10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Accountant

Choosing an accountant is a long-term decision. Switching mid-year is possible but painful. These ten questions take twenty minutes and save a lot of trouble.

Qualifications and fit

1. What are your qualifications and registrations? In Pakistan, ask about FBR practitioner registration or ICAP/ICMAP membership. In the UK, ask about professional body membership and anti-money-laundering supervision. In the UAE, ask whether they are an FTA-registered tax agent if they will represent you.
2. Who else like me do you work with? Ask for the industries and business sizes they know.
3. Who will actually do the work? The partner you meet, or a junior you will never speak to?

Scope and fees

4. What exactly is included in the fee? Get it in writing: bookkeeping, VAT or sales tax returns, year-end accounts, tax return, notices.
5. How do you charge for extra work? Fixed fee, hourly, or a quote first?
6. What do you need from me, and by when? A good accountant gives you a calendar, not just a list.

Working together

7. How quickly do you reply? “Within 24 hours” is a reasonable standard.
8. Which software do you use, and who owns the file? You should own your accounting file and be able to take it with you.
9. What will I receive each month or quarter? A short management report is worth more than a pile of ledgers.
10. What happens if there is a tax notice or a mistake? Listen for ownership rather than excuses.

Red flags

• Promises of a refund before seeing your documents.
• Asking for your personal login passwords instead of their own access.
• No engagement letter or written scope.
• Fees that are far below everyone else’s with no explanation.

These are the questions I would want a client to ask me. Book a free consultation and ask them.