Four Questions to Ask When Hiring a Certified Public Accountant
A graduate of Stanford University with a master of business administration, Timothy “Tim” Shields brings more than two decades of financial and business management experience to his position as director of UBS in Illinois. Tim Shields is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in addition to his work at UBS. When you meet with a CPA for the first time, prepare a series of questions to gauge their experience and determine if their skills suit your needs. Potential questions include the following: 1. What are your credentials? Asking about the CPA’s credentials will ensure their affiliation with recognized agencies and professional groups. You can also ask about their experiences in your area of interest and any professional development activities in which they are involved. 2. What kind of clientele do you serve? A CPA’s usual clientele will tell you a lot about their professional experience and area of interest. For instance, if you need a CPA with experience serving business owners, look for one with a former history of service in that area. 3. What strategies will you apply to my needs? You can use this question to gauge a CPA’s interest in your case and their ability to communicate efficiently. A good CPA will take time to explain accounting concepts and jargon and review any information you provided them with prior to the interview. 4. How do you calculate fees? Fee structures can vary widely from one accountant to another, so take time to discuss how the CPA calculates his or her fees. Regardless of structure, the CPA should give you a good-faith estimate of final costs.