If you are growing a business then, sooner or later, you will need an accountant. Of course, at the beginning, especially when cash-flows can be simple, it’s possible to do everything on your own. But as you grow, you’ll find that it will take more and more of your time to get your accounts in order. And because that growth is gradual, many businesses can wait far too long, not noticing that preparing accounts — rather than running a business — is taking up far too much time. 

Finding a good accountancy service is an investment in your business. And the sooner you find one, the sooner you will feel the benefits of an accountant. 

The benefits of accountancy services 

The most obvious benefit is that they are experts in what they do. However much you might attempt to understand about accountancy, you will never match someone for whom it is a career. 

This means they can save you time, money, and worry. 

Because they will be familiar with the work you need doing — they do it all the time — they will be much more efficient. They’ll know exactly the questions to ask, the documents to collect, and the numbers to look for when it comes to submitting returns or filing documents. And when you can leave them to manage your accounts, you can spend that time on your business, without having to manage that nagging worry that usually accompanies anything related to taxes and finances. 

But a good accountant can offer more. They typically become trusted advisors. Because they have gained a huge amount of experience from their other clients and from the wider accountancy industry, they can help businesses grow, suggesting ideas and warning about pitfalls. Many businesses see their accountant almost as a partner in their business because they have been so valuable to them. 

And they can help save money. Accountancy services will know the incredibly complex tax system. For that reason, they can help you avoid potential fines, but also highlight possible claims that you might never have considered. Some businesses find that their accountant actually saves them more money than they cost! 

Finding great accountancy services 

When you realise you need an accountant, you then have the challenge of finding a good one. Many people agonise over this choice, and it’s important to remember that you can always change, but that with a little research, there’s a good chance you’ll find someone right for you. 

The first thing to try is asking friends for recommendations. If you know other business owners or professionals, it’s likely they will have used accountancy services, or know someone who does. Then you can get a recommendation direct from an existing client. 

You should also check their qualifications and reviews. Anyone can call themselves an accountant, but reputable ones will publicise and share their qualifications. Look for those that are members of a relevant institution and, ideally, have chartered status. That way, you not only know they have the necessary qualifications for membership, but also have the insurance provided by them being part of a professional association. 

Finally, think about your relationship with your accountant. You will, hopefully, be working with them for a long time, so it’s important you feel comfortable with them and confident that your working relationship with be open and productive. 

Choosing an accountant is a difficult decision that every business will face sooner or later. But, once you have the advantage of high-quality accountancy services on your site, you will wonder how you lasted so long without them.