Criteria for choosing an accounting firm

[moltar]

I am about to start developing a website for an accounting firm. I need to do a little bit of research before that.

Since this is an online forum, mostly here are probably very familiar with the internet and have researched accounting firms online.

Picture yourself in a state when you were looking for an accounting firm. Or pretend that you are looking for one. What is your criteria for choosing the one?

[jsinger]

Gee, don't you think you ought to first ask your client, the accounting firm, about how people choose accountants. Duh! Most CPAs are specialized in many ways.

"Since this is an online forum, mostly here are probably very familiar with the internet and have researched accounting firms online."

Yes, people here are familiar with the internet. No, I doubt many have obtained their accounting firm thru a website (I hope not, anyway!)

[jsinger]

Moltar, I now see you have 1637 posts. Thought for sure you were setting up some spam here.

[Essex_boy]

For me they have to be local or able to visit me.

The advert has to say what they can do, like wages, P+L or business planning.

[moltar]

Gee, don't you think you ought to first ask your client, the accounting firm, about how people choose accountants. Duh! Most CPAs are specialized in many ways.

I did talk to them. But it's also good to know from the surfer's perspective. Even though the answers on this board may be biased and tilted, I am still interested.

Moltar, I now see you have 1637 posts. Thought for sure you were setting up some spam here.

Haha. I see what you mean ;)

Essex_boy: thanks!

[andrea99]

I happen to be looking for an accountant and would put the greatest weight on a personal recommendation. I am very comfortable buying things online but prefer a face-to-face relationship with an accountant, someone I can call with a question and not be referred to a faq.

Ordinary testimonials might look cheesy on a professional's website but somehow offering real references would be good.

[Lilliabeth]

I want an accounting firm with employees who used to work for the IRS. They are more likely to know the ins and outs, who is who, and what their motivations are, should I get in a jam.

I want an accounting firm with a very good reputation. It really makes a difference if you need some one to go to bat for you.

I want my accountant to be proactive, not merely reactive. The should let me know when I could be doing something better, even if I am too ignorant to ask.

I want my accounting firm to assign some one to me and not shuffle me around from person to person. I want my assigned person to appear to be interested in my business and my success.