Evolve Financial Services’ mission is to help small businesses streamline and improve their processes so that they can save money and grow their business. We put our clients at the center of our business. We want to build a long-term relationship with our clients. Any accounting firm can step in when there’s a problem, but a partner will be with you every step of the way to help you look ahead for new ways to excel and proactively address potential problems before they become reality. That’s what Evolve Financial Services will do for you.

As Fred LaCerra, St. Juliana Grade School football coach and mentor, says “Never be complacent. If you’re not improving each and every day, you’re regressing – there is no being stagnant.” Many companies find themselves in a comfort zone, where they can easily maintain a status quo. They fear trying to take their business to the next level and leaving that comfort zone. Evolve Financial Services will give you the tools and data you need to have a thorough understanding of where your business currently is and have a clear vision of where it can go. With accurate, up-to-date financial information and outstanding business tools and processes, Evolve Financial Services will give you the confidence to take your business to its full potential. As hockey great and NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

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An accountant does much more than just handle your bookkeeping or file your taxes. A good accountant will act as a consultant and business advisor. They will advise about improving your internal controls, financial planning, risk management, growth opportunities and help you develop your big-picture strategy. If your personal finances are closely tied to your business, your accountant can also help you make decisions that will benefit and protect both your personal finances and your business.

Choosing the right accounting firm is a crucial decision. You will be trusting this firm with the financial future of your business. There are several steps you can take to help you select an accounting firm with which you can develop a successful long-term partnership.

Determine your needs

Not all accounting firms are the same. Different professionals offer different levels of service and different firms have different specialties. Decide on the level of support and what services you need. From there, look for a firm that specializes in small businesses and has experience in your particular industry.

Ask for recommendations

Word-of-mouth is a great starting point to finding an accounting firm. Ask trusted business colleagues, family members, and friends for recommendations. You can also check with your local chamber of commerce, state board of accountants, or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Use the Internet to check credentials of firms you are considering.

Interview multiple firms

Submit requests for proposals and interview more than one firm. Clearly define your needs and expectations.  You should think of selecting an accounting firm the same way you would think about hiring an employee. Questions you should ask include:

• What services do they offer?
• What are their professional qualifications and experience?
• Do they have any professional certifications?
• Who will be servicing your account? Will it always be the same person or will it change?
• Who do you call with questions and how quickly can you expect a response?
• What is their communication style and frequency?

In addition to ensuring they meet your current needs, you should also inquire about services that you might need in the future. You don’t want to select an accounting firm that you will outgrow right away.

Ask for references and referrals

Ask about both current and past clients to gauge their expertise and experience, especially in your industry. Look at client turnover and seek a firm with long-term client relationships. Contact references and ask lots of questions.

Look beyond fees

You may be tempted to look for the firm with the lowest fees, but going with the cheapest accounting firm is not always the best choice. The firms that provide high quality service or a broad range of services tend to charge higher fees. If an accountant makes promises that sound too good to be true, they probably are. Keep in mind that you are ultimately responsible for your taxes and finances, so choose an accounting firm that is capable and credible.

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