Not all accountants are a good fit for every business. One of the first and most important questions to ask is whether the accountant has experience with your specific industry and business size. Accounting for a sole proprietor is very different from accounting for a corporation with payroll, GST/HST, or multiple revenue streams.
Industry experience matters because it affects how deductions are handled, how revenue is reported, and how CRA risks are managed. An accountant who regularly works with businesses similar to yours will anticipate issues before they become problems and provide more relevant advice.
We deliver a broad range of Tax Accounting Services in BC and other locations across British Columbia.
Experience with Your Industry and Business Size
Do you have experience working with businesses in my specific industry, and can you share examples of clients similar to my size?
This question helps you determine whether the accountant understands industry-specific tax rules, deductions, and CRA risk patterns relevant to your business.
Have you worked with businesses at my current stage (startup, growing business, incorporated company), or do you mainly serve a different type of client?
Accounting needs vary significantly by business stage, and experience at the right level matters.
Our other tax services:
- Personal Tax Filing
- Business Tax Preparation
- Payroll Processing Services Vancouver
- WCB Employer Registration Coquitlam
- ROE Service BC
Services Included vs Extra Fees
What services are included in your standard fee, and which services are billed separately?
This question protects you from unexpected charges for things like additional filings, advisory calls, or CRA correspondence.
Do you charge extra for emails, phone calls, or responding to CRA letters during the year?
Some accountants bill for every interaction—this question clarifies ongoing costs.
CRA Support and Audit Experience
If I receive a CRA review or audit notice, will you handle communication with the CRA directly, or will I be expected to respond myself?
This determines whether the accountant acts as a true representative or only provides limited guidance.
How much experience do you have supporting clients through CRA reviews, audits, or reassessments?
Practical CRA experience is critical and cannot be replaced by theory alone.
Communication and Reporting Style
How often will I receive financial reports, and what types of reports will you provide throughout the year?
This clarifies whether you’ll have ongoing financial visibility or only year-end information.
If I don’t understand a tax issue or financial number, how do you typically explain it to clients?
Clear communication is essential for informed decision-making.
Red Flags to Watch Before Signing
Can you clearly explain how my taxes are calculated and why specific deductions apply to my situation?
Vague or evasive answers here are a strong warning sign.
Do you ever guarantee tax savings before reviewing full financial records?
Guaranteed outcomes without full review often indicate unrealistic or risky practices.
If an error is discovered later, how is responsibility handled and what support do you provide to fix it?
This question reveals professionalism, accountability, and transparency.
Our financial services:
- Financial Service BC
- Business Valuation Services BC
- Business Plan Writing Services BC
- Financial Planning Services
- Financial Due Diligence Services