How to check and control an accountant

First, assess the specialist's competence. Ask to see diplomas and certificates. But don't be too quick to admire the pretty credentials. What's more important is how this knowledge is applied in practice.

Ask about their experience. Accounting for a construction company is very different from that of an IT startup. Make sure your financial wizard knows all the pitfalls of your specific business.

And now the most interesting part: taxes. Yes, that's the real headache for every entrepreneur. Checking tax calculations isn't just a matter of reconciling figures. It's a true art.

Ask your accountant to explain the latest changes in tax legislation. Pay attention to how tax optimization analysis is conducted. A good accountant will always find legal ways to reduce your tax burden. But remember: optimization is not tax evasion. It's a fine line, but a crucial one.

Now let's take a look at the holy of holies—the accounting books. An accounting audit is like a detective investigation, only instead of fingerprints, it's numbers and transactions.

• Start by checking your source documents. Is everything in place? Are there any strange invoices or suspicious delivery notes? A clean slate is already a good sign.
• Pay attention to the timeliness of transactions. If the accountant constantly does everything at the last minute, this can lead to errors and penalties.

Make sure the specialist is comfortable using modern accounting software. Ask to see how they generate reports and enter data. If they sweat nervously and struggle with the buttons, that's cause for concern.

Pay attention to your accountant's communication skills. Can they explain complex financial issues in simple terms? This is important, especially when interacting with clients or tax authorities.

Assess their stress tolerance. Accounting involves constant deadlines and a great deal of responsibility. If a specialist panics at the slightest change in schedule, it can lead to errors.

Start by checking your reports. Are all reports submitted on time? Are there any discrepancies between different forms? Even a small error can lead to big problems.

Pay special attention to payroll audits. This is an area where "errors" and "misunderstandings" often occur. Ensure that all accruals and deductions are processed correctly.

Check your correspondence with tax authorities. Are all requests processed in a timely manner? Are there any unanswered letters or unfulfilled requests?

Pay attention to how tax audits are conducted. If each audit turns into a battle for survival, it's time to question the competence of your specialist.

Last but not least, tax planning is a real money-saving tool.

Ask your accountant to describe your company's tax planning strategy. What optimization methods are used? How does this impact financial performance?

Assess how effectively tax incentives and special regimes are being used. A good accountant will always find legal ways to reduce your tax burden.

Auditing an accountant isn't a one-time event, but an ongoing process. Regularly monitoring financial discipline and accounting oversight will help you feel confident in your accountant and confident in your company's finances. Don't be afraid to ask questions and delve into details. After all, it's your business and your money.

And finally: if you suddenly discover your accountant isn't as good as you thought, don't panic. There's always a solution—for example, getting an audit or even replacing the accountant. The main thing is to stay aware of the problems and act promptly.