When running your business, having the best team around you is critical. Regarding your company's accounting needs, the person or team handling the books must be the right fit. Even in the age of web applications and DIY accounting, hiring a professional to work with your business is still the best way to avoid tax mistakes and stay on budget. As you are looking for an accountant or accounting group to hire, there are several considerations. 

Company Size

The size and scope of your company are some of the most critical items to consider when you start your search for an accountant. How many employees your business has and your annual revenue are the two primary indicators that the Small Business Administration (SBA) uses to define a small business versus a larger business. Beyond this distinction, business owners should also consider their location, number of accounts, business partnerships, growth goals, and more. 

The accountant you hire should be able to view all of these factors and ones you haven't yet considered when they work with you. Especially when it comes to your business goals for each fiscal year, your accountant can make or break these goals – so be sure who you hire will be on board. 

Accounting vs. Bookkeeping

Accounting and bookkeeping are two sides of the same coin. Accounting is more focused on strategy and month-to-month operations, while bookkeeping is more concerned with the day-to-day and week-to-week. Bookkeeping is a task that may seem simple enough to do on your own or assign to one of your employees. 

However, as with accounting, small payroll or accounts mistakes can spiral into more significant issues like lawsuits. Here at N.E.W. Accounting, we offer accounting and bookkeeping services to meet your needs so you can focus on the business. 

Personality and Work Style

Lastly, as with any hire for your business, your accountant should have a strong personality fit and a work style that meshes well with the rest of the company. Some business owners may fall into the trap of thinking that their accountant (or other office staff members) does not need to be a personality match if they don't interact with the rest of the employees often. 

However, personality does matter since an accountant's work is vital to the company and affects every employee. For example, if your employees tend to be outgoing, hiring an accountant who can match this energy makes all the difference. 

Regarding work style, you will want to outline clear expectations with the accountant you hire when you draw up a proposal of which accounting tasks they will do. Will the accountant be paid hourly or on a retainer? Will they work from home or in an office with the rest of the business? Does the accountant prefer to meet with you in person or virtually, and will you email, call, or text them? Every detail matters when it comes to your business' accounting needs.

Work With N.E.W.

Our team at N.E.W. Accounting is prepared to meet all of the considerations above and exceed your expectations. We know that small to medium-sized business owners can feel bogged down by their company's numbers, and we want to work with you so that you can focus on the rest of your business. Contact us today to get started!