Before you appoint an accountant, look for a few qualities. A good accountant meets their professional duties and works in your best interests.
1. Communicates clearly
Technical knowledge and software skills matter, but so does explaining things in plain language you can act on.
2. Is well organised
You don't want to wait while your accountant searches for an important document when a deadline is close.
3. Pays attention to detail
A good accountant finds and fixes errors quickly and sees risks before they become problems.
4. Adapts to change
Tax rules, accounting standards and your own business all change. A good accountant keeps up and adjusts their advice.
5. Solves problems
Some situations need a creative, practical answer, within the rules. A good accountant looks for ways to help, not just ways to record.
6. Is honest
Your accountant sees your financial records and often your bank accounts. Honesty and integrity come first.
One more thing to check: anyone who charges you to prepare and lodge a tax return must be a registered tax agent. You can check on the Tax Practitioners Board register at tpb.gov.au.