Hiring a reliable accountant: what to look for

The legal relationship between a client (an individual entrepreneur or a company) and an outsourcing firm that keeps its books is unlike a relationship with any other counterparty.

Here you are entrusting your accounts to outside specialists and giving them access to confidential information. That is why it matters to choose a professional who is reliable, qualified and responsible.

Key factors in choosing an accountant

Qualifications. An accountant's qualifications play the central role. The specialist should have the right skills, knowledge and experience in finance and economics.
Professional ethics. By the nature of the job, an accountant has access to confidential information about the company's financial position. The specialist must follow professional ethics and keep to themselves anything they learn while doing their work.
Ability to help the business grow. Besides preparing source documents and reports, a good accountant thinks practically and brings management proposals on saving money, streamlining the business and optimising taxes.

What to look for in a remote accountant

Want to cut the cost of keeping an in-house accountant while still running your books properly? The best option is outsourcing.

When choosing an outside specialist, pay attention to the following:

Scope of work. Before signing a contract with an outsourcing firm, decide which functions the accountant will perform: keeping source documents, preparing reports, handling contract paperwork. This determines how many specialists will be involved.
Personal qualities. Qualifications matter, and so does character. A remote specialist will not be under the manager's constant supervision, so it is important to agree the list of tasks and deadlines. The specialist should be disciplined, organised and responsible, since you are trusting them with your company's budget.
Choice of provider. Plenty of firms offer these services today, and you need to find a professional among them. Look into the firm's reputation, its range of services and client reviews. When you talk to a potential provider, ask which industries it serves and whether it can offer terms tailored to your business.
The contract. A written contract is an essential condition of working together. Read the terms carefully, paying attention to the price and list of services, the work schedule, and personal liability for failing to perform duties or performing them improperly.

Many employers make the same mistake and sign contracts with firms that charge below the market rate. That should be a warning sign: real professionals value their work.

There are many audit firms but few true professionals. If you want your business to run like a well-oiled machine, contact the audit firm Key Solutions (Кей Солюшнз).

We tailor our approach to each client. Our team is made up of highly qualified specialists with 12 years of experience.

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