How can I find a good accountant?
I don't particuarly want to emply one, but i do need some advice. Apart from just picking ne randomly from the yellow pages, I don't know where to start.
United Kingdom - 3 Answers
People Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
It depends on what it is you need - if it is just general advice for a small business you could look for a book keeper (some advertise in local newspapers) just ask what their experience is before hand. Alternatively if its just to check over vat returns of do your personal tax then go to a small company - if it is to do the books for a big company talk to one of the more well known ones. I get most of my clients from my customers passing on my name so it is always worth asking anyone you know if they could recomend someone.
Answer 2 :
Going by personal recommendation is usually a good way. Talk to other small businesses that you know who are in your area and ask who they use. Its a good opener if you can say "so and so gave me your name as you might be able to help me". Lots of firms of accountants give a free half hour session where they will tell you if they can help you or not.
Answer 3 :
Try one of the professional bodies for Chartered Accountants - like http://www.icaew.com in England and Wales or http://www.icas.org.uk in Scotland. They will have directories of members in your area.
