Effectively sourcing Professional Services and particularly Accountancy, requires vast purchasing expertise. Through our sister company, supply.ie, we are lucky enough to have some of Ireland’s friendliest Accountants on-board. So when we asked them for advice they would give to clients when sourcing Accountancy/ Professional Services, this was the response;
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Check and make sure the Accountant is registered and fully qualified via the CPA, ACCA or ACA
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Ensure you have a dedicated contact person and if you are not happy with the service, an appropriate complaints procedure should exist.
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When you get a quote, ensure it includes a breakdown i.e. does it include Bookkeeping, VAT returns, Payroll, Tax Returns and Financial Accounts or does the price only cover one particular aspect of the accounts such as the VAT returns.
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Identify (and negotiate) the payments terms as quickly as possible.
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Check to see when was the practise established. Take note of their Profile and existing clients
Finally, as when sourcing all service providers and suppliers, ensure your tender/request responses seek expertise, integrity and honesty. Or, have you any other considerations to add to this list when sourcing Accountancy services?
