We understand how difficult it can be to sift through all of the local accountants that you are confronted with from just a quick search on Google or Bing. The search results can be overwhelming, so how do you know which one is going to be best for you or your business, and will be able to provide you with the accounting services that you require?
Whether you’re looking for help with tax returns, advice on growing your business, or guidance relating to a complex VAT or investment issue, we know that choosing the right accountants in Wimborne is an important decision – after all, it can save (or cost) you a lot of money in the long term.
At Ward Goodman, we want to make this process as simple as possible. We pride ourselves in being transparent in the services that we offer, ensuring that the clients who choose to use us as their Wimborne Accountants can have full confidence in our proactive approach, service delivery and abilities.
In this article, we’ve outlined some of our top tips for finding the right Wimborne Accountant, so that when the time is right, you’re making an informed decision.
Personality is important
In most decisions that involve dealing with other people, you’ll get a good feeling about the other party involved, and usually, you’d do well to listen to it. The same rule should apply when choosing your accountants. After all, you will be trusting them with your financial information and relying on the advice their experts provide you with.
Aside from demonstrating a wealth of knowledge and experience, you’ll want to feel as though you can communicate openly with your chosen accountants within the boundary of a strong working relationship.
We want our clients to feel comfortable seeing us in person, and to pick up the phone whenever they have a question or need some guidance without the fear of receiving an unexpected bill.
Working with your Wimborne accountant
You should expect a professional, yet friendly and open relationship between you and your Wimborne accountant.
Often, you’ll get a feel for their personality from the very first meeting.
At Ward Goodman, we work hard to build constructive relationships with all of our clients. This involves always striving to provide the best financial solutions for them, whilst offering our honest advice at all times – not just what they want to hear.
Consider the size of the accountancy firm
If you’re a small to medium-sized business, or are just starting up, it’s important to find a team of accountants that will be suited to your sized business. There is no point paying the premium rates of a large firm if the support offered is provided by individuals who are less qualified, or even worse, not based in the area you live and work in.
To a large accounting firm, you’re one of many, many other clients, and so unfortunately are unlikely to get the levels of communication that you need and deserve.
Finding a local accountant that has expert accountants and tax advisors who are suited to your business size is key, as they will be able to provide you with relevant information, are more likely to identify accounting opportunities, whilst also having a better general understanding of your business needs.
If you’d like to speak to someone about your requirements, our specialist business team in our Wimborne Accountants would be happy to help.
Read testimonials and reviews
This one is really important, as it gives you the chance to see what clients are really saying about each of the accountants that you are considering. Unfortunately, it’s far too common to see local accountants who have expensive websites that make them seem like the top choice, when a deeper delve into their reviews would often reveal some unhappy clients.
You’d do it if you were buying a new TV or booking a holiday, so we highly recommend looking at reviews before you engage with an accountant too, as reputation is hugely important. If you’d like to see what some of the Ward Goodman clients have to say, please take a look at our testimonials.
Find out if they’ll be able to help you as your business grows
When choosing your accountants in Wimborne, you should consider the implications of having a long term relationship with them. You may just be starting up your business now, but what happens as your business grows, and so your accountancy demands change and become more challenging.
You’ve already gone through the hassle and stress of finding one accountant that you trust, do you really want to have to spend the time doing this again as your business develops?
Most firms will offer a free initial consultation. They’ll use this as an opportunity to get to know you, and for you to ask any questions. It may be relevant to you to check with them at this point that they can accommodate growth in the future. Otherwise, you could find yourself having to start the process again and find a new local accountant that you can trust in a few years’ time.
Talk money
You could find the most professional, friendly and reliable Wimborne accountant, but if their fees are above your budget, you’ll need to know this from the start. At your initial consultation, you should establish the fee structure, what is included and when payments will be required.
Ward Goodman offers fixed-fee monthly packages so you always know where you’re at with regards to accountancy fees.
We recommend asking for an estimate so that you can check what is included – does VAT still need to be added, are there payroll charges etc. It is important to have a full picture of what you’ll be paying, and what services you will receive for those payments.
Do they belong to a professional institute
When you’re researching accountants, checking that they belong to a recognised professional institute can give a good indication that they are reputable. Many ‘one-man-band’ accountants may be qualified, but will unlikely be a member of professional institutes.
Ward Goodman is registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and is regulated as a Registered Auditor. Our independent financial services business is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, ensuring that the work that we complete is undertaken to the highest standards, and in line with regulations.
Choosing Ward Goodman as your Wimborne Accountants
Hopefully, the advice raised in this article will help you with your search for a Wimborne accountant. If you’d like to consider Ward Goodman, we’d be delighted to talk through our services and approach with you in person.
We offer free initial consultations to get to know you and your business’ financial needs, so that we can put together a bespoke package suited to you. Talk to a member of our friendly team today by clicking here>>.
