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Accounting Services for All Your Personal & Professional Needs in Miami, FL
If you need help managing your personal or professional finances, then hiring a freelancer who offers accounting services is a great option. These services, whether in-person or virtual, can provide the additional support you need to take control of your finances.
The good news is that there's no shortage of accountants available. The bad news is that with so many freelancers on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one best meets your needs. This guide can help you better understand what's included in accounting services, so you can find the right one for you.
Whether you manage a small restaurant in Coconut Grove, operate an art gallery in Miami's Design District, or you're starting a cleaning business in Brickell, you're sure to find an accountant who meets your specific needs. An important first step is learning about the different types of accountant services available and who uses them.
Who Uses Accounting Services?
If you think professional accounting services are only for big businesses, think again. In fact, individuals and small business owners are the primary users of accounting services.
Individuals
Individuals, particularly those with high incomes, hectic work schedules, or complex tax returns, depend on accountants to keep their financial records in order. Having a professional track your tax records, manage your financial accounts, and even ensure all your bills are paid on time can help to alleviate stress and to keep your credit rating in good standing.
Self-Employed
Are you one of the many self-employed entrepreneurs who don't have accounting experience? If so, keeping track of your financial records can be quite difficult, especially as your business grows. A accountant can provide the support you need by handling everything from submitting invoices to preparing your taxes.
Small Business Owners
Studies show that 45% of new businesses fail within the first five years. Financial issues are one of the main reasons for these failures. If you're a small business owner in South Florida, it's crucial that you take control of your finances now or risk losing your business later. For many business owners, this means getting the assistance of a remote bookkeeper.
Benefits of Hiring a Accountant
Whether you're a young professional living in Rio Vista or a small business owner in Little Havana, you can reap the rewards of hiring a professional remote accountant to manage your finances. Here's a look at a few of the top benefits of hiring an accountant.
- Free up time to focus on your career or business
- Minimize your tax burden by claiming all eligible deductions and credits
- Maintain up-to-date financial records
- Obtain a clear picture of your current financial status
- Improve record keeping accuracy
- Make financial decisions based on real-time information
- Receive professional and unbiased financial advice
- Gain analytical financial insights
- Ensure on-time payments
- Improve invoicing and accounts receivable
- Pay for only the specific accounting services you need
Types of Accounting Services
There are several types of accounting services offered by remote bookkeepers. It's important to understand how these various services differ so you can hire the right accountant.
Personal finances
Just as the name suggests, personal financial services involve the management of an individual's financial records. A accountant can assist clients with everything from balancing their checkbook to reviewing credit card statements and paying bills. Typically, a remote accountant uses some type of financial software, such as QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage, to maintain records and provide clients with real-time data.
Bookkeeping services
Bookkeeping services cover the day-to-day financial operations of a business, such as recording all income and expense transactions, organizing and maintaining records, and reconciling bank statements. It's important to note that there's a distinct difference between bookkeepers and online accountants.
Both bookkeepers and accountants can handle these basic daily financial tasks. An accountant, however, has the training and experience to offer a higher level of services. For example, an accountant doesn't only record general ledger entries, but they're also able to record adjusting entries. In addition, accountants can provide financial analysis and professional advice as needed.
Accounts receivable & payable
Managing accounts receivable and accounts payable can be the most time-consuming financial tasks you face. Unfortunately, falling behind in either of these duties can wreak havoc on your cash flow. accountants can help by managing the A/P and A/R processes for you.
Bookkeepers can handle all aspects of the A/R process, including preparing and submitting invoices to customers, sending follow-up requests, and contacting customers when their payment is overdue. They also assist with the A/P process by tracking your bills and ensuring all payments are made in a timely manner. Not only can this step eliminate the risk of late fees, but it can keep your credit score in good standing.
Financial statements
Both bookkeepers and accountants can produce monthly financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. In fact, many accounting software programs automatically produce these statements on demand. Accountants, however, can go one step further by checking the accuracy of financial statements, adjusting entries as needed, and providing analytical insights.
Payroll services
Many bookkeepers and accountants offer remote payroll services. These services include maintaining payroll records for each employee, calculating payroll deductions, distributing paychecks, and resolving payroll errors. Some accountants also handle the submission of IRS reports and payments.
When hiring a accountant, it's crucial to understand exactly what payroll services they offer and whether IRS reporting remains your responsibility. Make sure to have these details explicitly listed in your contract to avoid confusion and hefty penalties.
Help with tax returns
Many accountants also assist with tax planning and filing. Since they have an in-depth understanding of tax codes and regulations, these accountants can ensure you maintain the appropriate records and receipts to take advantage of all available tax deductions and credits. Depending on an accountant's level of expertise, they may also provide you with valuable tax advice, such as helping you structure your business in a way to reap the greatest tax benefits.
Guide To Hiring the Right Accountant
Are you ready to hire an accountant and get the extra support you need to keep your financial records in order? If so, this guide can help you ask the right questions to be sure you find the ideal virtual accountant to meet your specific needs.
1. Do they have the right experience?
Experience is one of the most important factors to consider when searching for the right virtual accountant. After all, if you're looking for someone to prepare your taxes at the end of the year, you don't want to hire a freelancer with solely bookkeeping experience.
Take the time to ask each freelancer you're considering what type of experience they have and what kinds of clients they've worked with in the past. This information can help you determine if the accountant would be a good fit for you.
2. What credentials do they have?
Fortunately, freelancers in the financial industry often have verifiable credentials. Even bookkeepers should be able to provide you with some type of evidence of their training and experience. The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) is one of the most well-known organizations, and it requires bookkeepers to undergo extensive reviews and testing to obtain a license or certification.
Accountants, on the other hand, should have at minimum a bachelor's degree in finance or accounting. Some accountants go on to become Certified Public Accountants. (CPA). You can easily verify an accountant's CPA license through the AICPA's website.
While hiring a CPA may seem like the best option, it's important to realize that these services are typically more costly. Depending on the type of financial assistance you or your small business requires, professional bookkeeping may provide all the services you need.
3. What services do they offer?
Not all remote accountants and bookkeepers offer the same services. While some may focus primarily on general bookkeeping and accounts receivable, others may offer only tax services.
When searching for a virtual accountant, be very clear about the types of services you require, such as payroll, financial statements, and tax advice, right from the start. You should also ask each freelancer directly if they can provide all of the services you need. This step can avoid any confusion during the selection process.
4. Can they pass a reference and background check?
Since accountants have at least minimal access to their clients' financial records, it's crucial to complete a full reference and background check prior to hiring a freelancer. A background check can give you peace of mind knowing that the freelancer doesn't have a criminal record that could put your business in jeopardy.
A reference check can also provide a degree of assurance that the freelancer has clients who are willing to vouch for their capabilities. While it's true that most freelancers use their top clients as references, you can still learn a lot by asking the right questions, such as how long has the freelancer worked with the client, and what are the freelancer's strengths and weaknesses.
Additionally, you can check online reviews to gain insight into a freelancer's reputation, as well as their Better Business Bureau rating and whether there are any filed complaints.
5. How do they communicate?
Consistent communication is a must when working with any type of freelancer. It's vital to determine your main source for communication right from the start. For example, do you want to communicate through email, phone, Skype, or some other online communication tool? Most freelancers use multiple communication methods and should be more than willing to accommodate most requests.
6. What accounting software do they use?
One of the main benefits of hiring freelancers is that they should require minimal training in accounting software, and you can choose one who has the specific skills and experience to meet your needs.
If you're already using an accounting software program, such as QuickBooks, then you definitely want to hire an accountant with experience working with that software. If you're not currently using any accounting software, do your research and compare options and prices before searching for a bookkeeper.
7. Do they charge hourly or fixed rates?
Don't hire a freelancer without first discussing rates. Start by asking if they charge an hourly or fixed rate. If you plan to pay an hourly rate, then you also need to set a specific number of work hours per week or month. For fixed-rate contracts, you want to define exactly what services are included. Without these details in the contract, you risk spending a lot more than you budgeted or not receiving the full services you need.
Finding the Best Personal and Professional Accounting Services in Miami
Whether you run a small store in Edgewater or operate a lawn care service across Miami-Dade County, maintaining up-to-date records is a key ingredient in the success of your small business. The good news is that a professional bookkeeper can provide the support you need to get your financial records in order and start making sound business decisions.
Don't let your finances cause you undue stress. Instead, take control of your financial records with the support of a accountant. Use this guide and start searching for the ideal remote worker for your personal and professional finances today.