Accounting is the story of a business told in the language of numbers. Some people have a natural understanding of numbers, but most of us don't. Thus, even if you have learned the basics and can prepare your own budgets or monthly financials, it is probable that you will need the expertise of an accountant at some point, and it is likely that this point will come during the first year of your business. You might need someone to help you with a budget or cash flow forecast; prepare your tax returns; external financial statements; or even provide assistance with a long-term financial plan.

You'll want to find an accountant that you feel comfortable with and whose style is compatible to yours. Remember, you're not just looking for someone to take over the accounting -- you're looking for someone that will be a key advisor to your business. They'll be giving you advice about an area that should be of critical importance -- your money! So take the time to carefully select your accountant.

The following approach will help you with the selection of your accountant:

1. Determine the general scope of work that you want an accountant to provide to your business. Are you looking for someone to help you keep the books and prepare monthly financials? Or are you looking for an annual audit and periodic advice? Are there other areas in which you need an accountant's help?
2. Ask for referrals from other small business owners or from a local business resource center. Look for someone that has experience working with small businesses and has provided the type of service that you are seeking.
3. Set up interviews with 2 or 3 accountants.
4. Keep the interview focused on its purpose, that is, to determine if you are comfortable and have confidence in the accountant. Don't ask for accounting or tax advice during this process.
5. Ask the accountant for 2 or 3 references for other small business clients and contact them.
6. After you have interviewed 2 or 3 accountants, you will be prepared to select the right one to help with your business.

The following questions will help you get started with the interview process:

• What are the primary services that you provide to small businesses?
• Do you have knowledge about my industry or field? If not, get them to describe whether or not they think this is important for the services they will be providing to you. In some circumstances this experience may not be essential, but in others it will be, so talk this through during the interview process. For example, if you are a government construction contractor and are being paid on a cost-plus basis, you will want to find someone with some experience with the regulatory reporting and accounting requirements.
• How will I be charged for your services? Most accountants will establish a monthly retainer for recurring services such as monthly or quarterly financial statement preparation and charge by the hour for audits, tax returns, etc.
• What can I do to help reduce your fees? Listen to the answers you get, and and determine if you will be able to help keep your accounting costs down using the tips she provides.
• As my business grows, how will you be able to help me? Get them to describe services to other clients that they have "grown up with". You can learn a lot from an accountant that has helped other small businesses go throu

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