Questions to ask before choosing an accountant

In short: before entrusting your figures to someone, seven questions are all it takes to separate a true professional from a dubious candidate. The good news: Bankeo already checks the essentials for you, free of charge, as part of the Bankeo Index and its more than 67 criteria.

Choosing an accountant isn't just about comparing fees. It's about ensuring the person is reliable, insured, competent, and a good fit for your situation. Here are the questions to ask, and what a good answer looks like.

1. Are you covered by professional liability insurance?

A good answer: yes, up-to-date, with proof of insurance available. This is your protection if a mistake occurs. No insurance, no safety net.

2. Are you registered with a professional order?

If an accountant presents themselves as a CPA, they must be registered and in good standing with the CPA Order (Quebec or Ontario). You don't always need a CPA, but if they claim to be one, it must be true and verifiable.

3. How long have you been practicing, and under which company?

You're looking for a real, registered company with experience, not an anonymous profile. Knowing who you're entrusting with your figures is fundamental.

4. Are you familiar with my sector?

An accountant who understands your industry (restaurants, construction, technology, healthcare, real estate) knows your deductions and potential pitfalls. Ask for concrete examples of clients in your field.

5. Do you have any clients who can provide testimonials?

A true reputation is verified. Reviews, references, a history: that's reassuring. A blank page is less so.

6. How do you set your fees and what is included?

You want clarity: a price quoted upfront, what's included, and what isn't. Transparency avoids unpleasant surprises. To give you an idea of ​​the scale, an accountant for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Quebec costs on median around $2,000 per year, ranging from $500 to $6,000 depending on the sector, from self-employed individuals to incorporated companies. These are guidelines, not your price: see the details in the Bankeo Fee Barometer .

7. How and how often will we communicate?

A good accountant responds quickly and remains available over the long term, not just during tax season. Availability is a tangible, everyday reality.

The good news: Bankeo already meets the essentials for you

Asking these questions to each accountant, demanding supporting documents, cross-checking the answers: that takes hours of work. That's exactly what Bankeo Index does for you.

Before recommending an accountant, Bankeo verifies their insurance, business, professional registration (for CPAs), client reviews, and expertise in your industry, using over 67 criteria. You retain the final choice, free of charge and without obligation. And if the relationship isn't a good fit, even later on, we'll find you another accountant, at no cost.

Avoid the checklist, keep the result. Find your ideal, vetted accountant.

In summary

• Seven questions are enough to judge an accountant: insurance, professional order, company, sector, opinions, fees, communication.
• Installing and checking them takes time that few entrepreneurs have.
• Bankeo has already checked the essentials for you, free of charge, with the Bankeo Index .