Beth Bernier, Owner & Translator
Beth translates accounting into English so you can get the answers you need in a language you can understand!
Every small business needs an accountant but sometimes it is hard to know if you have got a good one or not. Use these questions as a guide.
- Has the business been around for a long or a short time?
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- Is the accountant established in the community?
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- Is the accountant experienced and familiar with your particular business or circumstances?
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- Does your accountant have the heart of a teacher?
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- Does your accountant stay up to date on issues that are pertinent to your business?
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- Is your accountant helping you save or make money? Is your business better off as a result of your accountant’s recommendations?
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- Will your accountant communicate with outside agencies on your behalf?
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- Does your accountant work with other professionals for back up and support?
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- Is the work performed in a timely manner?
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- Is the accountant easily accessible when you need to speak with him or her?
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- Will your accountant provide value for the amount billed?
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Most businesses fail within the first 3 years. The longevity of a business is one indicator of stability and continued success. I founded my business in 1999 because I wanted to help small businesses succeed. In that period of time, I have helped more than 135 businesses and individuals.
Your accountant should be working with a fair percentage of businesses the same size as yours. The more clients they have like yours, the more helpful they’ll be to you because they can tell you how your business is doing compared to their other clients.
Predominantly my clients are in the first five years of start up and are involved in service businesses. I love to do job costing, so I work with people who bill for their time or are in the construction industries. If this sounds like your type of business, go to the Contact Us page to ask for a preliminary meeting.
The accountant that you choose to work with should be someone who can, first and foremost, understand and relate to you and your business. I work with my business owners to help them understand and read their Financial Statements. These documents are tools that allow them to make valid business decisions. I want my owners to be able to validate their gut feelings with actual data.
A good accountant should be skilled in a broad range of personal and professional abilities, not just numbers. I understand the value of continuing professional education, professional publications and other study opportunities. I attend classes not only in accounting, but in other areas pertinent to new business owners, such as developing business plans, growing your business, etc. Although I am well versed in many accounting packages, I stay current on QuickBooks ProAdvisor status, so that I can help my clients to their best advantage with one of the most popular accounting packages available.
It is important you don’t let an old, familiar relationship lull you into a false sense of security. Take an honest look at what your accountant is suggesting to you and evaluate whether it is making sense for your business. Because I work closely with my business owners, I have an intimate relationship with their books and their goals. I can offer ways to cut costs and increase revenues. Plus, I can help you make better decisions for your company.
With your permission, I will work with other authorities to perform General Liability and Workman Compensation audits, talk to Vendors, handle issues with State and Federal agencies, and deal with other situations as they arise.
I work closely with your Tax Accountant, Investment and Financial Planner, Insurance Company, and any other professional agency that you use. My involvement can make their jobs easier while reducing your stress in uncomfortable situations. If you need a professional, but do not have one, I can refer someone who can help you. For some of the professionals that I work with in an ongoing basis, see my Adventures in Networking web page.
I concentrate on day to day, week to week, and month to month accounting duties so time is of the essence. Since I can come to your office, most work is completed on the same day we meet. I like to set up my clients on a regular schedule, say weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, depending on the work load.
You should get quick responses to your calls rather than having to wait several days for a response. I always try to return calls the same day, but absolutely return them within 24 hours.
Take a close look at what you are paying for accounting services and whether you are getting your money’s worth. Of particular concern are accounting fees that go up every year, without fail. If this is happening to you, ask yourself whether the additional fees you pay every year are worth it.
Since I started my business in 1999, I have only raised my base fee twice. I am constantly evaluating whether the time I spend is worth the investment that the business owner is making. If I am overcharging, on a flat monthly fee, I will make the adjustment immediately. Likewise, as your business grows, my fee should stay in step with that growth.
