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What to Ask
Before Instructing
An Accountant

4 min read
April 8, 2026

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Choosing your first accountant can feel like choosing a phone contract: lots of promises, jargon and small print hiding what you’re actually paying for.

 

The right accountant is an essential part of your business growth – they keep you complaint, understand your financial health and make decisions with confidence.

Before you sign on the dotted line, here are some important questions to ask and what impact they’ll have on your business.

1. Who does my bookkeeping and who checks it?

This sounds basic but this question will actually tell you a lot. Some accountants input the data themselves, others expect you to enter everything into the software. Some outsource and others don’t check your entries at all.

Why it matters:

  • Bookkeeping errors create incorrect accounts and tax returns
  • If no one is reviewing or sense-checking the numbers, mistakes can snowball
  • Knowing who does what helps you understand whether you’re getting real support or just admin.

You want to know both ‘who’ and ‘to what extent’.

2. What’s included in the service and what costs extra?

This varies widely between firms. One quote might include software, VAT returns, Companies House filing and support. Another might include exclusively the annual accounts.

Key things to ask:

  • Is accounting software included in the price? Note that some banks can give you free access to software if you choose them!
  • Is VAT preparation included, or just the final submission?
  • Are add-ons like payroll, forecasting or reporting extra?

Why it matters:

Hidden fees can massively impact new business owners with small budgets. Clarity up front prevents surprise invoice hikes and helps you compare quotes and services fairly.

3. Will someone flag anomalies or just process what I give them?

Not all accountants offer a proactive review – some will just file whatever you send them. Others will check figures against previous periods, industry norms or expected patterns.

Why it matters: you want someone who notices if:

  • Your expenses suddenly spike
  • Cashflow looks tight
  • Something looks out of place on your VAT return
  • You’ve coded something incorrectly

A good accountant can help you run a successful business.

4. Are meetings and support included or does every email cost me?

This is one of the most common, and upsetting, surprises for first-time founders.

Some firms offer:

  • Unlimited calls/emails
  • Regular check-ins
  • A dedicated contact/account manager

Others charge for every query or have strict limits on what ‘support’ looks like.

Why it matters:

When you’re learning the ropes, you need to ask questions and you shouldn’t have to worry about the invoice that follows.

5. What happens if deadlines are missed and who is responsible for reminders?

This is crucial to stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Why it matters:

  • Late filing penalties can be expensive.
  • You need to know whether your accountant chases you or whether you need to keep on top of things yourself. We strongly recommend that you monitor your own deadlines, as, ultimately, company directors are legally responsible for their company filings.
  • If something does slip, you want to understand how fees or penalties are handled.

A good accountant will explain this clearly at the start, not after something has gone wrong.

6. Will they explain the numbers or just hand over reports?

Many first-time business owners don’t want an accountant who sounds like a textbook. They need someone who explains things plainly:

  • What do these numbers say about your cashflow?
  • Are you on track?
  • What should you prioritise next?
  • How much should you be saving/investing?

Why it matters:

If your accountant can’t help you understand your own business, they’re not supporting you – they’re just taking your money.

Why do these questions matter?

Many accountants enjoy building lasting relationships with their clients over years – sometimes decades. You’re buying a support system, expertise and a layer of protection. These questions help you understand whether your prospective accountant is:

  • Proactive or reactive
  • Supportive or transactional
  • Transparent or full of costly add-ons
  • Part of your team or simply ticking boxes

You deserve these answers before making your decision, so you can feel confident that they will support you throughout your growth, not just at the beginning.

Don’t forget to get the full quote and services included in writing, so you know exactly what you’re paying for!

This blog covers just some of the key questions to ask. Head over to our free downloadable page to print off the master checklist to effectively compare accountants.

Accountant Questions Checklist

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