Hiring a new accountant is a big deal. If you get it right, you have a long-term financial partner who helps your business grow and thrive. Get it wrong, and...well, you have a short-term employee who tanks your finances. Whether you’re considering an in-house hire or an outsourced firm like Ignite Spot, these 10 questions will help you find the best fit for your business.
Accounting isn’t one-size-fits-all. Think of it like healthcare—just as you wouldn’t go to a podiatrist for heart surgery, you wouldn’t hire a bookkeeper to help you with a merger and acquisition. You need an expert with the right expertise for your specific needs. Ask them about their background and skillset. Are they a tax expert? A financial strategist? Understanding their specialty in comparison to your goals is key to finding the right match.
Accounting isn’t “just accounting.” Different industries have unique needs, whether it’s managing point-of-sale systems in retail or handling construction billing. Make sure your accountant knows your industry inside and out, so you don’t lose valuable time while they “figure it out.”
Good accountants should have happy clients who are willing to vouch for them. Whether you’re hiring in-house or outsourcing, don’t be shy about asking for references. A little due diligence now can save a lot of headaches later.
Software matters—a lot. Whether it’s QuickBooks, Xero, or NetSuite, you want someone proficient in the tools your business uses (or plans to use). Beware of accountants stuck in their ways, dismissing software just because of a bad experience 10 years ago. Find someone adaptable and up-to-date.
Your financial data is sensitive, and security isn’t optional. Ask about the systems they use to protect passwords, workflows, and documents. A strong answer here should include multiple layers of protection and a clear strategy for keeping your information safe.
Not all accountants offer the same services. Some specialize in bookkeeping, others in tax preparation or consulting. If you need all of the above, make sure your accountant can deliver—or provide you with references for the services they do not provide.
Communication is everything. If my accountant sends an important report to my email, guess what? That report is immediately getting buried by a thousand sales emails. This is why my personal preference is to communicate on an instant messaging platform like Slack. Suppose you prefer phone calls but your accounting firm outsources their bookkeeping overseas. In that case, you may not be able to get on a phone call without having to schedule it for 3:00 AM because of time zone differences. You need to ask their tool of preference and make sure that it lines up with your own preferences. Nowadays there are ample ways to communicate professionally and business communications are no longer tied to just email. Ignite Spot staff members communicate differently with each of their clients based on that client’s preference which can range from video messages, one-to-one video meetings & screen shares, internal messaging platforms, phone calls, email, or even text.
Taxes can be a pain point for many businesses. If your accountant doesn’t handle taxes directly, make sure they have a system in place—whether it’s a referral network or a partnership—to help you stay compliant and stress-free.
This one’s crucial. Understand exactly how and when you’ll be billed, whether they require long-term contracts, and what happens if you decide to part ways. Some firms who have been burned by walk-outs will even require that they hold your QuickBooks file hostage (yikes!), so be sure to read the fine print in that contract.
Not all accountants have the same journey into the profession. Some are CPAs, others are QuickBooks ProAdvisors, and some learned the trade on the job. There’s no right or wrong path, but understanding their background will help you make an informed decision.
Hiring is overwhelming and we’re here to make things easier. We specialize in outsourced accounting services in all industries, have a large team of certified accountants with accounting degrees or higher, and we don’t require contracts.
Curious what our answers are to the rest of these essential hiring questions? Book a free file review with us—it’s a no-pressure, 30-minute meeting with one of our accountants. We’ll highlight what’s working, what could improve, and whether we’re the right fit for your business. Click the button below to schedule your session and take the first step toward financial clarity.