5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a New Accountant

If you’ve ever Googled “accountant near me” in Monroe, NC, you know there’s no shortage of options. But finding the right accountant for your business isn’t just about location, it’s about trust, expertise, and whether they truly understand your goals.

To help you make the best choice, these five questions will help you find an accountant that’s the right fit for your business. Every Monroe business owner, and beyond, should ask these before hiring an accountant.

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1. Do you have experience with local Monroe and Union County businesses?

Every community has its own business climate, and Monroe is no exception. From small shops on Main Street to contractors working along Highway 74, Union County businesses face unique challenges when it comes to taxes, payroll, and compliance.

Asking about local experience ensures your accountant understands North Carolina tax rules, Union County requirements, and the unique needs of small-town businesses.

At Certum Solutions, we’re proud to be a Monroe-based, woman-owned firm serving Union County and beyond.

2. What industries do you specialize in?

Not all accountants are the same. Some focus strictly on taxes or estate planning, while others provide full-service bookkeeping and advisory support. The best fit for your company is an accountant who knows your industry inside and out.

For example, Monroe and Union County have a strong presence in:

• Construction – job costing, payroll, and compliance.

• Manufacturing – inventory tracking, reporting, and ERP setup.

• Nonprofits – grant compliance, donor reporting, and specialized QuickBooks support.

By choosing an accountant who understands your industry, like Certum Solutions, you’ll save time, money, and stress.

3. What accounting software do you support?

Software is the backbone of modern accounting. But not every accountant is equipped to help you select, set up, or manage the right platform.

Whether you’re using QuickBooks, Xero, Odoo ERP, or Zoho, you want an accountant who is platform-agnostic and can recommend tools based on your needs…not just their preference or what they’ll make a buck on.

At Certum Solutions we support and partner with multiple platforms, so you’re never locked into one software system. We take the time to go over your workflows, budget, and needs and then present options that fit your business.

 4. Do you offer advisory services beyond bookkeeping?

Bookkeeping keeps your records clean. But if you’re looking to grow, you’ll also want strategic guidance. This is where services like fractional CFO support, controller services, & financial reporting come in.

By asking about advisory services, you ensure your accountant can help you plan, forecast, and make smarter business decisions, not just track your past numbers.

5. What’s your communication style?

An accountant can have all the credentials in the world, but if they don’t communicate clearly, you’ll always feel in the dark.

Ask:

• Do you meet with clients locally in Monroe?

• Do you offer virtual consultations?

• What do my financials say about the health of my business right now?

• Based on my numbers, where are my best opportunities for growth?

• Am I pricing my products/services correctly for profitability?

• How can I use financial data to plan for scaling—staff, inventory, or systems? How often will we review reports together?

• What deductions or credits am I missing out on?

• Are there industry-specific tax regulations I should be aware of?

• Am I using the right accounting software for my business size and needs?

• What KPIs matter most for a business like mine, and am I tracking them correctly?

Hiring an accountant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business. By asking the right questions — about local experience, industry expertise, software support, advisory services, and communication — you’ll find a partner who does more than crunch numbers.

At Certum Solutions, we meet clients both in-person here in Monroe by appointment and virtually nationwide. You’ll always know where your business stands with Certum Solutions as your partner.

If you’re ready to work with a trusted accountant in Monroe, NC, we’d love to meet you.

Click to book a free consultation. Hassle free, no commitment: https://www.certumsolutions.com/book-consultation 

Email: help@certumsolutions.com 

Office: 980-210-6946 

Certum Solutions offers a FREE 30 min consultation, book yours today

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