6 Questions to Ask When Hiring an Accountant

When considering hiring a tax accountant in Richmond, VA or Mechanicsville, it is important to have an understanding of their business practices before hiring them to help you meet your business needs and goals. Here are six questions you should ask accountants in Richmond VA and the reasons why you should ask them:

1. What qualifications do you have?

One of the most important questions you should ask is about the qualifications of the team. Each time you interview a CPA, be sure to determine their qualifications as well as any team members who may be working on your account on a regular basis.

2. What industries are you currently representing?

While not every CPA will have experience in your particular field, it is important to ensure they do have experience if your business model is unique. For example, an oil and gas company would need vastly different experience than a retail outlet. If your business is unique, your tax accountant in Richmond should have experience dealing with tax issues for your industry.

3. How broad is your experience with the IRS?

Because you never know when a problem with the IRS could develop, it is imperative to hire accountants in Richmond VA who have significant experience dealing with the IRS. You want to hire accountants who have had experience with audits, with payroll tax problems and the IRS as well as levies, garnishments and offers in compromise. The broader their level of IRS experience, the more likely they are to be able to assist you in the event of a problem.

4. How long have you been a CPA in Richmond VA?

Experience matters when you are considering a tax accountant. While every firm has to start someplace, your business has unique needs and you need someone with experience to help you deal with a whole range of issues from business plan preparation to tax preparation. A firm with broad experience helping businesses of all sizes will be far more valuable to your business than a start-up CPA.

5. How will communication be handled regarding my account?

We all have busy lives, particularly when you are running a business. However, when your tax accountant is dealing with an IRS issue, preparing your taxes or helping you with other financial matters, you need to know they are going to be in regular contact and let you know what progress has been made or share other important information. Fortunately, today, communication is much easier since most of us have cell phones and access to email. Make sure you know ahead of time how communications will be handled and when someone is available to help you through issues.

6. Who will be handling my account?

This question is particularly important and should be discussed thoroughly based on your individual needs. Your Richmond VA tax accountant should have staff members who are capable of handling a range of needs for your business in house. The last thing you want to find out is your tax problems are being outsourced because no one in the company has the necessary credentials to work with the IRS to resolve issues.

We have the answer to all of these questions: Rue & Associates, Inc. is an independent business consulting and accounting firm serving Central Virginia as well as national clients. Our in-house team of professionals are dedicated to providing innovative financial and tax services to business owners and individual clients. At Rue & Associates, you will find a team of experienced businesspeople, accountants, tax professionals, Enrolled Agents and CPA’s who offer perspective in delivering financial, management, and tax services to each client. We can be reached by phone at (804) 655-0344 or you can contact us through our convenient online contact form.