A good accountant does much more than prepare the year-end accounts. They can be a tax coach and a financial planner. Finding the right one is easier if you follow a clear process.
Start with your needs
Ask what your business actually needs. Is it tax help, day-to-day bookkeeping and accounting, better financial tracking, or VAT and corporate tax compliance? Local accountants can meet basic needs. Online accountants can be affordable and easy to reach. Shortlist a small group that fits your essential criteria.
The four steps
1. Ask for referrals
Talk to other small business owners, managers or the people who manage their accounts. Ask who they use, how satisfied they are and what the accountant specialises in. If referrals are hard to get, search online and list a few firms.
2. Call the shortlisted accountants
Ask about their education and industry experience. Consider professional audit firms with relevant experience. Choose three or four to interview.
3. Prepare your questions
- Billing: how the fees are calculated, and whether calls and emails are charged.
- Availability: how often they can take a short call or give advice by email.
- Your tax return: bring last year's return and ask for a rough cost estimate.
- Industry: ask about relevant expertise, such as e-commerce, export or hospitality.
For UAE businesses, add: are they familiar with VAT, corporate tax and EmaraTax, and can they act as your authorised agent with the FTA?
4. Meet in person
A face-to-face meeting lets you judge knowledge, communication and whether you are comfortable. Treat the choice as a long-term relationship, since the accountant can help plan the future of your business.
When do you need one?
When the business grows and the money needs tracking, and certainly when you must register for VAT or corporate tax, or when an audit, a loan or an investor is on the horizon.
Red flags
- Unclear fees or no written scope
- Slow replies in the first meeting
- No questions about your business
- Promises of guaranteed tax savings
Looking for an accountant in the UAE? See our accounting and bookkeeping service and our article on outsourced versus in-house accounting.
Key takeaways
- Define your needs, ask for referrals, interview three or four and meet in person.
- Ask about fees, availability and industry experience.
- In the UAE, check VAT and corporate tax experience.
Frequently asked questions
When should a small business hire an accountant?
When the business grows, when you must register for VAT or corporate tax, or when a loan, audit or investor is coming.
What should I ask?
How fees are calculated, how available they are, what they know about your industry and whether they can act for you with the FTA.
Talk to a chartered accountant
Questions about your own situation? Reach us directly and we will reply with clear next steps.
This article is general information and not advice for your specific circumstances. Rules and thresholds change, so confirm the current position before you act.
