Small Business Operators - 7 Reasons You Should Change Your Accountant

A recent survey showed that only 28.7% of small business owners were happy with their accountant, and only half of those would recommend him to their friends because he was too busy already.

The following are the most common reasons small business owners give for their dissatisfaction. Do any apply to you?

1. The accountant in charge is not accessible and never returns phone calls. In the early stages he couldn't do enough. He used to come out to the factory at least once a year to have a look. Now he seems to have time only for the big fellows. It seems I'm too small for him to be bothered with.

2. I am forever being foisted onto less senior staff who just do not know the answers. They have to research the matter or get hold of someone more knowledgeable It means delays and wasted time that I am being billed for.

3. The change over in staff is frustrating. I have a complex structure and I have to explain it anew every time I visit. It would be lovely to build up a relationship with someone permanently. (or at least for two years in a row).

4. I deliver my work in plenty of time but the accountant sits on it like a clucky hen for months. Sometimes I receive fines from the Tax Office which are not my fault. My accountant reimburses me if I kick up a stink about it, but I am afraid I am building a bad reputation with the tax people.

5. Even though the work has been in his office in loads of time, the completion always seems to be hurried. Work is sent to me with errors. Surely this isn't right? Now, I insist on seeing the work in draft form first, and I am able to pick up most of the errors

6. He charges for everything. I rang him to point out a mistake his firm had made in my account and he charged me $35 for fixing it.

7. The fee he charges is out of all proportion to the service he gives! The fee goes up each year while his service gets poorer. I don't mind paying the appropriate fee but he charges like a wounded bull.

These are the perceptions only from disgruntled clients and may be colored by many things. They may be even untrue! I am sure that the accountant would tell another story, but?

Before you engage an accountant or even in dealing with your presentaccountant you should clarify his terms of engagement. You wouldn't go to a mechanic and say, "Fix my car. Do whatever you think is appropriate. Never mind the cost just send me the bill."

Nor should you with your accountant. Your accountant may be performing a service you don't need and don't use. How will he know if you don't tell him?

On the other hand, there may be a service you really do need which he is not doing. Ask him to give you an estimate. Don't be put off with,"It's a bit hard to estimate I charge an hourly fee".

Once his tasks for the year are nailed down why shouldn't he have an idea of how long each task takes.

The charge out rate for each employee may range from $35 to $200 dollars per hour according to the skill and experience of the employee. The Accountant should be able to estimate the fee using the rate for the appropriate employee. If during the year a specialist just happens to do some data entry over the weekend to get the task finished you shouldn't have to pay his rates.

The most important attribute of a good accountant is his ability to act as your confidante. You should be able to tell him anything.

You won't be able to if each time you are in his office you are worried about the fee he is going to charge for the visit.

Kelvyn Peters and Associates
http://www.profitstrategies4business.com

< b>About the Author

Kelvyn Peters is one of Australia's longest serving Tax Agents. Kelvyn was registered in February 1962 and became a CPA in September 1964.

Kelvyn has served on many not-for-profit and charitable boards including St Aubyns Private Hospital, Alzheimer's Association, Older Peoples Advocacy Service and the Golden Years Center.

As a young man he won the Outstanding Jaycee Award three year's in a row. Kelvyn is a generous and kind man who loves helping people. Kelvyn feels their pain.

Kelvyn Peters was Mayor of Kingaroy Shire Council from 1977 to 1983 and campaigned as the 'Young Man of Action"

Over 20 years later he still regards himself as a 'Young Man of Action'.

He is a director of Restaurant Catering Qld Inc the peak employer representative in Queensland, and has advised the hospitality industry for many years.

His specialty is moving in to rescue an ailing business.

Kelvyn Peters CPA has spent over 20 years experimenting and researching methods to help small business in meaningful ways that are affordable.

---

Packing Material Thats Cheap!

Shipping materials can be expensive! Even the styrofoam "peanuts" can... Read More

How Do I Choose The Right Business Opportunity For Me?

First you have to start with knowing your budget and... Read More

Self Serve Car Washes in the United States

In the 2003 Auto Laundry News Survey it was determined... Read More

The 5 Habits of Highly Successful Small-Business Owners

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a... Read More

Expanding your business.

Are you a small business owner who wants to expand... Read More

13 Steps to Protect Yourself from Your Bank

The success of your business is critically dependent on how... Read More

There Is Security in Change... But Use Caution

It has been said that the only constant is change.... Read More

Marketing - The Way To Make What Youre Really Worth

You only have so much time in a day right?So... Read More

The Advisory Board: A Business Owners Most Valuable Resource

As a company grows, the owner's role begins to change.... Read More

Doing Business With Friends: Five Tips for Preserving the Friendship... and Your Sanity!

My colleague, Jane, recently lamented to me an all too... Read More

So You Don?t Believe in Outsourcing

Entrepreneurs are hardy stock. But sometimes hardiness can get you... Read More

Chamber Membership will BOOST your Business

When is the Chamber ideal for your business?Joining a Chamber... Read More

The End -- Fireworks or Fizzle?

Seems as though there are a lot of business closings... Read More

Boat Detailers; Add-on Products and Services

As a Boat Detailing Specialist, you may want to offer... Read More

Starting An E-Commerce Business: Baby Steps

Starting your own e-commerce business can be quite the adventure.... Read More

Finding the Right Virtual Assistant for Your Small Business

Articles abound advising the business community how to properly screen... Read More

How To Accept Credit Cards

If you plan to do business online, then your website... Read More

Franchising in The Middle East There Will Bring Significant Opportunity for US Based Franchisors

As stability emerges in the Middle East there will be... Read More

Reduce Stress, Increase Profits By Incorporating Strategic Systems In Your Small Business Success

Whether you are an Entrepreneur or Business Professional there are... Read More

Hosted PBX, Is It Right For You?

"Order Now!" "Your Business Will Fail If You Don't Have... Read More

Street Wars Between Mobile Car Washers and Mobile Auto Detailers

There is much competition in the mobile auto detailing business.... Read More

Politics, Environmental Rules, and Mobile Car Washes

During the California Recall Election, I was very interested. Without... Read More

Business Scents - Do They Work?

You see it often in large shopping complexes. Customers seem... Read More

Finding the Right People for your Business

Where do you find the right people for a business... Read More

Do Home Businesses Complicate Small Business Debt Collection Laws?

The home-based business market, sometimes called the SOHO (small-office/home-office) market,... Read More

Is Brick and Mortar A Passing Fad?

Q: Is the online world the best place to sell... Read More

Your Practice is Only as Valuable as Your Referral Base

Many physical therapists in private practice have the appearance of... Read More

Change May Be Your Ace in the Hole

Whether it has been thrust upon you by external market... Read More

Why Small Business Must Turn to PR

If small business had no important outside audiences, it wouldn't... Read More

Big Successes Never Happen Overnight

Treat your business as a serious, full-time business and be... Read More

Small Home Business: Ad Copy Secrets

So it's time to invest some finances into advertising your... Read More

Creative Marketing Tips: Simple Things You Can Use In Your Business To Attract More Clients

The single most important activity you can do in your... Read More

If You Want to Work from Home

Here are some important points to take note of if... Read More