Most business owners can benefit from working with a professional accountant, but if you’re in the construction industry, it’s even more important to make sure you’re getting great advice. Due to the nature of the business, construction accounting requires a unique approach. And since the rules are ever-changing, you need an expert who is well-versed in current best practices.
When searching for an accountant for your business, don’t make the mistake of simply searching for “construction accountants near me” and choosing the first one that pops up. Instead, take the time to do some research. You can start by asking any accountants you’re considering the following five questions.
1. How Much Experience Do You Have with the Construction Industry?
While most industries can be managed using typical accounting principles, construction businesses offer customized work in variable locations. Since every job is different, construction accounting can be far more complex.
This is just one of many reasons why you really need to hire an accountant who truly understands your business. Make sure anyone you are considering has at least a few years of experience working specifically in the construction industry.
2. Do You Offer Services Beyond Tax Filing?
Ideally, you’ll want to work with an accounting firm that can provide you with a full suite of services. This may include bookkeeping, payroll services, long-term tax planning, business planning, and possibly even personal tax planning. Working with a full-service firm will make things more convenient for you and improve the chances that you’ll get the quality advice your construction business needs.
3. Who on Your Team Will I Be Working With?
Sometimes, the person you initially speak to at an accounting form isn’t the one you’ll ultimately end up working with. While it’s important to understand the expertise and philosophy of the company as a whole, you’ll want to make sure you feel confident about the skills of the person who will actually be handling your finances.
Since this is such a personal relationship, it’s also important to make sure you have some rapport with the person who you’ll be communicating with over the long term.
4. What Makes You Different from Your Competitors?
Every accounting firm should be able to tell you what makes them stand out from the crowd. For some, it might be the size of the firm or the extent of the services they can offer. Others may tout the personal relationships they develop with each client or other types of advantages. Be sure to pay close attention to the answer you receive and how this lines up with the company’s reputation and reviews.
5. Do You Have Any References I Can Speak With?
Learning more about the experiences others have had with a professional can help give you an idea of what you can expect. It’s a great idea to read Google reviews and check out a business’s social media accounts. However, if you really want to dig deep, there’s nothing quite like being able to actually speak with other customers.
While an accounting firm won’t be able to provide a client’s contact information without their permission, most will have at least a few happy clients who are willing to provide a reference upon request.
Interview Our Construction Accountants Today!
If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and experienced construction accountant, the experts at Gurian CPA firm are here to help. Give us a call today to learn more. We’re happy to answer all of your questions and show you how we can bring value to your business.
