FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
CPAs at the firm are required to conduct 60 hours of continuing education per year to stay up on the latest developments in the accounting and finance fields. Non-CPA associates are required to conduct at least 30 hours of continuing education per year, particularly in their accounting software specialties. Tax partners are required to take an additional 20 hours per year of tax continuing education. In addition to these requirements CPAs and associates at the firm are members of interest sections at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Institute of Management Accountants, each of which have additional CPE requirements. Public notaries at the firm also must conduct CPE required for their licenses and as members of the National Notary Association.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Size of practice/number staff: The style of service is usually reflected by the size of the accounting practice. Larger practices provide a more institutional type of service and it can be difficult to get access to the partner in charge of your work, as compared to a smaller practice which tend to provide a more personal level of service and easier access to the partner in charge. Who will you deal with?: Is the personal contact of a smaller firm important to you? With larger firms you may be assigned to junior staff and not get the personal attention you deserve. You may not get what or who you want. Find out who your contact in the firm will be or will you be passed around many people. Availability: Get accountants who you can call whenever you need help and advice, without fear of being charged every time you make a brief phone call. Fixed/time based fees and rate: Make sure you get an agreed fee wherever possible for your work. You should not buy professional services on the basis of the cheapest fee. You get what you pay for. Would you choose a brain surgeon based on his fee? Skills and the ability to deliver the desired result should be far more important. Good quality advice will save you money. What work can you do to save the accountants' time and your money? Will the fixed fees cover all meetings and telephone calls? Can you pay fees monthly to help your cash flow? Guarantees: What guarantees do they provide? If they don't provide any is it likely they will not meet their promises and commitments given to you? Guarantees for you are essential. Qualifications: Is your accountant qualified? You do not have to be an accountant to offer accountancy services and this could prove costly. Who do you complain to if you deal with an unqualified accountant and are the apparent savings in fees worth the risk? Years of study, qualification, experience and post qualification education will result in quality advice. The CPA qualification, recognized worldwide as a premier brand, ensures standards are upheld through a program of practice review. Service culture: Do they have a commitment to client service? Are they passionate about their own business and your business? Do they excel at serving people? You will be assured of getting the right information at the right time to manage your business effectively from an accountant with a modern service culture. Quick Response: Make an inquiry and see how quickly they respond. If they don't call or act fast now when trying to get your business, what will they be like later? Listeners or talkers: Do they listen to you or mostly talk at you? You want accountants who take a real interest in you and your business, your plans for the future and take action on what you need when you need it. If they don't, you should change accountants. Provide ideas: Ask them what ideas they have for you to increase profits, improve productivity, trim costs and reduce taxes. You want accountants who will pro-actively come up with ideas to grow your business.