How to go about choosing an accountant?

[tammybear]

I've been doing my research on local accountants recently but I honestly don't know how to go about choosing which one? I obviously need to speak with each and tell them what I am doing but what kind of things do I need to know or ask them to help me make my mind up?

Choose one that is qualified (ACA or ACCA) and check with the professional body that this is the case. What do you want them for? Ask them whether they will be prepared to give fixed fee quotes for the work you want. Ask them about turn around times. Ask for an idea about rates. Then go with the one that seems most genuinely interested in your business and lets you do lots of talking, whilst drawing out the relevant points from you.

Try asking your problem on here and then comparing the answers you get with the accountants?

Thanks cleanandclothed. The accountant is for my business that I'm getting sorted at the moment and so want to cover all my bases and have one ready that I can use for it once I keep things into gear, but didn't really have a clue as to how I can decide which one would be best IYKWIM.

All acountants are good at different things.
some are more interested in tax than others.
Also some are more, I don't know how to say this. some are more straight up and down. some are easier going with allowing things, i mean A LONG way from being naughty or illegal. but some in their nature don't mind if you can't find that receipt. others will insist, and if you can't find it it be be put down as disallowable.
My friends left their last accountant becasue he was too easy going. verging on being dodgey !!

depends what you want. do you not know friends and parents who are happy with their accountants ?
is is very hard, becasue it is a professional 'relationship'.

No, unfortunately I don't know anyone who uses an accountant. But ISYUM. Thanks for your help

A lot of it's down to personality and if you feel that they're a "fit" with how you like to work / your personality etc.
I would shortlist a few, google them (for any dire reviews etc), ask about charges, narrow it down to a couple then meet with them (initial meeting is usually FOC). Then just see who seems to "get you" the most, and comes out with good advice etc. Trust is a big factor so bear that in mind.
Hope that helps!