Key Questions to Ask When Hiring An Accountant
Hiring an accountant can make running a business feel much more manageable. When your finances are organised and deadlines are under control, it becomes much easier to make decisions and grow your operations with confidence.
Whether you’re starting a new business, expanding into new markets, working as a contractor or simply struggling to keep on top of accounts, outsourcing professional services can take some of the pressure off. The right accountant can help you stay compliant, avoid last-minute stress and understand what your figures are actually telling you.
However, choosing an accountant shouldn’t be something you rush. Different accountancy firms offer different services and levels of support, and the best fit for your business will depend on factors such as your structure, day-to-day needs, and goals. Before making a decision, there are some important questions worth asking.
Are they Fully Qualified?
Your accountant will be dealing with sensitive financial information, so professional standards are important. One of the first questions to ask is whether they are qualified, regulated and insured. A professional accountant should be authorised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), ensuring they uphold the highest standards, stay up to date with changing regulations, and provide fully compliant services.
Checking qualifications can provide peace of mind and also give you an indication of the level of support being offered. At Finanche, we are fully accredited and regulated by the ACCA, reassuring clients that their accounts are handled with care and professionalism.
Have they Worked with Businesses Like Yours?
Not every accountant works with the same type of client. Some mainly support sole traders, while others work with limited companies, contractors, landlords, start-ups or growing SMEs. Before choosing an accountant, ask about their experience with businesses similar to yours.
A new business might need help with company formation, tax registration, and bookkeeping systems. A growing company may need VAT support, payroll management or tax planning. A contractor might need more specific advice around income, expenses and company structure. The more familiar your accountant is with your type of business, the easier it will be for them to offer relevant advice and guidance.
What Services are Included?
It’s easy to assume that all accountants provide the same support, but this isn’t always the case. Some may focus mainly on annual accounts and tax returns, while others provide a broader range of services. Before agreeing to work together, ask exactly what is included.
Many businesses will need support in more than one area, and finding an accountant that can meet all of your needs can make your finances easier to manage and reduce the need to deal with several separate providers. At Finanche, we offer a broad range of accountancy and tax services, and we will be happy to provide you with more information about how we can support your business, whether it’s with day-to-day finances or something more specific.
Will they Give Financial Advice Throughout the Year?
A good accountant shouldn’t only appear when a deadline is approaching. While filing tax returns correctly is essential, the real value often comes from their advice. Ask how often they review your financial position and whether they will help you plan ahead.
For instance, they may be able to advise you on VAT registration, tax-efficient ways to draw income, allowable expenses, payroll decisions, cash flow planning or when your business structure needs reviewing. This type of support can help you make informed decisions that support ongoing success. It also means you’re less likely to reach the end of the tax year and realise there were opportunities you could have considered earlier.
How Easy are They to Contact?
Communication can make a big difference whenever you’re outsourcing a service. You should feel comfortable asking for advice and confident that you’ll receive clear information when you need it. Before hiring an accountant, it’s useful to ask how they communicate with clients. Will you have a regular point of contact? Can you speak to them by phone or email? How quickly do they usually respond? Do they offer meetings or reviews?
This is important because financial questions often come up during everyday business decisions. You might need help understanding an HMRC letter, checking whether an expense is allowable, asking about VAT, or discussing the best way to pay yourself. A good accountant should explain things clearly, without unnecessary jargon.
Do they Use Cloud Accounting Software?
Cloud accounting can make your finances much easier to manage. Instead of waiting until the end of the month to pull everything together, online software helps you and your accountant get a better view of what’s going on. Ask which cloud accounting systems they use and whether they can help you choose the right one. Platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks, Zoho, Sage and FreeAgent can support invoicing, expense tracking, and real-time reporting.
This can be especially useful if your business is growing or if you want a clearer view of your finances at specific times. Good software doesn’t replace professional advice, but it gives you better information to work with. At Finanche, we provide cloud accounting support and training, helping clients feel more comfortable using online systems every day.
Can they Support Your Future Plans?
While your accountancy needs may be fairly straightforward now, they might not always stay that way. As your business grows, you might need payroll advice, more detailed reporting, corporate finance support or outsourced FD services.
It’s worth asking how the accountant can support you beyond your immediate requirements. This can help you avoid the hassle of changing accountants during a pivotal time for your business. For example, if you’re planning to add more services, expand overseas or apply for funding, your accountant should be able to help. The right support can make business growth feel more structured and less reactive.
How Clear is Their Pricing?
Accountancy costs should be clear from the outset. Before making a decision, ask how fees are structured and what’s included. Some accountants offer fixed monthly packages, while others charge per service. Either approach can work, but you need to understand what you’re paying for. Check whether services such as VAT returns, cash flow forecasting, or HMRC investigations are included or charged separately.
Remember, the cheapest accountant isn’t always the best value. It’s more useful to look at the quality of support, the range of services, the level of communication and the time saved by having reliable advice.
Will they Help You Understand Your Numbers?
Rather than sending reports that are difficult to interpret, the best accountants will help you understand what your figures mean. Ask whether they will explain your finances in a practical way. For example, can they help you understand profit, cash flow, tax liabilities, and business expenses? Will they highlight potential issues before they become a problem?
This is particularly useful for business owners who don’t have a financial background. You shouldn’t feel as though your accounts only exist for compliance purposes. They should give you insight into how your business is performing.
Can they Help You Switch Accountants?
If you already have an accountant but you’re not getting the support you need, it’s worth asking how easy it is to switch. Many business owners delay moving because they assume it will be complicated, but a professional accountant can guide you through the process, or even better still, handle it for you.
They can usually contact your previous accountant on your behalf and request the necessary records, so there’s no awkward conversations or time-consuming admin to worry about. They should also look at upcoming deadlines, open queries and any areas that may need attention. If your current accountant is difficult to contact, provides unclear advice, or is no longer suited to your business, switching may provide the support you need going forward.
Choosing An Accountant in Reading, Berkshire
Choosing an accountant is about finding someone who understands your business and can support you with practical financial advice. Before making your decision, asking the questions above can help you confidently compare the options available and choose an accountant who can work with you in the right way.
At Finanche, we support individuals, contractors, start-ups, and small- to medium-sized businesses with a wide range of financial services. As an experienced accountancy firm in Reading, Berkshire, we help clients keep their finances organised, meet their responsibilities and make more informed decisions.
If you’re looking for a local accountant in Reading that you can trust, we would be happy to discuss how we can help. Get in touch with Finanche to talk through your accountancy needs and find the right level of support for your business.