Edmonton Corporate Accountant
Posted On: 28/10/22 - 0

Have You Hired The Right One?

Every now and then we get inquiries from entrepreneurs who are considering changing their corporate accountant for a variety of reasons.  They are not sure if they have partnered with the right professional for their business and they feel that currently they are not getting what they expected in terms of a service.

Changing accountants can be a straight forward process. In our office, we send over a letter of request to the previous accounting firm to ensure file transfers are done efficiently and quickly.  This reduces any unpleasant interactions when you have decided to make a change. 

Before you make that critical decision, you may want to read the following article.

Changing Accountants – Points to Consider

How Up To Date Is The Technology Your Professional Accountant Uses?

Technology is key to being more productive, efficient, time relevant and secure. Since the onset of Covid, we had to pivot how we do business in order to protect our clients and staff.  We introduced new technology to allow for virtual meetings which saves business owners time travelling to and from our office.  We have also introduced new safe and secure customer portals which allows uploading documentation so clients could transfer data to us from the comforts of their home or office.

Does Your Corporate Accountant Have A Lot Of Experience as a BUSINESS Owner?

As a business owner, you may consider switching if your current firm doesn’t “get it” when it comes to running and growing a business.  How long have they been in business themselves?  Do they understand all of the daily challenges an entrepreneur faces? Do they have experience in your industry?  Have they dealt with businesses your size? Don’t be embarrassed to ask detailed questions.  Remember, you are looking for the right fit for your personality and your business.

Are They Too Busy For You?

It can be frustrating when dealing with a bigger accounting firm. Are you speaking to the same accountant when calling in? Do they return your calls and e-mails in a timely manner?  Are there multiple staff members that you talk to who don’t know your file personally?  In order to make informed business decisions, you need to be able to communicate with your accountant in a timely manner. Someone who understands your business almost as well as you do.

Is Your Business Accountant Easy To Talk To?

When you do speak with your accountant, are they easy to communicate with? When they are explaining the work to you, do you understand?  If not, are you comfortable enough with them to ask them to repeat in a way that you will get it?

What Is The Fee Structure Like For Services?

Make sure you are comfortable with their fees up front.  This is important to inquire about before making the ultimate decision of switching accountants.  Ask what the fees include and will there be any additional charges at the end of the year.  Nobody likes surprises when an extra invoice shows up without prior discussion.

Have You Checked Out Their On-Line Presence?

When looking for a New Business accountant, do your homework, check out their website.  Does it look professional?  Are they offering the services you are looking for? Are they doing what they can as an accounting firm to meet their clients where they are at? Do they have multiple social channels and a blog in the attempt to keep business owners up to date?   This may seem insignificant, but in today’s business economy, issues, events, governing has become a moving target.  What about google reviews? You can learn a lot about the accounting firm by reading the reviews from their clients, or past clients.  Do the reviews look authentic?

You Need To Do What Is Best For Your Business

Now that you know what to consider when switching accountants, it’s important not to act too quickly. I would encourage you to interview prospect accountants during a slow period in your business or even after your corporate year-end tax return has been filed. Consider starting with a new accountant for your new year in business.

The last thing you want is to have files transferred between the old and new advisors when you are in your busiest season. Waiting until the right time will help to reduce the stress of interviewing, deciding on a new professional and transferring data.

You and your new accountant want to ensure this is a smooth transition for everyone involved.

This begins with a letter of disengagement from your new advisor to the previous.  This letter requires your previous accountant to provide all relevant information to the new accountant.

Ready To Hire a New Professional?

If you’re thinking about hiring a new accounting firm that specializes in Alberta small business, this information will give you a better understanding of what to consider and the questions to ask so you can make your decision with confidence.

At Padgett Business Services, our goal is to provide business owners with expert corporate accounting services that offer the support entrepreneurs need, so you can focus on growing your business in a profitable way. If you’re ready to make a change to an experienced, solution based accounting firm, give us a call today.

12203-107 Avenue.
Edmonton, Alberta.
T5M 1Y9

Call us:
780.482.7297

cheryl@padgettnw.com