Tips for Selecting an Accountant in Austin
What an accountant can help with:
▪ bookkeeping and work simplification
▪ tax services
▪ preparing financial statements
▪ management advisory services
▪ data processing
 Austin Money Savers Tip Many firms may have junior accountants or staff accountants that charge a lower rate than an experienced CPA.
Ask the following questions:
▪ What is your area of expertise?
▪ How many other clients do you handle yourself?
▪ Who else in the firm would be working on my account?
▪ Are their hourly rates the same or different than yours?
▪ How long have you been working as a CPA?
▪ What is your work history?
▪ How accessible will you be if I have a question?
▪ How do you bill?
▪ If my firm grows, can you grow with me?
▪ How much of your time is spent helping clients with planning?
▪ How do you stay up-to-date on accounting practice?
▪ How many of your clients have been audited?
▪ Why were they audited and what was the result?
 Austin Price Check! ASC had a difficult time getting accurate prices in this catagory. The range we found was from $35/hour all the way to $250/hour. The most affordable task is data entry, while tax preparation usually runs about $75-$120/hour. Estate and Financial Planning was the most expensive service. It seemed that larger firms charge a higher hourly rate, claiming that the more qualified the individual the better service.
Make the following observations:
▪ Does the accountant appear organized?
▪ Does the accountant give appropriate answers?
▪ If he/she can't answer a question, do they offer to get back to you?
▪ Does he/she follow up in a timely manner?
▪ Are you able to meet without interruptions?
▪ Does the accountant explain things in terms you can understand?
Austin Money Savers Tip Most accountants will offer a free 30 minute consultation. Ask about it when making your first appointment.
Your accountant should:
▪ be accessible within reason
▪ submit reports in a timely fashion
▪ itemized your bills to show hours expended and services provided
▪ not be learning their job on your time and money
▪ be up-to-date on legal and legislative changes
▪ info rm you of the status of your business and / or holdings
▪ expect to represent you in an IRS audit, should one occur
▪ involve you in all decisions
▪ refer you to other professionals if you step outside her expertise
▪ help you streamline your financial record-keeping tasks
▪ be able to advise you on your personal tax planning questions
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