Another option is utilizing the American Institute of CPAs’ directory or the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, which allows users to search by state and region. Reputable small business accountants and accounting firms should have no problem setting up an exploratory meeting to go over your needs, as well as provide several references. A search https://www.bookstime.com/ for “small business accountant” will net thousands of results, and attempting to wade through them all would be a challenge. Start by crowdsourcing and asking other small business owners who they use and trust with their finances. Once you have several names, complete some internet research on their background and experience, and read any available reviews.

• Like both of the solutions we’ve discussed thus far, Bookeeper360 provides virtual bookkeeping services for small businesses, working with you directly to determine and fulfill your bookkeeping and accounting needs.
• This will help you decide which accounting software meets your needs best.
• In some cases, BBB will not rate the business (indicated by an NR, or “No Rating”) for reasons that include insufficient information about a business or ongoing review/update of the business’s file.
• While larger companies often keep accountants on staff, small businesses typically contract with an accounting firm or independent accountant who offers the services they need.
• And once your business starts growing, you likely won’t have the time or knowledge to accurately keep track of all your books.

Start by making a list of priorities—the items that need attention right away, and the ones that will need to be addressed within six months. Next, you’ll have to pick if you want to work with an independent accountant or an accounting firm. No matter which you opt for, you’ll want to select someone who has plenty of experience with the type of small business you have and who you feel comfortable sharing sensitive information with. Costs will vary widely depending on where you are located, what states you do business in and whether you choose an accountant or an accounting firm.

BNA CPAs & Advisors

You have been logged in, please wait while we refresh your search experience. Ask questions, confirm their availability, and hire the right pro when you’re ready. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website. Whereas Bookkeeper.com only accommodates businesses that use QuickBooks, however, Bookkeeper360 works with those that use QuickBooks or Xero. Xero champions are firms whose team members have completed the most Xero training and who are growing fast.

She has written legal and marketing content and communications for a wide range of law firms for more than 15 years. She has also written extensively on parenting and current events for the website Scary Mommy. From University of Wisconsin–Madison, and she lives in the Chicago area with her family. While it’s bookkeeping near me not required for bookkeepers to specialize in a niche, many choose to do so for marketing purposes. If you focus on a specific industry, you can gain referrals from others within the industry and join industry associations. You will likely want to establish a business banking account and credit card.

Jen Li, CPA, MST

The Weekly plan, as you might imagine, includes all of the features of the Monthly plan as well as a dedicated accounting team, weekly updates, advanced reporting, and premium support. Another type of financial expert is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). A CPA is an accountant who has done additional coursework and passed a state exam to get certified.

In some cases, these services will include a bookkeeping or accounting software and a virtual team of bookkeepers to manage that system. On the other hand, you might be able to find a bookkeeping service that simply works with you virtually, utilizing the system or platform you already have in place. Unlike certified public accountants, bookkeepers don’t file tax returns or audit financial statements. Unless they are a certified public accountant (CPA), bookkeepers should not prepare tax returns or sign the returns as a paid preparer.