How to find a good accountant for your business

Published Friday 16 January 2026

Table of contents

• Choose a certified or chartered accountant
• Look for an accountant with relevant expertise
• Know what services to expect
• Understand accountant costs and pricing
• Find qualified accountant candidates
• Questions to ask potential accountants
• Consider location and accessibility
• Interview multiple candidates and negotiate fees
• Do background checks before deciding
• Trust your instincts when making the final choice
• Next steps for working with your new accountant
• FAQs on choosing the right accountant

Key takeaways

• Prioritize certified or chartered accountants (CA, CPA) with relevant industry experience and professional body membership, as they possess advanced knowledge of tax laws and are bound by ethical codes that ensure credible, compliant service.
• Evaluate multiple candidates through structured interviews and request 3-5 client references from businesses similar to yours to compare service quality, communication styles, and problem-solving abilities before making your decision.
• Understand different pricing models (hourly rates, fixed monthly fees, annual packages) and negotiate written quotes that clearly outline services included, allowing you to compare total annual costs and find the best value for your specific needs.
• Ensure your chosen accountant uses modern cloud-based accounting software compatible with your systems, enabling real-time collaboration, automatic updates, and secure data sharing without the risks of emailing confidential information.

Choose a certified or chartered accountant

Certified or chartered accountants are professionals who have completed rigorous education, training, and certification requirements overseen by professional accounting bodies. For example, becoming a CPA requires applicants to demonstrate 36 months of relevant working experience on top of their educational qualifications.

Key qualifications to look for:

• Chartered Accountant (CA): Completed degree-level study plus a professional competence program that includes three years of Mentored Practical Experience
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Met specific experience requirements and holds a professional certification, which requires a qualification equivalent to an Australian bachelor’s degree
• Professional body membership: Active membership in recognised accounting organisations

Why certification matters:

• Expertise: Advanced knowledge of tax laws, regulations, and best practices
• Credibility: Required for loan applications, audits, and investor relations
• Professional standards: Bound by ethical codes and continuing education requirements
• Business growth support: Can handle complex financial needs as your business expands

Look for an accountant with relevant expertise

Relevant expertise ensures your accountant can handle your specific business needs effectively. Given that major professional bodies have vast networks, such as CPA Australia's more than 173,000 members working worldwide, you can look for experience that matches your situation.

Business size experience:

• Similar revenue range: Experience with companies at your current financial level
• Growth trajectory: Track record of supporting businesses as they scale
• Client portfolio: Mix of clients similar to your business size and complexity

Industry knowledge:

• Sector expertise: Understanding of your industry's unique requirements and challenges
• Regulatory knowledge: Familiarity with industry-specific compliance and tax obligations
• Market insights: Ability to provide relevant benchmarking and strategic advice

Technology proficiency:

• Cloud accounting software: Experience with modern, cloud-based platforms
• Digital workflows: Comfortable with online collaboration and document sharing
• Integration capabilities: Knowledge of connecting accounting software with other business tools

Ask for client references and case studies that demonstrate their experience with businesses similar to yours.

Know what services to expect

Proactive tax planning separates good accountants from great ones. Look for professionals who actively identify legitimate tax savings and business optimisation opportunities.

Services you can expect from a proactive accountant:

• Tax optimisation: Identify legal deductions and tax-efficient business structures
• Cash flow planning: Provide forecasting and working capital management advice
• Business structure advice: Recommend optimal entity types for tax and liability purposes
• Compliance monitoring: Keep you updated on regulatory changes affecting your business

Specific tax savings they should identify:

• Business expense deductions: Office costs, professional development, equipment purchases
• Home office claims: Legitimate portion of utilities, rent, and maintenance costs
• Vehicle expenses: Business use percentage of car costs and depreciation
• Professional fees: Legal, accounting, and consultancy costs related to business

Red flags to avoid:

• Aggressive tax positions: Strategies that seem too good to be true often are
• Inadequate documentation: Proper record-keeping is essential for any deductions
• Unclear legal boundaries: Ensure they distinguish between legal tax planning and evasion
• Lack of risk assessment: Should explain potential consequences of tax strategies

Understand accountant costs and pricing

Pricing structures vary significantly between accountants. Understanding different models helps you negotiate the best value for your specific needs.

Common pricing models:

• Hourly rates: Pay for actual time spent on your work ($100-300+ per hour)
• Fixed monthly fees: Predictable costs for ongoing bookkeeping and support
• Annual packages: Comprehensive service bundles for tax preparation and compliance
• Percentage of revenue: Fees tied to your business turnover (typically 1–3%)

Strategies to negotiate the best price:

• Written quotes: Request detailed proposals from all candidates for comparison
• Service bundling: Ask about discounts for combining multiple services
• Growth scaling: Negotiate fee adjustments as your business expands
• Payment terms: Discuss monthly versus quarterly payment options

Evaluation considerations:

• Total annual cost: Calculate expected yearly fees under different scenarios
• Value for services: Compare what's included in each pricing structure
• Scalability: Ensure the model works as your business grows
• Budget predictability: Consider whether you prefer fixed or variable costs

Find qualified accountant candidates

Professional networks and referrals provide valuable insights from experienced business owners who have already navigated the accountant selection process.

Government and business resources:

• Small business development centres: Free advisory services and accountant referrals
• Local chambers of commerce: Networking opportunities and member recommendations
• Industry associations: Sector-specific guidance and professional directories
• Government business portals: Official resources and approved practitioner lists

Peer recommendations:

• Business owner networks: First-hand experiences with local accounting professionals
• Industry meetups: Connect with businesses similar to yours for targeted advice
• Online business communities: Access to broader experiences and reviews

Personal network referrals offer trusted insights but require careful evaluation to ensure the accountant fits your specific needs.

Benefits of using referrals:

• Pre-vetted quality: Recommendations come from actual client experiences
• Relevant expertise: Referrals often match your business type and needs
• Negotiation insights: Learn about typical pricing and service expectations

Questions to ask for referrals:

• Service quality: What services does their accountant provide and how satisfied are they?
• Communication style: How responsive and accessible is the accountant?
• Pricing structure: What do they pay and is it reasonable for the services received?
• Problem-solving ability: How well does the accountant handle complex situations?

Evaluate referral relevance:

• Business similarity: Compare industry, size, and complexity to your business
• Service needs: Ensure the accountant handles the specific services you require
• Growth stage: Consider whether they support businesses at your development level
• Structure compatibility: Match sole trader, partnership, or company requirements

Personal relationships and professional fit are not the same, so take time to evaluate the accountant yourself.

Online professional networks provide access to accountant profiles, recommendations, and professional credentials for thorough research.

• Professional directories: Search certified accountant databases by location and specialty
• Review platforms: Read client feedback on LinkedIn, Google, Yelp, and industry-specific sites
• Company websites: Examine service offerings, team credentials, and client testimonials
• Social media presence: Assess their communication style and professional expertise

Questions to ask potential accountants

Having an evaluation checklist helps you systematically assess potential accountants.

Review their professional credentials:

• Qualifications: Verify certifications, degrees, and professional memberships
• Experience level: Check years in practice and previous roles
• Specialisations: Identify expertise areas and industry focus

Assess their communication skills:

• Clarity: How clearly they explain complex financial concepts
• Responsiveness: Evidence of timely communication with clients and networks
• Professionalism: Consistent, professional tone across all online interactions

Software compatibility ensures seamless collaboration and data security between you and your accountant. Modern cloud-based solutions eliminate most compatibility issues.

Questions to ask about software:

• Platform experience: Which accounting software do they use most frequently?
• Training willingness: Are they open to learning your preferred system?
• Cloud adoption: Do they actively use cloud-based accounting solutions?
• Security practices: How do they protect client data during file transfers?

Task division strategy maximises value by having you handle routine tasks while your accountant focuses on complex, high-value work.

Tasks you can handle:

• Data entry: Input invoices, receipts, and basic transaction information
• Invoice creation: Generate and send customer invoices using accounting software
• Expense categorisation: Classify business expenses into appropriate categories
• Document organisation: Maintain digital filing systems for financial records

Tasks for your accountant:

• Bank reconciliation: Match transactions and resolve discrepancies
• Tax preparation: Complete returns and ensure compliance with regulations
• Payroll processing: Calculate wages, taxes, and statutory deductions
• Financial analysis: Provide insights and recommendations based on your data

Cloud-based accounting software makes it easy and secure for you and your accountant to work on the same figures.

Consider location and accessibility

Location considerations depend on your preferred working style and business needs. Cloud-based accounting software allows accountants to work effectively from anywhere, giving you more options.

Benefits of remote accountants:

• Wider selection: Access to specialists regardless of geographic location
• Cost savings: Often more competitive pricing than local firms
• Flexibility: Easy collaboration through video calls and shared software access

Benefits of local accountants:

• Face-to-face meetings: Direct personal interaction when needed
• Local market knowledge: Understanding of regional business conditions
• Meeting attendance: Ability to join important business meetings in person

Regardless of location, ensure your accountant understands the tax laws and regulations that apply to your business.

Interview multiple candidates and negotiate fees

Multiple candidate interviews allow you to compare qualifications, communication styles, and service approaches to find the best fit for your business.

Interview preparation steps:

1. Prepare standard questions: Use the same questions for all candidates to enable fair comparison
2. Gather business information: Have financial statements, tax returns, and business plans ready
3. Define service needs: List specific accounting services and support you require
4. Set evaluation criteria: Determine what factors matter most for your decision

Interview structure:

1. Qualification review: Verify credentials and relevant experience
2. Service discussion: Understand their approach to your specific needs
3. Process explanation: Learn how they work with clients and handle communication
4. Pricing clarification: Get detailed fee structures and payment terms

Aim to interview at least three qualified candidates before making your decision.

Do background checks before deciding

Client references provide crucial insights into an accountant's service quality, reliability, and communication style from actual business owners.

• Ask for 3-5 references: Request contacts from businesses similar to yours in size and industry
• Recent clients preferred: Focus on relationships within the last 1-2 years
• Diverse business types: Get perspectives from different types of clients if possible
• Long-term relationships: Include clients who have worked with them for several years

Key questions to ask references:

• Service quality: How satisfied are you with their work accuracy and timeliness?
• Communication: How responsive are they to questions and concerns?
• Value for money: Do you feel their fees are reasonable for services provided?
• Problem-solving: How well do they handle complex situations or urgent requests?
• Reliability: Do they meet deadlines and follow through on commitments?

Tips for getting the most from reference calls:

• Keep it brief: 10-15 minute phone conversations work better than lengthy surveys
• Be respectful: Remember you're asking for their time as a favour
• Ask specific questions: Focus on concrete experiences rather than general opinions
• Listen for hesitation: Pay attention to what they don't say as much as what they do

Watch out for these red flags in references:

• Reluctance to provide contacts: Professional accountants should readily offer references
• Only recent clients: May indicate high client turnover or service issues
• Vague or scripted responses: References should provide specific, detailed feedback

Trust your instincts when making the final choice

Trust and compatibility matter as much as technical qualifications since you'll be sharing sensitive business information and working closely together long-term.

Intuitive assessment factors:

• Communication comfort: Do you feel at ease discussing financial concerns with them?
• Trust indicators: Does their demeanor and approach inspire confidence?
• Professional chemistry: Can you envision a productive long-term working relationship?
• Responsiveness: How well do they listen and respond to your specific concerns?

Observable trust signals and green flags:

• Transparency: Clear, honest explanations of processes and fees
• Attention to detail: Careful note-taking and thoughtful questions about your business
• Professional boundaries: Appropriate confidentiality discussions and security practices
• Problem-solving approach: How they handle hypothetical challenges you present

Warning signs that the accountant is not a good fit:

• Pressure tactics: Pushing for immediate decisions or contracts
• Vague responses: Inability to clearly explain their processes or experience
• Overconfidence: Promises that seem unrealistic or too good to be true
• Poor listening: Interrupting or not addressing your specific questions

Use all of the information you've gathered to make your final decision.

• Combine logic and intuition: Use both analytical evaluation and gut feelings
• Sleep on it: Take time to process your impressions before deciding
• Trust red flags: Don’t ignore persistent doubts about reliability or competence
• Long-term perspective: Consider who you want managing your finances for years to come

Next steps for working with your new accountant

Follow these next steps for working with your new accountant to ensure a smooth transition and establish productive working relationships from the start.

Initial setup process:

1. Document handover: Organise financial records, tax returns, and business documents
2. Software setup: Provide access to accounting software and establish user permissions
3. Communication preferences: Agree on meeting schedules, reporting frequency, and contact methods
4. Service scope confirmation: Finalise which tasks you'll handle versus what they'll manage

Ongoing relationship management:

• Regular check-ins: Schedule monthly or quarterly reviews of financial performance
• Goal alignment: Discuss business objectives and how accounting supports your plans
• Process refinement: Continuously improve workflows and communication methods
• Performance evaluation: Annually assess service quality and value for money

How to maximise the partnership:

• Be prepared: Have organised records and clear questions for meetings
• Stay informed: Understand basic financial concepts to engage meaningfully
• Communicate changes: Keep them updated on business developments and challenges
• Leverage expertise: Ask for strategic advice beyond basic compliance work

The right accountant becomes a valuable business adviser who supports your growth and success. Take time to choose wisely; this decision impacts your business for years to come.

Ready to find the right accountant for your business? You can try Xero for free and use the advisor directory to connect with experienced advisers.

FAQs on choosing the right accountant

Here are answers to a few common questions about finding an accountant.

How do you know if an accountant is good?

A good accountant is a great communicator who explains complex financial topics in simple terms. They should be organised, detail-oriented, and proactive in offering advice to help your business. Look for someone with strong qualifications and positive references from other business owners.

What are the red flags for an accountant?

Choose accountants who respond promptly, explain their fees clearly, and hold recognised professional credentials. Other warning signs include frequent errors, missed deadlines, or a reluctance to use modern, cloud-based accounting software. Trust your gut if something doesn’t feel right.

How much should an accountant cost for a small business?

Accountant fees vary based on the services you need. A simple annual tax return might be a few hundred dollars, while comprehensive monthly services including bookkeeping and advisory could be a few thousand dollars per year. Always ask for a clear quote upfront to avoid surprises.