Involving an accountant in your business involves entrusting one of the most critical areas of your business - money - to someone else. As a result, you'll want to choose an eCommerce accountant that is trustworthy and skilled at their job. However, the reasons for selecting the appropriate accountant go well beyond simply being able to trust them with your numbers. Choosing the appropriate accountant should also mean saving more time, money, and worry and enhancing your entire business.
What to Look for in a Bookkeeper or Ecommerce Accountant
If you've already done any research on Google, you'll know that there are thousands of accountants and bookkeepers out there, all claiming to be the best fit for your online business. But what exactly is "correct," and what should you look for in an eCommerce accountant?
1. Qualifications
First and foremost, it's crucial that you pick out an accountant with the relevant qualifications, certifications and associations for your country. In the UK, this is a Chartered Accountant, but in other countries, this might include:
– Certified Public Accountant;
– Member of the Association International Accountants;
– Member of the Institute of Financial Accountants; or any other variations.
If they're working with a specific cloud-based accountancy platform, you'll also want to ensure that they have the appropriate certification – such as Xero Advisor Certification and partnership.
2. Services Offered
What are you hiring your accountant for? What services do you want them to offer? These will help you determine the kind of eCommerce accountant you need.
You might need someone who can perform checklists and financial reports, or you might need them to do payroll and handle tax filing. There are dozens of things that an eCommerce accountant needs to do, but the first step is to know what you need and why.
3. Familiarity with Technology
Given that most businesses operate online nowadays, it's a big plus if your accountant is familiar with the technology involved in eCommerce. They should know what online payment services are available and should be able to recommend the right one for your business.
They should also be familiar with eCommerce platforms such as Shopify and Facebook, and be able to offer advice regarding website traffic and SEO.
4. Fee Structure
This is a critical piece to the hiring puzzle and something you should definitely research beforehand. Find out how they charge their fees and whether they charge a monthly, yearly or hourly rate. You should also figure out what kind of services they offer and whether or not they charge for extra services (e.g. if you need a payroll service, is there an extra fee for payroll preparation and filing?).
Check if they charge for any consultations and what fees you'll have to pay if certain documents are lost or damaged.
5. Ease of Communication
Between dealing with your daily business, bookkeeping and tax issues, you want to ensure that your accountant is easy to get hold of and responds to emails fast. You will likely have a lot of questions, and you need to make sure that they're able to convey those questions to you in a way you understand. They should also be flexible with scheduling meetings, as you may need to meet with them in person or on conference calls.
Conclusion
Hiring an accountant is definitely a commitment, but a necessary one if you're serious about growing your business. It's not just about ensuring that you're not breaking any laws, it's also about bringing your business to the next level. Picking the right accountant can be difficult, but by knowing what to look for, you should be able to find the right one.
The ECommerce Accountant offers you the services of a seasoned Gold Coast accountant. Contact us today to learn more about how we help businesses from different industries!