If you’re looking for an accountant for your business, chances are you have a list of skills you want to be ticked to make sure you’re getting the best one available.
In a city where there’s an abundance of accountants, how do you know what really makes the best London accountants, and what makes the bad ones?
It’s not only about qualifications, but also soft skills. Accountants in London need a wide variety of characteristics and skills in order to succeed. Check out the top accountant qualities listed below.
1. A Strong Sense Of Ethics
Integrity and ethics are valued characteristics among startup accountants. Choose professionals who know right from wrong. The best accountants in London display integrity in their bookkeeping and accounting activities at all times.
2. Qualified
The best accountants in London are accepted to practice and regulated by a recognized accountancy body. It, of course, goes without saying that business owners should only hire the most qualified ones.
Check their membership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Also, check the accountant’s name and look for the letters ACCA and ACA, which indicate that they’re qualified as per the global professional accounting body, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
3. Well-Rounded In Terms Of Services Offered
When hiring an accountant, you’re essentially looking for a professional who doesn’t only take over the administrative work (e.g., PAYE and bookkeeping), but also helps in reviewing your numbers. Choose one who can make sound recommendations for your business to have the best chance to succeed. The best London accountants are well-rounded enough to address your current and future business needs. They offer professional services that include, but are not limited to:
- Long and short-term strategies
- Cash flow forecast
- VAT
- Payroll services
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Corporate tax planning and advice
- Company secretary services
The best London accountant can work with individuals, small businesses, contractors, and startups.
Every business is unique. Perhaps, you’re a contractor who struggles with IR35, or you’ve just launched a startup in need of funding, or you’re a small business owner who’s experiencing consistent growth in your business. Hiring an accountant who has expert knowledge in the area where you need help the most is essential. They should provide relevant tax advice and accounting that would help you manage and continue to grow your business.
4. Has Serious Experience
As already mentioned, the best accountants in London are well-rounded and able to provide a sweeping array of services. For them to deliver work properly, however, they need to have serious experience. They should have performed these tasks a lot of times before for different businesses.
How can you find out if your prospective accountant is experienced enough in the areas you require help? There are a few things you can do. First, check out their website and all the information posted there. Try to find testimonials from previous and ongoing clients. Online review platforms are also a good place to start. Second, ask about specifics in your business accounting needs during the initial consultation. Be mindful of their answers to see if they know what they’re talking about. Third, request for references and personally ask those individuals about their experiences while working with the accountant you want to hire in London.
5. Constantly Learning
With the introduction of new taxes, laws, and principles, the accounting field is ever-changing. While accountants need to grasp the basics strongly, they must also display a willingness to keep themselves up-to-date. The best London accountants make sure that they have a thorough understanding of all the recent news and developments in the field.
6. Uses Latest Technology
The best accountants in London can apply the latest technological tools to make their accounting practices more efficient. They shouldn’t only utilize the top accounting software programs, but also know how to integrate them with your current business practices. That, on top of having a diverse background and one that aligns with your business perfectly, should achieve seamless accounting processes for your company. You’ll notice that there are fewer errors, saving you money in the long run. Your business will also be able to keep abreast of your competition and the industry as a whole.
7. Excellent Organizational Skills
Accountants deal with tons of paperwork and a lot of data and numbers on a daily basis. The best ones in London exhibit excellent organizational skills, allowing them to remain on top of these details. Their organizational skills also help them access the right information efficiently.
Conclusion
Bookkeeping and accounting are pivotal functions in every organization. They provide invaluable data by measuring and checking the financial status of your business.
Accountants can help you make the right business decisions. It only makes sense to hire the best ones in London. The qualities above can help you find the right person for the job.
