At what point do you decide to get an accountant? If you have ever run a single person or startup company, saving costs is paramount so some end up doing it themselves.

Some of us have been there, but when it’s eventually time  to choose a professional accountant, what attributes should you look for?

1)  It Benefits to get an accountant that is nearby, so you can easily pay a visit and drop your bookkeeping and receipts to them.

2) Assurance is also important. Knowing that you can pick up the phone and get instant advice is re-assuring.

3) A small firm of accountants can equal their larger counterparts, especially in terms of customer service, as you are more likely to get a better personal service.

4) It pays to have a quarterly meeting with your accountant so you can ask questions, get advice and ensure that nothing has been missed.  Attention to detail is sometimes needed and is useful when planning changes or sounding them out on other business financial matters.

5) Use an accountant that has been round the block a few times, but who also keeps up to date with changes to tax laws etc

A friend recommended a local accountants in London recently, and I was amazed at not just the financial services offered, but primarily their positive attitude and amount of advise I was given.