about what you need right from the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tell your prospective accountant what you liked about previous accountants and what you\u2019ve been unhappy with, and be clear about how you like to work too. One of the reasons we love working with Clear Books accounting software<\/a> is that many of our clients just aren\u2019t up for doing a bunch of paperwork or sitting in front of a screen for hours; we need a system that\u2019ll make things super easy for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo have a think about how you like to keep your own paperwork, how much hand-holding you like, and how you respond to deadlines. Be sure to share information on things like how well you understand the tax system, on which bank accounts you\u2019re using and what your needs are in terms of business vehicles and mileage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have all of that info ready to share with the accountants you\u2019re considering, you\u2019re far more likely to find a great personality match and someone who can provide the level of interaction you\u2019re looking for, whether you just need an accountant you can check in with once a year or you\u2019re looking for someone who\u2019ll be far more hands-on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to share the fact that you\u2019re still using a personal bank account rather than a business one, or that you know next to nothing about how your income tax will be calculated \u2014 your accountant isn\u2019t there to judge you, they\u2019re there to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Be wary of accountants\u2019 fees that seem too cheap<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPeople tend to get hung up on fees and focus on getting value for money, which is entirely understandable. However, if something\u2019s too cheap, there\u2019s usually a reason why. That said, going with the most expensive option doesn’t guarantee you great service either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask around to find out what other business owners are paying their accountants \u2014 it\u2019s good to have a rough idea about general pricing before going in. If an accountant seems to be on the dearer side of things, be sure to ask what you\u2019re getting in return. Be aware that the more complex your requirements, the more you\u2019re likely to have to pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Different accountants charge in different ways, such as offering a flat rate or billing hourly, so be sure to clarify payment terms before signing any contracts. And, as always, have a good chat with your prospective accountant and ask questions to check that you\u2019re both on the same page about what you need from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThree red flags to look out for when choosing an accountant:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n- First impressions: If you are not comfortable with something then listen to your gut instinct.<\/li>
- How do they conduct themselves? Do they actually care about your business? And are they willing to get into the nuts and bolts of how you operate? Or are they just there to crank out numbers?<\/li>
- Is there something super specific to your industry that they either don\u2019t know about or don\u2019t care enough to know about, even though it\u2019s a vital part of how you do business?<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
The bottom line? Your accountant should be a partner to you in your business and that only comes when you\u2019re a good fit for each other, when you\u2019re on the same page about how your relationship works, and when you take the time to find the right person for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to Isabella for taking the time to provide such great advice \u2014 whether you\u2019re looking for your first ever accountant, or you\u2019re ready to make a switch to someone more attuned to your business needs, we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll find her tips invaluable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ICW Accountancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Isabella is a Director at ICW Accountancy<\/a>, a family-run business based in Lanark which prides itself on its strong, efficient, experienced and friendly team. ICW Accountancy provide tax advisory services for small businesses, working to establish relationships with their clients by getting to know their business aims and understand their concerns so that they can offer focused advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can find out more about the work Isabella does with her own clients here<\/a>. You never know, she might just be your perfect match!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So have a think about how you like to keep your own paperwork, how much hand-holding you like, and how you respond to deadlines. Be sure to share information on things like how well you understand the tax system, on which bank accounts you\u2019re using and what your needs are in terms of business vehicles and mileage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have all of that info ready to share with the accountants you\u2019re considering, you\u2019re far more likely to find a great personality match and someone who can provide the level of interaction you\u2019re looking for, whether you just need an accountant you can check in with once a year or you\u2019re looking for someone who\u2019ll be far more hands-on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t be afraid to share the fact that you\u2019re still using a personal bank account rather than a business one, or that you know next to nothing about how your income tax will be calculated \u2014 your accountant isn\u2019t there to judge you, they\u2019re there to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Be wary of accountants\u2019 fees that seem too cheap<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nPeople tend to get hung up on fees and focus on getting value for money, which is entirely understandable. However, if something\u2019s too cheap, there\u2019s usually a reason why. That said, going with the most expensive option doesn’t guarantee you great service either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask around to find out what other business owners are paying their accountants \u2014 it\u2019s good to have a rough idea about general pricing before going in. If an accountant seems to be on the dearer side of things, be sure to ask what you\u2019re getting in return. Be aware that the more complex your requirements, the more you\u2019re likely to have to pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Different accountants charge in different ways, such as offering a flat rate or billing hourly, so be sure to clarify payment terms before signing any contracts. And, as always, have a good chat with your prospective accountant and ask questions to check that you\u2019re both on the same page about what you need from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThree red flags to look out for when choosing an accountant:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n- First impressions: If you are not comfortable with something then listen to your gut instinct.<\/li>
- How do they conduct themselves? Do they actually care about your business? And are they willing to get into the nuts and bolts of how you operate? Or are they just there to crank out numbers?<\/li>
- Is there something super specific to your industry that they either don\u2019t know about or don\u2019t care enough to know about, even though it\u2019s a vital part of how you do business?<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
The bottom line? Your accountant should be a partner to you in your business and that only comes when you\u2019re a good fit for each other, when you\u2019re on the same page about how your relationship works, and when you take the time to find the right person for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to Isabella for taking the time to provide such great advice \u2014 whether you\u2019re looking for your first ever accountant, or you\u2019re ready to make a switch to someone more attuned to your business needs, we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll find her tips invaluable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ICW Accountancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Isabella is a Director at ICW Accountancy<\/a>, a family-run business based in Lanark which prides itself on its strong, efficient, experienced and friendly team. ICW Accountancy provide tax advisory services for small businesses, working to establish relationships with their clients by getting to know their business aims and understand their concerns so that they can offer focused advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can find out more about the work Isabella does with her own clients here<\/a>. You never know, she might just be your perfect match!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThree red flags to look out for when choosing an accountant:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n- First impressions: If you are not comfortable with something then listen to your gut instinct.<\/li>
- How do they conduct themselves? Do they actually care about your business? And are they willing to get into the nuts and bolts of how you operate? Or are they just there to crank out numbers?<\/li>
- Is there something super specific to your industry that they either don\u2019t know about or don\u2019t care enough to know about, even though it\u2019s a vital part of how you do business?<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
The bottom line? Your accountant should be a partner to you in your business and that only comes when you\u2019re a good fit for each other, when you\u2019re on the same page about how your relationship works, and when you take the time to find the right person for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to Isabella for taking the time to provide such great advice \u2014 whether you\u2019re looking for your first ever accountant, or you\u2019re ready to make a switch to someone more attuned to your business needs, we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll find her tips invaluable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ICW Accountancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Isabella is a Director at ICW Accountancy<\/a>, a family-run business based in Lanark which prides itself on its strong, efficient, experienced and friendly team. ICW Accountancy provide tax advisory services for small businesses, working to establish relationships with their clients by getting to know their business aims and understand their concerns so that they can offer focused advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can find out more about the work Isabella does with her own clients here<\/a>. You never know, she might just be your perfect match!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bottom line? Your accountant should be a partner to you in your business and that only comes when you\u2019re a good fit for each other, when you\u2019re on the same page about how your relationship works, and when you take the time to find the right person for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to Isabella for taking the time to provide such great advice \u2014 whether you\u2019re looking for your first ever accountant, or you\u2019re ready to make a switch to someone more attuned to your business needs, we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll find her tips invaluable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ICW Accountancy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Isabella is a Director at ICW Accountancy<\/a>, a family-run business based in Lanark which prides itself on its strong, efficient, experienced and friendly team. ICW Accountancy provide tax advisory services for small businesses, working to establish relationships with their clients by getting to know their business aims and understand their concerns so that they can offer focused advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find out more about the work Isabella does with her own clients here<\/a>. You never know, she might just be your perfect match!<\/p>\n\n\n\n