Does Your Accountant Provide Value, Or Are They Just A Cost?
By Peter Lawless -
Accountants are people who do the books, file tax returns and generally fulfill a necessity of life that most business owners would prefer to do with out! Well that is the case the majority of the time, however there are professionals out there who offer services that can really enhance your business’ wellbeing, and as a result your wealth. This brief article looks at some of the areas you could be looking at.


Do you just send your books off for the basic accounting services that you have to get and consider it an unnecessary expense?

I have listed below a selection of services that your accountant could provide you. If they do not, you should consider either getting a new one, or contacting a strategic planning company such as Exit Plan Ltd. Who can kick start what you need to get to the next stage of success, with a plan that ensures you get these services?

Standard Accounting Services
I can only assume if you do use an external accountant that you would at least get the following standard accounting services:

1. Year End Accounts Preparation – at minimum you should get your year end accounts completed efficiently and professionally

2. Tax Planning - The whole purpose of tax planning is to pay less to the government and keep more for you and your business!

3. Financial Management Systems - Your accounting records must be maintained to meet legal and government requirements. Furthermore, they should be capable of efficiently supplying you with the information you need to run your business.

4. Bank and Professional Advisor Selection - Different banks suit different businesses. In some cases it can be a matter of personalities. The same goes for solicitors, financial advisors, and factoring companies.

5. Wealth Management - Your personal financial planning, including mortgages, pensions, investments, life assurances etc, should not be carried out in isolation but part of your overall financial strategy. A good accountancy firm will have strong links with excellent Independent Financial Advisors who can give you all the advice and support you need.

6. Personal taxation issues - You should be able to avail of a full self-assessment management service for

There Are Intrinsic Qualities To Become A Contractor Accountant
By Ckint Jhonson
Since you’ve chosen to go on a contract consultancy business as a limited company, the next consideration is to choose a contractor accountant. He is important for your business and is an investment Read more...

Online Accountant - Hire One To Beat Your Competition!
By Amitaabh Saboo
All businesses have work requirements that do not directly contribute to its revenues. Among these are accounting functions which, for most businesses, is considered as non-core administrative work. Read more...

Manufacturing Cost Accountant 4 at Northrop Grumman (Azusa, CA)
The selected candidate will provide EVMS management in a manufacturing environment for significant work packages on the MI&T segment of the SBIRS program. Responsibilities include cost and schedule budgeting/forecasting/reporting, weekly...
Marvel Studios - Senior Accountant at Walt Disney (Manhattan Beach, CA)
STUDIOS, LLC Title: Senior Accountant (Manhattan Beach, CA) About the Company: Marvel Entertainment, LLC has ... Job Function/Purpose (summary of overall job accountabilities): Marvel Studios requires an Accountant, focusing on the...
Intermediate Accountant at Farmers Insurance (Los Angeles, CA)
Prepares and maintains financial records, statements and reports for assigned companies; analyzes and interprets accounting records; prepares various internal management and external regulatory reports as assigned. Position Requirements...
Sr Staff Accountant at ACT 1 Personnel Services (Los Angeles, CA)
Sr Staff Accountant great benefit good salary Great Pay to $65K 60-65K Great Plains exp a must Multi location exp.Monthly statements, G/L, A/P and A/R or Full Time Accountant Act-1 Reference #: 2248/TD248 ------------...
Senior Accountant at ABM Industries (Los Angeles, CA)
Sr Accountant. THIS IS A FULL?TIME Exempt POSITION. SENIOR Accountant This individual is responsible for full-charge accounting of a Region within ABM Engineering JOB SUMMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Responsible for completion of a Regions...
Staff Accountant at ABM Industries (Los Angeles, CA)
Accountant. THIS IS A FULL?TIME Exempt POSITION. STAFF ACCOUNTANT This individual is responsible for full-charge accounting of a Region within ABM Engineering JOB SUMMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Responsible for completion of a Regions and/or...
Sr. Accountant at CB Richard Ellis (Los Angeles, CA)
Responsibilities SUMMARY The Senior Fund Accountant reports to the Assistant Controller and/or Manager of Fund Accounting. Responsible for maintenance of the general ledger and reporting of his/her funds. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND...
STAFF ACCOUNTANT at ACT 1 Personnel Services (West Hollywood, CA)
Staff Accountant Position Features: Must have Great Plains Software/Multi location exp Accountant with Strong Excel knowledge Must know pivot tables, v hook ups and strong accounting analysis Please reply with your updated resume as an...
Sr. Staff Accountant at ACT 1 Personnel Services (West Hollywood, CA)
Staff Accountant Position Features: Must have Great Plains Software/Multi location exp Accountant with Strong Excel knowledge Must know pivot tables, v hook ups and strong accounting analysis Please reply with your updated resume as an...
Staff Accountant at Hilton Hotels (Los Angeles, CA)
A World of Opportunities Hilton Worldwide offers a variety of global opportunities within our portfolio of world renowned brands. With more than 3,200 hotels in 77 countries, our Team Members are committed to delivering our brand promises...
Senior Accountant - Accounting job at Robert Half Finance & Accounting (Los Angeles, CA)
company is looking for a contract-to-full time Senior Accountant. 2-4 yr CPA public accounting firm experience. Financial Reporting (preparation balance sheet, income statement, cash flow, stock owner's equity ) compliance with US GAAP...
Sr. Accountant (Los Angeles, CA)
Senior Accountant with 3-5 years of combined public/private accounting experience with a strong proven track record in ... and account reconciliation's. The Senior Staff Accountant is responsible for maintaining accounting...
Senior Accountant at Staffingforce (Los Angeles, CA)
Knowledge and thorough understanding of US GAAP Industry knowledge preferred Strong business acumen and logical problem solver Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work with...
Staff Accountant at Pro-Tem (Long Beach, CA)
& Responsibilities Growing company is looking for strong accountant for temp to hire opportunity. Must have strong excel, month end experience and communication skills. Peoplesoft is a strong plus. Provide accounting support and guidance...
Senior Accountant at Los Angeles Downtown Finance (Los Angeles, CA)
Large entertainment company is looking for a Senior Accountant/Analyst to join their dynamic team. Responsibilities include: bank recs, month end close, journal entries, financial statements and account analysis. Ideal candidate will have...
Staff Accountant at Aids Healthcare Foundation (Los Angeles, CA)
for all who need them. AHF is searching for a Senior Staff Accountant to join our Finance Department. This opportunity is to work on a Full Time, Regular basis. Compensation is up to $62,000 depending on experience. Essential Duties &...
Cost Accountant at Precision Castparts (Garden Grove, CA)
The Cost Accountant is responsible for all Cost Accounting aspects of the business and must ensure compliance with all PCC Corporate Policies and Procedures, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements.
Sr. Accountant at Los Angeles Downtown Finance (Los Angeles, CA)
Large service company seeks a Staff/Senior Accountant to join their dynamic team. Responsibilities include, journal entries, month-end close, account analysis, inventory and special projects at the plant level. Ideal candidate will have...
Semi - Senior Accountant at Perfecto Staffing (Los Angeles, CA)
Records transactions in ledgers, prepares trial balances and simple financial statements using computer software program. Prepare payroll tax, sales or other local tax and certain personal income tax returns. Reconciles accounts to control...
CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNTANT at West Los Angeles, CA (Los Angeles, CA)
DIRECT HIRE POSITION in the Torrance area. We are looking for a professional and experienced Accounting Supervisor with Fixed Asset and Construction Accounting Experience. Must have expert knowledge of Excel, GAAP standards, and project...