To some people, looking at columns of numbers, bank statements and forms can cause profuse sweating, shaking and shortness of breath. To others, it's just plain confusing.
That's why you can hire an accountant. See our profiles of local accountants. These number crunchers can be hired for anything from once-a-year tax preparation to weekly business and financial management.
Before you decide which accountant to put on your payroll, you may want to answer a few questions.
What is an accountant?
Accountants are best known for doing your tax returns and audits, but they also balance the books as well as set up and keep financial records for individuals and businesses.
Why hire an accountant?
Here are just a few good reasons:
You have a small or start-up business.
An accountant will help you file the proper tax documents, set up your bookkeeping system and work with you to set realistic financial goals for your business. He or she also will serve as an objective business consultant — someone who knows "the rules" and can free you up to run the company.
You have a lot of money or just came into a lot of money.
Accountants are required to know the tax laws — knowledge can save you some of that money. Hiring an accountant makes someone else responsible for managing the money, which could help you grow your wealth.
You're bad with your money or squeamish about numbers.
While accountants work a great deal with businesses, they also have individual clients who may not be rich but certainly have a need for management help. An accountant can get your finances in order and then assist you with keeping them that way.
Things to keep in mind
An accountant can be certified (CPA) or non-certified, and may work on his own or for an accounting firm. A CPA has met certain education and/or experience requirements and has passed the state CPA exam.
Accountants without the CPA designation may be just as qualified as those with it, particularly if they are members of the National Society of Accountants.
Once you decide you need an accountant, use Kudzu.com to find a few local accountantsbean-counters you may be interested in hiring. Don't wait until tax time when accountants are swamped with clients— develop a relationship early. That ought to help keep those sweats and panic attacks down to a minimum.
Applies to weekly or bi-weekly new customers only. Not valid with any other offer. With Valpak? coupon only. Coupon void if altered.
Maid Brigade San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 459-4992
10% Up To $3000 Off OF Any Job!
Free Estimates. Decks, Fences, Patio Covers, Gazebos And So Much More. Please Call Today For An Appointment. One coupon per customer. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. Not valid with any other offer. With Valpak? coupon only. Must present coupon at time of order. Coupon void if altered.
Free Estimates. Decks, Fences, Patio Covers, Gazebos And So Much More. Please Call Today For An Appointment. One coupon per customer. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. Not valid with any other offer. With Valpak? coupon only. Must present coupon at time of order. Coupon void if altered.
Fencepro Brisbane, CA 94005 (415) 468-8485
$100 OFF
$20 off each of the first 5 cleanings. New customers only. Customized cleaning. merrymaids.com. Not valid with any other offer. Coupon valid at this location only. Coupon void if altered.
$20 off each of the first 5 cleanings. New customers only. Customized cleaning. merrymaids.com. Not valid with any other offer. Coupon valid at this location only. Coupon void if altered.
Merry Maids San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 983-0403
2 Room SPECIAL Carpet Cleaning $69.95
Up to 250 sq ft. 25 cents extra each additional sq ft. One coupon per household. With coupon only. Not valid with any other offer. Coupon void if altered.
Up to 250 sq ft. 25 cents extra each additional sq ft. One coupon per household. With coupon only. Not valid with any other offer. Coupon void if altered.
AK Chem Plus Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 822-2280
Would you like to comment on this article?
