If you are looking to hire an accountant, you are looking at making an important and potentially costly decision. It doesn't matter if you are looking at an employee for a company or simply someone to do a one time job. One thing to consider is if you are looking at chartered accountants or not. These are highly trained and belonging to an organization with various regulations to assure quality. Below is a list of what sets them apart from others to help you decide if you feel it is worth the little extra investment.
Qualifications
Naturally, there are a great deal of individuals who are good with money, both self employed and belonging to an organization. The latter, though, can assure you that he or she is highly qualified. All members must take classes and attend workshops for continuing education for the entirety of their career. This is to make sure they will always be on top of the latest developments and information, and their skills will not begin to dull over time.
Support
Because chartered accountants belong to an institution, they have access to a large support network that others do not. They have instant access to many forms of help such as technical libraries or hotlines if any problems, questions, or concerns arise. This enables them to quickly and accurately resolve any issues without the added time of finding outside resources if it is a question they are not instantly familiar with.
Reputable
Because chartered accountants are part of a large, regulated body, many places consider them more reputable. Even governments are more likely to take their work at face value sometimes. While this is not necessarily a reflection on the quality of work of any individual, it does mean that you will potentially have less hassle later if questions arise with any paperwork or financial matters.
Paper Trail
Anyone hired to work with money is required to follow federal law and guidelines when it comes to managing money and accounts. Anyone found to break these rules will not be legally allowed to practice anymore. However, chartered accountants are still held to a higher standard, as they have to always keep accurate financial records to prove that they are following these guidelines. Others may choose to keep these records, but they are not always mandatory.
As is clear, it may indeed be worth it to look into chartered accountants. Unlike others, they are forced to keep a higher standard of behavior and quality, so you can be much more confident about their work. This is not to say that there are not many other talented individuals, but it is unlikely that they will have the same degree of qualification or training, many times making them less informed on a wide range of issues and concerns.
Qualifications
Naturally, there are a great deal of individuals who are good with money, both self employed and belonging to an organization. The latter, though, can assure you that he or she is highly qualified. All members must take classes and attend workshops for continuing education for the entirety of their career. This is to make sure they will always be on top of the latest developments and information, and their skills will not begin to dull over time.
Support
Because chartered accountants belong to an institution, they have access to a large support network that others do not. They have instant access to many forms of help such as technical libraries or hotlines if any problems, questions, or concerns arise. This enables them to quickly and accurately resolve any issues without the added time of finding outside resources if it is a question they are not instantly familiar with.
Reputable
Because chartered accountants are part of a large, regulated body, many places consider them more reputable. Even governments are more likely to take their work at face value sometimes. While this is not necessarily a reflection on the quality of work of any individual, it does mean that you will potentially have less hassle later if questions arise with any paperwork or financial matters.
Paper Trail
Anyone hired to work with money is required to follow federal law and guidelines when it comes to managing money and accounts. Anyone found to break these rules will not be legally allowed to practice anymore. However, chartered accountants are still held to a higher standard, as they have to always keep accurate financial records to prove that they are following these guidelines. Others may choose to keep these records, but they are not always mandatory.
As is clear, it may indeed be worth it to look into chartered accountants. Unlike others, they are forced to keep a higher standard of behavior and quality, so you can be much more confident about their work. This is not to say that there are not many other talented individuals, but it is unlikely that they will have the same degree of qualification or training, many times making them less informed on a wide range of issues and concerns.
About the Author:
Get exclusive inside information on the major differences between Certified Public Accountants and Chartered Accountants London now in our complete overview of everything you need to know about how and where to find top London Accountants