Of all the advisers you are likely to encounter when running a small business, a good accountant is perhaps one of the most valuable ones to have. If your accounts are in order and you are up-to-date with payments, you are far likely to be more able to concentrate on building the business. There is nothing more stressful than feeling behind or not being able to communicate with your accountant, so here are some basic tips on choosing an accountant.

1) Look for, and if possible, choose an accountant before you start your business. Do not be tempted to cut corners by trying to do things yourself in order to save money. A good accountant will not only help you save money in the long term, perhaps even more importantly, a good accountant will help you MAKE far more money than you might otherwise have done on your own. Further, do not be fooled by HM Revenue & Customs guise that this is a DIY tax system where you can simply self-assess. The sytem is taxing and HMRC reserve the right to penalise you for getting it wrong

2) Make sure your accountant is fully qualified, for example as a certified or chartered accountant. Most likely, these qualifications will be displayed on any promotional material or the company's website, otherwise make sure you ask. The QUALIFIED accountant will have a qualification that includes the word CHARTERED. If in any doubt, ask the accountant to give you a telephone number for their professional Institute. Unfortunately, it is possible for anyone to simply call themselves an accountant, so do not be afraid to check out their qualifications. A qualified accountant will not be offended by you checking this.

3) It is essential that your accountant is able to work with businesses of your size and/or the size that you plan and expect to grow to. If your size demands that you require Audit then you need an accountant who is also a qualified auditor or has access to such services. Equally, if possible, establish to what extent the accountant has experience with dealing with companies in your sector.

4) How much does the accountant charge? Is there a fixed annual or monthly fee to complete all business tax requirements, or do hourly fees apply? Be prepared to ask. Most Accountants will be prepared to try and offer Fixed Fees so that you have no surprises and many will also offer the facility to spread any cost over the course of the year.

5) When you first meet a prospective accountant, you will know soon enough if you see eye-to-eye. It is important to develop a good relationship and know that your finances are being handled by someone you feel comfortable with, trust, and that you can communicate with. You should not be leaving an Accountants office more confused than when you went in. Make sure you find someone who can and will take the time to explain matters in a way that you are comfortable with.

6) What other services does the accountant provide - can they complete your self assessment returns, do they provide business advice or further information to help grow your business, do they provide a specialised tax function, perhaps as Chartered Tax Advisors, do they provide a payroll support service, do they provide VAT services, are they registered to undertake audit work, do they offer a free telephone helpline.

7). What access and guidance can they provide in relation to other business services a growing business and owners might need. Can they access payroll and H R support, can they provide guidance on franchising or financial services, are they members of an accounting network that means that all these services are at their fingertips.

8) Accountants are so much more than number crunchers in this modern age. Find out what other skills your Accountant can bring to the table and in what other ways he or she can help you get a head start in business, or pull ahead of the competition.

9) Make sure your accountant keeps in touch with your business throughout the year – not just at year end! If you feel your current accountant no longer meets your requirements for whatever reason, then be prepared to take action and raise the matter and if necessary, get a new one!

10) If at some stage you decide to sell your business, you will need a good accountant more than ever to help you through the process, to help you maximise your sale proceeds and minimise any tax liabilities payable on the sale. Indeed, in theory everyone of us should start out in business with the specific plan to build a business that we can sell one day. That should be your aim!

For further advice, try the ACCA pages on choosing an accountant of ICAS. Both organisations have directories which will help in your selection process.