PRACTICE NOTES / 3 MIN READ
Choosing an accountant? Start here.
What to ask about scope, communication and the people doing the work.
The first useful step is often a clear description of the question you are trying to answer. You do not need to arrive with every document or know every term.
Describe the support you need.
Explain the work behind your numbers, your current process and the questions you want help understanding. This gives the conversation a more useful starting point than a broad request for accounting support.
Ask how the relationship works.
Who will be your point of contact? How are questions handled between scheduled meetings? What is included in the proposed scope, and what would be a separate engagement?
Understand before committing.
Ask for the scope, fees and responsibilities in writing. Discuss relevant qualifications and experience directly, then decide whether the proposed relationship meets your needs.
TAKE INTO THE CONVERSATION
What has changed? What needs explaining? What happens next?
General preparation questions for this fictional template. Not individualized financial or tax advice.