What You Need to Know About Picking The Best Cleveland Accountant
Everyone wants the best accountant. But how can you determine which of the accounting firms in Cleveland actually have the best accountant or the best bookkeeper? As with many professional services, it’s all about doing your research. Here’s what you need to know.
Make Sure Your Accountant Has Their Certifications
There are lots of certifications to look for and there isn’t a one-size fits all option. If you need tax work completed, you should ensure your preparer is either a Certified Public Accountant or an Enrolled Agent. Many professionals have both certificaitons.
In addition to these certifications, you may want to ask about things like continuing education. When it comes to regulations and taxes, it’s critical that everyone involved is getting refresher courses on relevant topics. EAs and CPAs have to in order to keep up their licenses, but the other accountants and bookkeepers on staff should be keeping up to date on relevant information too.
If your needs are only bookkeeping and QuickBooks based there are certifications to be had there as well. QuickBooks also requires continuting education for professionals holding its certifications.
The Best Accountants In Cleveland Have Great Reviews
Reviews are one of the best ways to determine whether the best Cleveland accountant firms are really the best. Look at third-party review sites. Even the best accountant may occasionally get a bad review, but if you see a lot of negative reviews about the same issue, it’s more likely to be a genuine complaint. In addition to third-party review sites, you can also look at their reviews on Google and Facebook, and their reports on the Better Business Bureau. Check accounts such as LinkedIn and Twitter if you want to see what people are saying on social media.
Today, third-party reviews and social media sites are essentially “word of mouth.” One of the best ways to determine whether a company is a good fit is to see what kind of buzz they’re generating online. If they have a good reputation online, it’s a good sign.
Make Sure Your Accountant Understands Your Accounts
There are different “types” of accounting. If you’re looking for business accounting, you need an accountant that specializes in business. Likewise, if you run a nonprofit organization, you want an accountant with specialized experience.
Ask the accounting firm whether they have experts within your industry and whether they have a lot of clients in your area. The answer will reveal whether they’re likely to be skilled with the type of service you need.
It isn’t always about the industry, either; it can also be the type of accounting that you want to be completed. If you want a company to do your payroll taxes, for example, there are many companies that specialize solely in payroll taxes. They would be the most effective solution.
Find A Local Accounting Firm
Above all, if you want the best accounting firm in Cleveland, you need to be looking at accounting firms in Cleveland. There are many national or global accounting firms out there, and while they do provide excellent services, it can be hard to connect with them.
The best Cleveland accountant is going to be able to connect with you easily in your own time zone. Being local also helps the firm be experts in and aware of local tax requirements.
At Szweda Consulting, we strongly believe that we’re the best Cleveland accountants. While there are many accounting firms in Cleveland, we pride ourselves on having a knowledgeable, friendly, and experienced team that always puts our customers first. If you want to work with the best Cleveland accountant, give us a call at (216) 279-3752.
