Make up a shortlist of at least 4 or 5 potential candidates. Compare what each has to offer. Come to a conclusion as to which offers the best service for the cost involved. You must find out about each accountant.

See if they are interested in your type of business. Are they keen on the size of your business and the work involved? Do they only work for the "biggies" or can they help you in your small operation.

If they don't appear interested in you, don't waste your time - keep looking.

Some of the questions that you will need to ask yourself include the following:

• Does the accountant understand the type of business you operate?
• Has the accountant had experience in your type of business with other clients?
• Do you think the accountant is interested in how successful your business can be and can the accountant contribute to that success?
• Is the accountant experienced enough to be able to offer services beyond the normal. (e.g, can the accountant help you prepare your business forecasts and a business plan?)
• Is the accountant going to be readily available for you when you need answers to questions by telephone or email?
• Will the accountant be available to provide financial and strategic advice personally, or do you have to go through other staff or professionals? (If other professionals are consulted, the cost may be greater for you.)
• Do you feel comfortable talking to the accountant?
• Do you feel confident that issues are explained clearly so that you are able to make informed decisions? (You don't want to have an accountant who blinds you with technicalities and with statistics, because the last thing you want is to be is confused when a professional is trying to explain business matters that affect the growth and viability of your business.)
• Is the accountant someone that you think you can work alongside?
• Do you think the accountant would have a concern for the success of your business or does it appear to be 'just another job' to him or her?
• Would the accountant be able to visit your business premises if you need service or are they located in another part of the country where they would not be able to visit regularly or vice versa?
• Would you be confident that they could fight for you if there was an argument with the Tax Department?
• At the end of the day, would you have absolute confidence in the accountant you were considering or not?

Copyright 2005 StartRunGrow
http://www.startrungrow.com

StartRunGrow (http://www.startrungrow.com) is a global online information organization that specializes in creating, developing and marketing business help information specifically with the aim of "making business easier" for entrepreneurs around the world. The StartRunGrow objective is to become a dominant player in the business help arena providing end to end solutions for the millions of small and medium businesses worldwide who continue to struggle daily with the difficulties of starting, running and growing a successful business.