To quote a KCARD team member: “If you are asking the question about whether you need an accountant, it might be time to find one.”  

To expand on that, if you are feeling as though financial documents and planning are taking away from your time developing new customer relationships or managing other aspects of your growing business, then it might be time to contract that component of the business out. 

Things to consider when working with an accountant: 

• Figure out what services you need. This is key to having a productive conversation with any CPA or bookkeeper since that is the first question they will ask. Do you need to set up and manage a payroll? Do you just need someone to enter everything into an accounting software so that you can see where the money is going? Do you need help understanding and managing your tax obligations? 

• Find someone that works with similar businesses needing similar services. Some accountants may be more familiar with all the nuances associated with agricultural businesses than others. Ask other business owners who they use, research options online, and talk with local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce.  

• Always, always, always review all prepared documents and make sure you understand the information presented. This means checking over bank statements, understanding your income and expenses, looking over your tax documents, and generally recognizing where the numbers are coming from in your financial statements. At the end of the day, these are YOUR numbers for YOUR business, so you need to understand them and own them. 

While it can be nerve wracking to find an accountant, their expertise can be a huge asset to your business. From helping to manage your record keeping processes to filing taxes, having someone to help manage those tasks will allow you to keep doing what you do best: running your own business. For more information, contact us at kcard@kcard.info or (859) 550-3972 and check out this article on 4 Things A Good Accountant Can Help You With.