The Importance of a Business Accountant

Business Accountant

Business accountants are a critical component to any small business. But it is just as critical to find a great business account because just having one isn't enough. An accountant is no longer just a number cruncher. They are financial advisers and planners as well and they can point you in the right direction to properly manage and maximize your company's money. They document exactly where the company's money goes and they are up to date on current tax laws and can help a business save money where it might be losing money without an accountant. Because accountants are in charge of company finances it is critically important that you find an accountant with integrity, that is honest, and that can be trusted.

Certified Public Accountants

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) an accountant must pass certain qualifications. CPA's require a certain level of schooling as well as experience. They also need to pass rigorous testing to prove their competence. In addition they must continue their education so that they are informed on all the newest tax laws. Because of these things a CPA is a much more knowledgeable and informed accountant. When starting out small businesses generally need a CPA to make sure that they aren't losing money where they shouldn't be and to keep their finances in very good order. There are many laws that a CPA will know about that a general accountant just won't know because they haven't had the schooling. CPA's are more expensive, but if you hire one that is trustworthy your accountant will tell you when you are paying them too much for services that could be handled by a general accountant.

What Does an Accountant Handle?

Accountants do a variety of tasks for small businesses. They should be involved in the start up process of any new business. They can help with planning, negotiating leases, and setting up book-keeping systems. As soon as a business is up and running an accountant prepares tax returns, annual information returns, quarterly reviews, and can offer financial advice. An accountant will set up efficient and organized book-keeping systems to make sure that any information needed can be found easily. An accountant can take care of business taxes as well as helping with personal tax planning. A lot of the time personal taxes are intertwined with business taxes and having an accountant will help to manage money more effectively. Accountants also provide a business an opportunity to network and receive referrals that it would not otherwise receive. Accounts have many different customers and they can let those clients know when beneficial opportunities arise. They may bring in new customers to a business they work for, or they might be able to facilitate new business partnerships that a business wouldn't get without them.

Accountants are highly valuable in the business world. If you are a small business you need a business accountant or a small business consultant to make sure that you aren't wasting money when you could be saving it. A business accountant knows tax laws and can make sure that you pay what is necessary and don't pay what you shouldn't be paying. The value of having a small business accountant can not be overstated. They are critical to financial planning for a small business and handling business taxes, which are governed by complicated rules. A business accountant can make or break a business, especially if it's just starting out. You need to make sure that you have an accountant that is knowledgeable and that you can trust.

Rebecca Moser is the founder of Moser & Associates which provides business accountant services to Minnesota including, tax planning, tax preparation and payroll services. Rebecca is a Certified Personal Accountant (CPA). She has over 15 years of tax and accounting experience with small and mid-size CPA firms. She is very active in professional, business and community organizations including several not for profit organizations and has made an art of helping others and their businesses.

Source: EzineArticles.com