As a self-employed individual, you know that bookkeeping and taxes are essential parts of running a successful business. But between clients, networking, and actually doing the work you love, who has time to keep up with all of that? The answer is a CPA or certified public accountant. 

But before you can hire someone, you need to find the right fit for your business. Here are four questions to ask that will help you find a CPA who gets you and your business.

1) What Industry Experience Do You Have? 

When it comes to bookkeeping, not all CPAs are created equal. While most have experience with small businesses, be sure to ask about their industry experience and if they have worked with businesses like yours in the past. This way, you can be confident they understand your specific needs when it comes to bookkeeping. 

2) What Services Do You Offer? 

Most CPAs offer a variety of services beyond just keeping the books in order. When meeting with potential candidates, be sure to ask what else they can help with. For example, many CPAs can also help with tax planning and preparation, which can be helpful come tax season. 

3) What do you need from me to file my taxes and what is the timeline?

One of the more important things to take care of when it comes time for filing your taxes is ensuring that you have a good idea of what information needs to be submitted to them. The CPA will need certain documents within specific deadlines in order to make sure everything gets processed efficiently and without error, so check upfront about these details before getting started!

4) How Much Do You Charge for Your Services? 

Of course, one of the most important questions to ask is about pricing. When it comes to bookkeeping services, CPAs typically charge either an hourly rate or a monthly retainer fee. Be sure to ask about pricing so there are no surprises later on down the road. 

Hiring a CPA is an important decision for any self-employed individual. Be sure to ask the right questions so you can find a CPA who is the right fit for your business. These four questions will help you get started on your search for the perfect CPA for your business needs.