serving all of Allegheny County, including Pittsburgh, Wexford, Cranberry Twp, Ross Twp, Warrendale, and the North Hills.
Clients Who Need Accounting Services from
a Professional
Can Turn to our Trusted Staff
If you are considering hiring an accountant for either personal accounting & tax services or business bookkeeping & payroll, there are plenty of options in the Greater Pittsburgh area. But how will you know which accountant is right for your specific needs? To answer that question, it’s a good idea to consider exactly what services you will be seeking from a Certified Public Accountant.
Accountants offer far more extensive knowledge than an individual with a title such as “Bookkeeper” or “Tax Preparer.” Some people may reject the idea of hiring an accountant for something as small as personal income taxes, but a professional will ultimately save you a ton of money with their expertise and deep understanding of tax laws which a software program (or yourself) would not even know about.
Whether you are a business owner looking to outsource important financial functions like bookkeeping, payroll, or accounts processing, or you are a self-employed individual looking to control costs and identify the best tax planning strategy, choosing the right accountant will require a little consideration.
Here are a few details to consider when choosing a Pittsburgh accountant:
Experience
Probably the most important aspect of hiring an accountant is finding one that is experienced in the area that you need assistance. An accountant that specializes in personal tax returns is not the best choice for a large corporation who needs to outsource their payroll management. When interviewing potential accountants, as them about their professional experience and how it pertains to what you are trying to accomplish.
Communication
Will your accountant be available to answer questions year-round? If the accountant vanishes between April & January when tax season is over, you may be stuck in a rut should you have other questions or need advice. Choose an accountant that will build a wonderful relationship with their clients so that you can turn to them for advice on a number of different matters that may arise in the future.
Firm Size
Do you just need a single accountant to handle a few light duties or do you require an entire team dedicated to you and your business? If you only require help from an accountant once a year for personal income tax, a small firm should work just fine. On the other hand, if you have a growing company that is in need of regular assistance with tasks such as payroll, accounts processing, complicated tax planning, etc., a larger firm would be the right decision.
Cost
Hourly rates for accountants can vary greatly. Since accountants offer way more experience and expertise, they often charge more than a “general accountant.” Make sure to compare the cost of several professionals before you make a hiring decision. Instead of simply going for the lowest price, see who offers the best deal and who would be able to save you valuable time and money in the long run.
It is a good idea to interview at least three accountants before settling on one. Also, check references and reviews as these can be a good indication about the professional or team. Here at Cotton Mather Accounting Group, we are dedicated to delivering top-notch service no matter if we are serving a single individual or a large company. We want to help you reach the best results and work diligently to ensure we meet your needs. Call us today to find out more about how we can help you as an individual or a business owner – (412) 931-1617.
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