What is the best way to find an accountant who specializes in our field of business?

I would find an Enrolled Agent with the IRS, which you can find off of www.irs.gov This person can help you with tax issues and financial planning. I work for a local tax franchise and a lot of the franchisees are Enrolled Agents with the IRS...The name of the company is Liberty Tax Service. You would just need to find one in your area and ask if the owner is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS and a financial planner. They can help you will bookkeeping too. Hope this helps.

2mom35

It sounds like your are already thinking along the correct lines which is a good thing.

It is critical for your business success, that you get the right accountant, someone you can talk to, someone whom you understand, and someone who understands your business, and can give you advice accordingly.

In my line off work, I have seen businesses loose thousands of dollars because their accountant does not understand the mechanisms of their business, and has given them, with the best of intentions, the wrong advice.

You have not indicated what sort of business you are in. If say you were a plumber, I would suggest you read 'plumbing journals' and see what accountants are advertising there. It is best to find an accountant, who is dealing with several other businesses similar to your own, this ensures they have more experience in your particular area.

Some accountants may also declare that they specialise in certain fields, such as import/ export.

If an accounting practice is currently taking on new clients they may be willing to speak with you for half an hour free of charge. You can ask them if they have similar businesses, and establish if they understand the complexities of your business.

You also need to come away understanding what they have said. Do they speak in a language that you understand. I have spoken with many clients who have told me I paid my accountant $5000 and he drew all these things on the whiteboard, and he really seems to know his stuff, but most of what he said went over my head, and I was too afraid to ask him a question. THIS IS NOT A GOOD SCENARIO!!!

Summary:-

Look for accountants who speacialise in your field & who you can understand.

Accounting is accounting...the same rules apply for every business, checks, balance, job costs, taxes, quarterly returns, HW and P benefits...the whole ball of wax. Anyone with a CPA degree is qualified.