When outsourcing accounting services, it’s important to choose the right provider and to have a clear understanding of the services they will be providing. Here are 21 questions to ask your accounting outsourcing services provider:
1. Can you provide references from other clients?
2. How long have you been in business?
3. What is your area of expertise?
4. What accounting software do you use?
5. What types of services do you offer?
6. Are you able to handle all of our accounting needs or are there certain areas that you do not cover?
7. How do you ensure data security?
8. How do you handle communication and reporting?
9. What is your process for addressing any issues or concerns that may arise?
10. Are you able to provide customized services to meet our specific needs?
11. What are your availability and response time for urgent matters?
12. What is your pricing structure?
13. How do you handle changes or additions to our service requests?
14. How do you handle onboarding and transition process?
15. What are your audit and compliance capabilities?
16. How do you stay up-to-date with current accounting regulations and standards?
17. How do you handle the training of your staff?
18. How do you ensure quality control?
19. What happens if we decide to terminate the outsourcing services?
20. Are you able to provide services in multiple languages?
21. Do you have offices or staff in multiple locations?
By asking these questions, you will have a better understanding of the services the provider can offer, their expertise, and their processes and procedures. It’s important to choose an accounting outsourcing services provider that has a proven track record, expertise, and experience, with good communication and customer service, with a fair and affordable pricing. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the provider can meet your specific needs and have a plan for addressing any issues that may arise. It’s also important to establish a good communication plan, to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that any issues or concerns are addressed quickly and efficiently.