Business - Accounts
Drop the worry weight
D
O you feel like you are carrying a heavy worry weight around with you, all because you cannot get your head around your accounts? Some people just don’t enjoy digits and figures! If you feel weighed down with the burden of bookkeeping and finances, then it would be wise to hire a reliable professional to deal with this side of your business. Here are five tips to help you source the perfect accountant…
1
Just like with the holistic industry, other businesses also thrive on wordof-mouth recommendations. Ask friends, family and professionals whom it is they employ or rate highly. It is likely there is a fabulous accountant in your socialnetwork, but you just don’t know it yet.
2
Choose an accountant that has experience of your industry. Some accountants specialise in sport, or entertainment, or in dealing with large corporations, and others work with holistic therapists. If your accountant knows your industry already, then they can cater for your specialist needs and are the best choice to support you and your business.
3
Research is essential when hiring an accountant, especially as you need to trust them with your finances. Once you’ve been recommended one, look them up on the Internet; read testimonials; see how they operate; how efficient their website is; where they are based; and what their credentials are. It is vital that the accountant has current qualifications (ACCCA, AIA or ICAEW), awarded by Recognised Qualifying Bodies (RQBs).
4
You need to have a good rapport with your accountant, and so it is best to telephone and book an appointment to meet the whole accounts team.
5
Whilst you do not want to spend heaps, cheap is not always the best option! You’ll find if you are a small business or sole-trader that the yearly cost is worth the time of the professional. You can also opt to have the fee directly debited from your bank each month, and so the amount can easily be allocated for. Obviously, the more money you make, and the more your business grows, then the more complicated your accounts can become, and so costs are likely to increase. However, a good trustworthy accountant is worth their weight in gold, which means that you can lighten your load, and freely focus on the parts of your business that you are good at.
Turn over for David Balen’s ABS of Money Management > holistictherapistmagazine.com
holistic therapist 2013
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