How to Select an Accountant or Tax Preparer

Guide to choosing an accounting or tax professional
Meeting your financial needs and your highest expectations.

Credentialed professionals offer higher levels of service.
Up in the air about choosing someone to handle your financial needs? It’s a decision that carries the same weight as selecting your doctor, your dentist or any other professional service provider. Not all accounting or tax professionals provide or specialize in the same services or have the same proficiencies.

To narrow your choices, consider your current and future needs.
How complex is your financial situation? Do you want someone who can save you time as well as tax dollars? Are you looking for a service that prepares only your individual tax return, or do you need someone who can help you with business returns? Do you need someone to advise you throughout the year on how to minimize your taxes, structure personal investments or make well-advised business decisions? Planning for college? Planning for retirement?

Then ask yourself one of the most important – yet often overlooked – question... What credentials does the accounting or tax professional you are considering hold?

Professionals rely on our credentials. You can too.

When accounting or tax professionals earn ACAT credentials, it makes a statement that they are serious about serving their clients. In fact, ACAT accreditation provides evidence to clients, potential clients and the public that the accredited professional has met the national standard for the knowledge that underlies the accounting and taxation field. Accredited individuals demonstrate mastery of a broad range of knowledge of accounting procedures and practices as well as the field of taxation.

Accreditation being voluntary, the choice to become accredited demonstrates your pride in the profession, the desire to be recognized for mastery of the principles of accounting and taxation, and an ongoing commitment to quality client care. Accreditation can be a means for upward mobility, a condition for employment, a route to higher pay, and a source of recognition nationwide.