Choosing the right accountant can be the difference between your business thriving and just surviving. With over 2.7 million businesses operating across Australia and 60% failing within their first three years, having the right financial partner is essential. But not all accountants are created equal. The questions to ask your accountant during the hiring process will reveal whether they’re the growth partner you need or just another number cruncher.
You wouldn’t hire an employee without an interview, so why would you hand over your business’s financial future without asking the right questions?
Key Questions
Before hiring a business accountant, you need clarity on five critical areas:
- Experience & Expertise: Do they understand your industry and business size? Have they worked with businesses at your stage?
- Services & Value: What’s included beyond tax returns? Can they support your growth plans?
- Communication Style: How accessible are they? Will you get timely responses when you need guidance?
- Technology & Security: Do they use cloud-based systems? How do they protect your financial data?
- Proactive Approach: Will they warn you about cash flow issues before they become problems? Do they provide strategic advice or just compliance work?
Questions to Ask Your Accountant About Their Experience
Start here because experience matters – especially in your specific industry. An accountant who’s worked with Brisbane cafes will understand GST on coffee sales differently than one who’s only handled professional services firms.
“How many businesses like mine have you worked with?”
You want someone who’s seen your challenges before and knows the solutions. If you’re a tradie running a one-person electrical business, you need different support than a 15-person marketing agency.
“What industry-specific issues should I be aware of?”
A quality accountant should immediately mention 2-3 relevant points in your field. If they can’t, they’re learning on your dollar.
Brisbane’s small business landscape is competitive. Your accountant for small businesses should know local compliance requirements, Queensland tax considerations, and common pitfalls in your industry.
What to Ask an Accountant About Services and Fees
Here’s where many business owners get caught out: they assume all accountants offer the same services at similar prices. They don’t.
“What’s included in your fee structure?”
Some accountants charge per service. Others offer monthly retainers. You need to know upfront: Does a quick phone call cost you $200? Can you email questions without starting a billing clock?
“Do you provide strategic business advice or just tax compliance?”
This question separates growth partners from form-fillers. You want an accountant who’ll help you make smarter decisions year-round, not just appear at tax time.
Ask what additional services they offer. Need help with SMSF accountants for your self-managed super fund? Planning to expand and need business structure advice? Make sure they can grow with you or connect you with specialists who can.
Questions to Ask When Hiring an Accountant About Communication
With 46% of Australian businesses experiencing increased operating expenses, you can’t afford to wait three weeks for answers to urgent questions.
“How quickly can I expect responses to emails or calls?”
Vague answers like “we’re very responsive” aren’t good enough. You want specifics: “We respond to emails within 24 business hours” or “You have direct access to your accountant’s mobile.”
“Who will actually handle my account?”
Some firms assign junior staff to smaller clients, while senior accountants only attend the initial meeting. Find out who you’ll be working with day-to-day and whether that person understands your business.
“Can I contact you outside of tax season?”
Your business doesn’t stop operating from August to October. The right accountant is available when you’re making big decisions, like hiring your first employee, signing a new lease, or expanding your service offering.
Essential Questions About Technology and Security
Modern accounting tax services run on cloud technology, giving you real-time visibility of your financial position. But outdated firms still rely on spreadsheets and annual meetings.
“What accounting software do you use or recommend?”
Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks are industry standards. Your accountant should be proficient with at least one and be able to train you on the basics.
“How do you protect my financial data?”
With cyber attacks affecting over 11 million Australians in 2024, data security is protection. Ask about encryption, multi-factor authentication, and backup systems.
Questions That Reveal Their Approach to Your Business
These final questions to ask your accountant will show you whether they’re genuinely interested in your success.
“What’s your approach to tax planning versus tax preparation?”
One is proactive, one is reactive. You want an accountant who’s planning strategies to minimise your tax throughout the year, not just tallying up what you owe in June.
“How will you help my business grow?”
Listen carefully to their answer. Do they mention cash flow management, profit margin analysis, or business benchmarking? Or do they talk only about compliance and record-keeping?
“Can you provide references from businesses similar to mine?”
If they’re confident in their work, they’ll happily connect you with current clients. If they hesitate, that’s your red flag.
Your Next Step
The right accountant becomes one of your most valuable business relationships. They should challenge your thinking, celebrate your wins, and guide you through the tough decisions with confidence and clarity.
At Spark Accountants, we specialise in helping Brisbane small businesses achieve growth and financial freedom through proactive accounting, strategic tax planning, and genuine partnership. We’re not just tracking where your money went, we’re helping you decide where it should go next.
Ready to work with accountants who care about your success as much as you do? Book a free consultation with our team and let’s discuss how we can support your business goals.
