Questions to Ask an Accountant Before You Hire One: A Complete Guide to Accounting, Finance and Business Costs
Choosing an accountant is an important decision for company directors who want to keep their financial records organized and their financial responsibilities under control.
A good accountant can provide much more than bookkeeping. Depending on the business, professional support may include financial reporting and other financial services.
However, accountants can differ significantly in their pricing.
Before hiring one, it is worth asking detailed questions about what they offer and how their services will work.
This is particularly important for entrepreneurs considering international business structures, such as setting up a SARL in Morocco.
Why Ask Questions Before Hiring an Accountant?
The cheapest accountant is not necessarily the most suitable option.
Likewise, a firm with an impressive list of services may not have the industry expertise your business requires.
Before making a decision, compare accountants based on:
Professional experience
Qualifications
Available services
Sector experience
Tax knowledge
Business advisory services
Responsiveness
Accounting software
Pricing
International experience
The objective is to find an accountant who can support your business today while also being capable of supporting it as it changes.
Questions About an Accountant's Experience
One of the first questions should be:
Have you worked with companies similar to mine?
An accountant who understands your business model may be better positioned to identify tax considerations.
You can also ask:
How many businesses do you currently support?
For an international entrepreneur, another useful question is:
Have you worked with international entrepreneurs?
Questions About Accounting Services
Do not assume that every accounting firm provides the same services.
Ask:
What exactly is included in your accounting package?
Depending on your needs, services may include:
Bookkeeping, tax returns, VAT administration, annual accounts, payroll, financial reports, and financial planning support.
It is also useful to ask:
Are there additional fees for specific services?
This can help prevent surprise costs later.
Understanding Accountant Pricing
Price is an important factor, but it should be considered alongside experience.
Ask:
How do you charge for your services?
Some accountants may charge a monthly fee, while others may bill based on transaction volume.
You should also ask:
How often can your fees change?
A clear pricing structure makes it easier to compare providers.
What Tax Services Does an Accountant Provide?
Tax is one of the most important areas to discuss.
Ask:
Will you handle my business tax filings?
You can also ask whether the accountant provides tax compliance reviews.
For companies operating internationally, ask:
Do you work with foreign-owned companies?
The exact tax requirements depend on the location of the company, so professional advice should be based on the specific circumstances.
Understanding Business Financial Statements
An accountant should help you understand the financial information produced for your business.
Ask:
Will you explain the numbers to me?
Useful financial reports can help owners monitor:
Sales, expenses, profitability, cash flow, assets, and liabilities.
Financial reporting is especially valuable when a company is hiring.
Using Accounting for Better Business Decisions
An accountant can potentially help a business owner move beyond bookkeeping and use financial information for business management.
Ask:
Can you help me understand my cash flow?
You might also ask whether the accountant can help analyze:
profit margins.
This can turn accounting from a back-office function into a more useful business management tool.
Questions About Technology
Modern accounting firms often use automated financial systems.
Ask:
How will I share documents with you?
It is also worth asking:
Can it connect with ecommerce platforms or payment systems?
Technology can reduce administrative work and make financial information easier to access.
How Will You Work With My Accountant?
A technically excellent accountant may still be difficult to work with if communication is poor.
Ask:
Who will be my main contact?
You can also clarify whether communication will take place through:
Messaging systems.
For business owners, having a clearly defined point of contact can make financial administration less stressful.
Does the Accountant Handle Payroll?
If your business employs staff, ask whether payroll services are included.
Useful questions include:
How frequently will payroll be processed?
You can also ask about:
Benefits.
Payroll requirements can vary depending on the country, so local expertise is important.
Questions to Ask When Setting Up a SARL in Morocco
Entrepreneurs considering a Moroccan limited liability company should ask an accountant questions that cover both setup costs.
For example:
What accounting services does a Moroccan SARL typically need?
It is also useful to ask:
Which ongoing professional fees should a SARL expect?
Setup and running costs can vary depending on factors such as:
transaction volume.
Because costs and legal requirements can change, entrepreneurs should obtain a current quotation and confirm the applicable requirements with a qualified local professional before establishing the company.
Understanding Company Expenses in Morocco
When planning a business in Morocco, separate one-time setup expenses from recurring operating expenses.
Initial expenses may relate to:
Registration.
Ongoing expenses may include:
Software.
This distinction is important because a business may have relatively manageable formation costs but significantly higher annual administration expenses depending on its activities.
Accountant Comparison Checklist
After speaking with several accountants, create a simple comparison.
| Category | Provider A | Provider B | Accountant C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business experience | Compare | Compare | Review |
| Service scope | Compare | Review | Compare |
| Tax expertise | Review | Compare | Compare |
| Recurring cost | Compare | Review | Review |
| Extra charges | Compare | Review | Compare |
| Payroll | Yes/No | Available/Not available | Available/Not available |
| Cross-border expertise | Review | Review | Compare |
| Availability | Review | Compare | Compare |
The goal is not simply to choose the lowest price.
Instead, look for the best combination of business understanding.
Red Flags to Watch For When Hiring an Accountant
There are several warning signs worth considering.
Be cautious if an accountant:
Provides unclear pricing
Avoids questions about qualifications
Does not explain his explanation what is included
Has consistently poor communication
Does not understand your industry
Makes questionable financial claims
Does not provide clear documentation
A professional relationship works best when fees are clearly established from the beginning.
Choosing the Right Accountant
Hiring an accountant is an important financial decision.
The right professional can help with financial reporting, while the wrong fit can create unnecessary costs.
Before hiring an accountant, ask detailed questions about technology.
If you are considering a SARL in Morocco, make sure you also understand the difference between formation expenses and ongoing running costs.
Ultimately, the best accountant is not necessarily the one with the cheapest package.
It is the professional who offers the right combination of expertise for your specific business needs.