The Paige HeraldHow do I choose an accountant for a small business?
Match the firm to your size and stage first — a landlord, a 3-person agency and a 40-person company need different people. Then check three things: the qualific…
Accounting guides
Plain answers to the questions people ask before they hire — what it costs, local versus remote, switching firms, when to bring someone in.
How much does an accountant cost per month?
Most small businesses now buy a fixed monthly package rather than paying hourly. A typical package covering bookkeeping, VAT/GST returns, year-end accounts and …
Do I need a local accountant or is remote fine?
For most work — bookkeeping, VAT/GST, payroll, personal and company tax — remote is fine and often cheaper and faster, because everything is cloud-based and not…
What's the difference between a CPA and a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper records and reconciles transactions through the year and keeps the ledgers clean. A qualified accountant (CPA in the US, ACA/ACCA in the UK, CA in …
When should a startup hire its first accountant?
Bring one in when any of these is true: you have raised money and the board wants monthly management accounts, you have employees and need payroll run properly,…
Can I switch accountants mid-year?
Yes, at any time. Your new firm sends a professional clearance letter to the old one, which must hand over your records and working papers. Pick a clean break p…
Built from public records and each firm's own website. A listing is not a recommendation — check the firm's registration and current fees before you hire.