Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/87297
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT ACCOUNTANT 2. VERIFY CREDENTIALS "Some individuals working as bookkeepers or accountants have no formal license or education in accounting," cautions Navin Sethi, CPA and tax manager with Rothstein Kass in Walnut Creek, California. "That's why you should do a thorough investigation before you hire an accountant. The best way to protect yourself is to hire a CPA. "In order to earn the CPA credential, applicants must meet the requirements of the state or jurisdiction in which they practice. CPA applicants must also pass the national CPA exam and, depending on the state, have some actual practical work experience before receiving their license. Finally, CPAs must adhere to requirements to take specifi ed amounts of continuing professional education courses to retain their license to practice. Your benefi t is that you will be working with a professional who is required to keep up-to-date on the latest and best accounting methods." 3. CHECK REFERENCES Checking an applicant's references is one of the most important steps in the hiring process. It may be rare, but even professionals can misrepresent their backgrounds and credentials, or simply leave out important information. Checking references takes a little time, but human resource professionals know it's a simple step that could save you from hiring someone who is woefully unqualifi ed. Fulbright emphasizes the importance of the chemistry between you and your accountant, especially if you run a small practice. "Make sure you have clear goals for your business and that your prospective accountant understands them," she says. "Go to lunch; have a conversation. 4. FIND A COMFORT LEVEL That will help you decide if you're both on the same page." Every expert interviewed for this story agrees with the need to have an at-length personal interview before hiring an accountant. 5. USE THE 60 PERCENT RULE Keep in mind that there is a wide range of specialties open to CPAs, from individual taxes, to large corporate clients, to small businesses, and everything in between. "Look for a CPA who has 60 percent of his or her business coming from small professional practices and business owners like you," Marsala says. "They're more apt to keep up with the laws regarding clients they deal with most often. If your practice is incorporated or is a limited liability corporation, make sure the person specializes in corporate accounting, including fi nancial statements and audits." 80 massage & bodywork november/december 2012