Question 1

What is an accounting firm?

Accepted Answer

An accounting firm specializes in various accounting and bookkeeping services including payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, bookkeeping and taxes, audit management, and financial advisory, to name a few. They help businesses (and individuals) understand the financial “health” of their organizations, ensuring their financial transactions are accurate, up-to-date and within legal frameworks.

Question 2

What services do accounting firms provide?

Accepted Answer

1: Tax planning and preparation: accounting firms prepare year-end business documents and file taxes, and can represent owners’ interests regarding notices, information requests or audits from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 2: Operational bookkeeping and payroll: they maintain accurate cash flow records, manage profit and loss statements that break down key areas of revenue and costs streams, as well as payroll processing, onboarding new talent paperwork, or client contracts. 3: Business development and evaluation: accounting companies look at year-end revenues and growth patterns to determine the value of the company for potential investors/buyers/initial funding and/or business expansion plans. 4: Advisory and consulting services: they advise clients about restructuring, performance improvements, dealing with risks, etc., which is very helpful in situations of uneasy financial situations and budget difficulties.

Question 3

How much do accounting companies charge for their services?

Accepted Answer

The cost of accounting firms largely depends on how much work needs to be done on a certain project, as well as the exact services you require and for how long. The typical hourly rate of an accountant’s services is between $150 and $300+ per hour, but this varies on the type of work, size of the accounting company, experience and location. You’ll find that some accounting experts charge as low as $49 per hour, while others base their pricing on the finished project ($1,000+). That said, each accountant services provider may have different cost structures, with some based on business revenue, or a flat rate followed by variable costs.

Question 4

Why should I hire an accounting firm?

Accepted Answer

Because they oversee administrative tasks, allowing you to save valuable time and focus on growing your business. An accounting firm also ensures you are tax compliant, finding the best ways to free up additional funds for you, which represents another investment opportunity. Finally, they offer invaluable advice about everything from financial acquisitions to day-to-day business operations as they routinely witness your financial statements and numbers.

Question 5

How to choose the right accounting company for my business?

Accepted Answer

When looking to hire an accounting firm, there are a few aspects to consider. Look for a company with solid knowledge of your industry, business trends, and competition, in order to use its expertise to the fullest. Ensure their pricing structure corresponds to your budget. Check their certifications, availability, and location, and ask what type of software they use. You should also verify whether they are proactive about cutting costs and saving money. For this to happen, it requires a deep understanding of cash flow and being proactive in achieving a cash surplus for your business.

Question 6

What questions should I ask accounting firms before hiring one?

Accepted Answer

How long have you been in business? Do you have the right qualifications and certificates and is your firm, licensed in this state/country to practice public accounting? How do your fees work? Have you worked with clients in our industry before? Will my account be handled by a single person or a dedicated team? Can you provide feedback on my current accounting system? Which (if any) accounting programs or systems do they recommend? Are you a cloud-based firm or a paper firm? What tax software do you use to prepare returns? Does your fee prepare my tax return include tax advice throughout the year?

Top Accounting Firms in Pittsburgh

Best Pittsburgh Accounting Companies Rankings

1840 & Company

Protiviti

EY

Grant Thornton

Deloitte

Schneider Downs

KPMG

Louis Plung & Company

H2R CPA

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