A Guide for Business Owners and Hiring Managers

A good accountant is crucial for businesses looking to manage their finances effectively. A skilled accountant can help with tax planning, financial strategy, and compliance with regulations. Whether you're a business owner, a startup founder, or an executive needing expert financial guidance, here's what you should know about selecting the right accountant for your needs.

Why Hiring a Good Accountant Matters

A qualified accountant does more than prepare tax returns. They provide financial insights that help businesses grow, optimize tax liabilities, and maintain financial health. The right accountant can:

• Save you money by identifying deductions and tax-saving opportunities
• Ensure compliance with tax laws and financial regulations
• Provide strategic advice for business growth and investment decisions
• Streamline financial operations and reduce administrative burdens

Steps to Finding a Good Accountant

1. Determine Your Accounting Needs

Before beginning your search, define what services you require. Do you need an accountant for tax filing, bookkeeping, financial planning, or all of the above? Are you a fast-growing startup or a mid-sized business that's been around for 10+ years? These variables will attract accounting talents with different passions and expertise. Businesses also often benefit from accountants with industry-specific experience.

2. Look for Industry Experience

Not all accountants have the same specialties. If you run a small business, you'll want someone experienced in business accounting and tax compliance. An accountant familiar with your sector can provide more valuable insights if you're in a specific industry like healthcare, real estate, or manufacturing. At SkyWater, we place senior-level accountants with clients in various sectors. Still, a few industries where we have built the deepest networks include financial services, technology, industrial manufacturing, consumer products & retail, health care, and life sciences. 

3. Check Credentials and Qualifications

A good accountant should have proper certifications, such as:

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): Indicates rigorous training and expertise
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Specializes in financial management
• Enrolled Agent (EA): A tax expert authorized by the IRS

Always verify their credentials and ensure they have a strong track record.

4. Ask for Referrals and Read Reviews

Word-of-mouth referrals from colleagues, business partners, or financial advisors can be invaluable. Additionally, check online reviews, LinkedIn recommendations, or professional directories to gauge an accountant's reputation.

As recruiters, we constantly scan LinkedIn and resumes to see how long a candidate has been with previous companies. If an accountant has bounced around from company to company, spending a year or less at each without a longer tenure somewhere in their track record, this could be a red flag or something to address during an interview. 

Whether hiring with your internal resources, or partnering with a recruiter, you want to make an offer to a strong candidate who will likely stick around for more than 2 years.

5. Evaluate Communication and Responsiveness

A good accountant should be proactive, easy to reach, and willing to explain complex financial matters in a way you understand. Clear communication is critical for ensuring a smooth working relationship.

6. Compare Fees and Services

Accountant fees and salaries vary based on their expertise, location, and the complexity of their experience. Posting the desired salary range on your job description is not only a requirement in many states but also a best practice in attracting the right candidates and vetting the wrong ones. Not sure of the salary range for your open role yet? Here's a link to our Salary Guide for the Accounting and Finance field.

See also our article: Is your job description too detailed?

Final Thoughts

Finding a good accountant requires careful consideration of their qualifications, experience, and ability to meet your unique financial needs. By following these steps, you can ensure that you select an accountant who will add value to your business or personal finances.

If you're a business looking to hire an accounting professional, SkyWater Search Partners can help. Contact us today to connect with top accounting talent that fits your organization's needs.