How to find a good accountant which operates to HMRCs standards

HMRC published a document in January 2018 setting out the standards which they expect from all agents who deal with them on behalf of clients. So choosing a good one is more important now than ever.

At Jones Harris, like all those who are affiliated to professional bodies, we are already covered by their rules. But as a potential client how do you find a good accountant that operates to HMRCs standards? Director Martin Wigley offers some good pointers in an article on the Jones Harris website, titled ‘Which Accountants Can You Count On’.

As there are so many businesses to choose from, Martin sets out a series of questions for you to ask when next selecting an accountant who will keep you in good standing with HMRC. Perhaps more importantly the article also gives guidance about acceptable answers!

Five Questions to Ask when Looking for a Good Accountant

1. What qualifications do you hold

2. How much experience do you have?

Ideally you’d be looking for a practitioner who has experience of working with other clients in your area of work, and with businesses of a similar size.

3. How do you keep abreast of changes in legislation?

The two most obvious examples are, firstly, compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into effect in May 2018 along with the accompanying ePrivacy Regulation. Secondly, their ability to cope with Making Tax Digital as reporting is moved online.

4. What access do you have to specialist knowledge?

No one can ever know everything, and understanding where one’s experience ends is vital.

5. Are you insured?

And finally, a question for your peer group. Talk to other people in business and ask about their accountants. A personal recommendation is usually a very good indicator of an accountant’s competence.

Read the Article in Full

Read the ‘Which Accountants Can You Count On’ article in full on the Jones Harris website.

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