Accountants help manage finances for businesses and individuals. Common services include:

• Day-to-day bookkeeping: Recording income/expenses, processing payroll, managing accounts payable/receivable
• Reporting: Preparing financial statements, cash flow reports, profit/loss statements
• Taxes: Tax planning and preparation, filing returns, resolving audits
• Auditing: Reviewing financial records to verify accuracy and compliance
• Advising: Budgeting, reducing costs, improving profits, managing cash flow
• Compliance: Ensuring legal/regulatory standards are met, documenting processes
• Systems: Implementing accounting software/controls appropriate for the organization

Accountant fees vary widely based on several factors:

• Location: Accountants in major metropolitan areas tend to charge higher rates, averaging $150 to $400 per hour. In smaller towns, rates may range from $100 to 250 per hour.
• Experience level: Newly certified or junior accountants typically charge $50 to $150 per hour. Senior accountants with 5 to 10 years of experience charge $200 to $500 per hour on average.
• Firm size: Solo practitioners and small local firms often have lower rates compared to larger regional or national firms.
• Specializations: Accountants with niche expertise like forensic accounting or international taxes command higher rates.
• Services: Commonly outsourced services like payroll, bookkeeping, and tax prep tend to cost less per hour than consultative services like auditing and financial planning.

Expect to pay $150 to $1,800+ for tax prep, $2,000 to $25,000+ for auditing, and $200 to $1,000 per month for bookkeeping, depending on your business size and needs. Request free consultations and compare detailed estimates before hiring.

Bookkeepers handle daily transactions like recording expenses or issuing invoices. Accountants take the data bookkeepers compile and use it for high-level tasks like preparing financial statements, guiding business strategy, and filing taxes.

Most small businesses need both bookkeeping and higher-level accounting. A single accountant can provide both services, or you can hire a separate bookkeeper. If hiring both, ensure they communicate and regularly share data.

Consider hiring an accountant if:

• You need help selecting accounting systems and software for your business.
• You need help with complex finances like managing investments, real estate, or international transactions.
• Don't have the time or the training to do daily bookkeeping and accounting tasks yourself.
• You need tax expertise to help maximize your return and prevent tax errors or penalties.
• You're looking to identify cost reductions and growth opportunities.
• You're preparing for an audit or sale and need to verify accurate financial statements.
• You notice errors in your current system and need an expert to review processes and improve internal controls.

The right accountant-client relationship can provide tremendous value to your business. Take the time to research options thoroughly before deciding who to hire. When researching accountants near you:

• Ask for referrals from business owners in your industry.
• Review credentials like CPA licensing, education, specializations.
• Ask them for a free consultation and meet with them to discuss your needs.
• Compare detailed estimates from at least 3 potential accountants.
• Ask for client references and read client reviews on Lawful and Google.
• Clearly communicate your expectations and budget.
• Look for an accountant who communicates clearly and answers your questions in understandable terms.
• Prioritize trust and rapport, as your accountant handles sensitive financial data.
• Consider both large established CPA firms and smaller local professionals.

Asking the below questions and choose an accountant who answers you promptly and clearly.

• How long have you been an accountant?
• What financial certifications do you have?
• Do you specialize in a specific industry or area?
• Can I have a free consultation? 
• What accounting services do you offer?
• How to you calculate and bill for your services?