If you run a business and you are struggling to stay on top of your finances, you should consider hiring an accountant. They can help you track all of your income and spending and give you great advice to help you direct the future of your company. 

Even if you are a sole trader and your finances are relatively simple, you could still benefit from using an accountant to help you manage your money. But not all accountants are created equal and you need to shop around to find the best ones. The problem is, a lot of people don’t know what they are looking for. If you are searching for an accountant to help you manage your money, these are the qualities you should look for. 

Experience In Your Business Sector 

If you run a business in the construction industry, for example, you want an accountant who is experienced in working with businesses like yours. This doesn’t mean they have to come from your industry – it just means that they need to understand how your business operates and know which legal requirements you must meet. 

Every industry has its own specific financial challenges, so it’s important that you find an accountant with experience in your area. If you don’t, there is no guarantee that they will be able to give you good advice. 

Knowledge Of The Latest Accounting Software

Technology moves quickly and if you work with an accountant that isn’t familiar with the latest software, they won’t be able to help you. This is especially true when it comes to invoicing your clients and tracking your expenses. Sage is the best of the best when it comes to financial software, so look for a qualified Sage accountant that knows how to get the most out of these tools. If an accountant still does things the old fashioned way with spreadsheets, you should look elsewhere. 

Good Communication Skills

If your accountant can’t clearly communicate with you, you are going to have a tough time working together. This means they should be able to explain the financial challenges that you are facing in words that make sense to you. If an accountant talks finance-speak all the time, you will struggle to keep up. You also need somebody that is easy to reach at all times so if you have any burning questions about your finances, you can get the advice you need. 

The Right Certifications

You want an accountant that is qualified and that means they need to be certified by one of the main industry bodies. A lot of accountants can work independently and it’s vitally important that you check their credentials before agreeing to hire them. Ask them about their training and qualifications too so you can make sure that they actually have the expertise to manage your money. 

When you hire an accountant, you are trusting them with your money, so you need to be sure that you can trust them. These are the main qualities you should look for when trying to find an accountant.  

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