How to find an accountant - 3 easy steps
Finding an accountant is easy. Finding the right accountant is hard.
Here is a simple guide, written by an accountant, to take you through the steps to find the perfect accountant for your business.
STEP 1 - Where to look
To start, you’ll need to create a list of accountants. These will be your candidates, which you will eventually filter down to find the accountant who is right for you. Luckily, finding accountants is easy. Here are three simple ways.
a) Searching through maps
If you are looking for a local accountant, searching through maps can be a great way to find accountants near you.
Open Google Maps.
Click the show your location icon or scroll to the area of the map you would like to search.
In the search box, type accountant.
The map will be populated with red pins with the corresponding results listed.
Scroll through the results, making note of contact information, address, and website.
Helpful tip: Use Google Maps alternatives, such as Apple Maps and Bing Maps, to find additional accountancy businesses not listed on Google Maps.
b) Looking through directories
There are three types of directories you can look through: business, professional, and software.
Business
Using business listings can be a great way to find local accounting businesses. There are several business listing websites. I am going to show the process using Yell.com, but you should use multiple business listing websites to find accountants listed elsewhere.
Open Yell.com
In the “Search” box, type accountant.
In the “UK, town or postcode” box, type the area you would like to search.
Scroll through the results and note accountants to add to your list.
Professional
Accountants are regulated through professional bodies. There are different professional bodies within the UK that accountants can belong to based on their qualifications and specialization.
The professional bodies have directories listing their members.
Accounting Technicians
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) is the leading professional body for accounting technicians in the UK.
To search the AAT directory;
Open the AAT Find an AAT Licensed Accountant or Licensed Bookkeeper webpage.
Enter your search location in the “Enter the postcode, town or city” box.
Scroll down and hit “Search”.
Scroll through the results and note accountants to add to your list.
Chartered
Within the UK the main professional bodies for chartered accountants includes the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACAS).
If you are in England or Wales, to search the ICAEW directory;
Open the ICAEW webpage.
Under “Are you looking for a…” select “Firm”.
Under “Located in or near…” enter your search location.
Click “Find”.
Scroll through the results and note new accountants to add to your list.
Helpful tip: Not all firms will be able to provide all services. If you are looking for a particular service from your accountant you can filter the results further by selecting the specialisms you need.
Software
Both QuickBooks and Xero have advisor directories listing accountants who are experts at using their software. If you already have bookkeeping software set up, it can be a useful tool for finding accountants who can help you with the software you have already chosen. You can search the QuickBooks directory by;
Open Find a ProAdvisor.
Enter your search location within the location box.
Scroll through the results and note accountants to add to your list.
Helpful tip: Accountants often know how to use multiple types of bookkeeping software. Just ask.
c) Asking your friends and family for recommendations
One of the best ways to find an accountant is through recommendations. If you know someone who has an accountant, ask whether they are happy with the service and whether they can share their contact information.
STEP 2 - Your ideal accountant
Once you have a list of accountants, you need to prepare to cross them off based on your own personal criteria.
Everyone will be different, but the filtering process always starts with the same question: “What are you looking for in an accountant?”
Start making a list of your ideal accountant’s characteristics. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Qualifications & Experience
In general, the size of your business and the services you need will impact what sort of accountant you are looking for.
Accounting technicians - Small limited companies, sole traders, basic company accounts, corporation tax returns, and self assessment tax returns.
Chartered - All of the above + complex companies, audits, financial advise.
Chartered accountants are more qualified than accounting technicians however may not be necessary based on your type of business and may cost more.
Whatever type of accountant you are looking for, add it to your list of characteristics.
Services
Not every accountant is able to provide every service. The services they can provide will depend on the qualifications they have gained and their experience.
Don’t know what services you need? If you are a sole trader, you have a responsibility to keep financial records and submitting Self Assessment Tax Returns. If you have a limited company, you have a responsibility to keep financial records and prepare and file your annual accounts and Company Tax Return.
Whether you just need to fulfil your responsibilities or are looking for a particular service, write it down.
Unsure of the services that accounting technicians may be able to offer? Have a look at my accountancy services page.
Software
Perhaps you don’t currently have any bookkeeping software but like the look of QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage and would like your accountant to get you set up. Maybe you have already set up your business on bookkeeping software, and you need to check that any potential accountant is happy to use it. Either way, make a note to check the software the accountant uses.
Helpful tip: Bookkeeping software varies in price, so check online for pricing to see if you can find a deal. Bookkeepers and accountants can often provide discounts as well.
In-Person or Virtual
Perhaps you are the type of person who is constantly busy and would like to meet with your accountant without having to travel, so you are happy to jump on Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Maybe you prefer having a face-to-face conversation within an office so you can get down to the nitty-gritty. Maybe a mixture of the two? Whatever the case, jot it down.
Price
Would you prefer your accountant to charge by the hour so you only pay when you need them, or have a set monthly fee so you always know your monthly expenses? Maybe you have a strict budget in mind, and you need to find someone within that price range. Add it to your list of characteristics.
Something else?
This is your accountant. The characteristics you are looking for will be unique to you. When you imagine your ideal accountant, who do you picture? Whatever it is, make a note of it.
STEP 3 - The choice
Once you have made a list of characteristics, it’s just a case of matching the points from STEP 2 with the accountants you found in STEP 1.
It is a bit like playing “Guess Who?” You will just work through your list, knocking down the people until you arrive at your chosen person.
One of the quickest ways to eliminate candidates is to draft a high-quality email tailored to your characteristics that clearly outlines what you are looking for, and send it to the email addresses you collected in STEP 1, making sure to update the greeting each time.
The benefit of sending an email to multiple people is that it saves time searching for information online and helps start a business relationship.
Here is an example of the structure it could follow:
“Hi [Name],
I’m [Your name]. I run a [business type] that [information about day-to-day operations of your business]. I’m currently looking for an accountant and came across your name through [source of contact].
I’m looking for a [chartered?] accountant with [years?] experience to help me [detailed list of services you require (the more information you can give the better)].
Do you have any experience with [bookkeeping software]?
Ideally, I’m looking for an accountant who can provide meetings [in person/virtually]. Is this something you are able to do?
Can you also let me know how you charge for your services? Is this hourly or a fixed fee?
I understand if you are not taking on clients at the moment. Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
Research
The responses to your email should help you see which potential accountants are not right for you and allow you to narrow your list.
Now you can research the remaining candidates further. Do they have a website or a LinkedIn? See what you can find out about them.
Meetings
Book meetings with your favourite remaining candidates. Arranging a meeting in person or via online is a great way to get a sense of the person to see if they are someone you can see yourself working with.
During the meeting, they will also provide more information about the services they offer and answer any remaining questions you may have.
YOU HAVE FOUND THE RIGHT ACCOUNTANT
After your meetings with potential accountant, you will be able to decide which one is right for you. Congratulations, you have taken a great step toward improving your business.
Looking for a bookkeeper instead? Check out the article below.