How much help and consultation is reasonable to expect from an accountant?

condra

Hi guys,

Is it an accountants job to simply sign their name under books that are already perfectly prepared, or should clients expect much help from them with the preparation of accounts, with VAT and expenses compliance?

Thanks

whippet

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058284854/how-much-help-and-consultation-is-reasonable-to-expect-from-an-accountant

depends on how much you are willing to pay them and what the terms of engagement are

condra

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120258555#Comment_120258555

Fair enough. My accountant is giving me minimal help. Perhaps I should mention that I would be happy to pay extra for him to answer the phone or reply to emails.

Jim2007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058284854/how-much-help-and-consultation-is-reasonable-to-expect-from-an-accountant

It entirely depends on the service you signed up to. Yes, it can be as simple as a final review of your prepared statements at the end of the financial year, right down to you collecting up your invoices say once a week and sending them to the accountant who will write up the books of account, pay the invoices, handle the VAT returns, prepare the accounts, submit tax returns etc...

Normally you will receive a letter of engagement from your accountant, it will set out the services you both have agreed he will provide and details of how the cost of those services will be calculated. I'd suggest you revisit that letter, decide if you have signed up for the services you expected or are you just not getting the services agreed, then arrange a meeting with your accountant to discuss the issues.

duffysfarm

I dont think any Accountant would sign a set of accounts to say that they have been perfectly prepared. They are leaving themselves exposed to roo many potential problems by doing this