Whether yours is a tech startup or a company that’s planning expansion in the manufacturing sector, you need a team of accounting experts to manage day-to-day affairs. The work of a CPA extends beyond bookkeeping, and if you think that your in-house professionals are wasting too much time on miscellaneous tasks related to accounting, it is time to outsource. Finding the right accounting firm Naperville, IL, can be a challenge, which is precisely why we have created a guide for you below.
Know their profile & services
An accounting firm is expected to handle a wide range of tasks for different businesses. For small companies, a CPA should manage everything from regular bookkeeping and installation of QuickBooks to reconciling bank statements, generating income statements, and preparing and checking the general ledger. Make sure that you review their expertise and profile in detail and talk to their team to know whether they can align their work to suit the needs of the business.
Consider beyond accounting
Hiring an accounting expert is more than just about finding someone who can calculate profits and losses. If the same firm can also manage other things like payroll, budgeting, and financial forecasting, it is always an advantage. Also, ask the CPA if they have worked in your sector and with similar businesses. It is still a wise idea to avoid services that work for your direct competitors, as this could mean a conflict of interest.
Check the pricing
Eventually, the price you pay for outsourced accounting is always important. We recommend that you get an estimate, which should be a monthly fee. Many firms also offer add-on services and on-demand solutions as required, for which you may have to pay an hourly rate. Start with reviewing the needs of your business and consider the forecasts. The right CPA should be able to offer support for your company for years to come.
Ask about their clientele
Talk to the CPA about the clients to understand their expertise across niches and sectors. You can ask for references, and if the same firm also offers personal accounting services, it could be a perk for you and other founders. Besides references, you can also refer to the social media profiles and independent reviews on Google to know whether a firm is worth the hype.
Get an accounting firm on board as soon as you initiate the first steps for your business.