10 Must-Ask Questions to Find Your Ideal Freelance Accountant

Many SMBs start out with leaders wearing multiple hats, which may leave the accounting function on the back burner in favor of business development. But as your business grows, so does the need for more dedicated financial expertise. Hiring a freelance accountant can help SMBs benefit from the many services a skilled accountant provides, like financial reporting, payroll and tax preparation, so you can get back to focusing on growth while having confidence in your numbers.

Why a Freelance Accountant is a Smart Choice for Your SMB

Finding the right accounting talent isn’t always easy. Geography, availability and a shrinking pool of certified professionals can limit your search. Freelance accounting services provide businesses with scalable, cost-effective options. SMBs can engage skilled accountants on a project-by-project or part-time basis to get the expertise they need without the overhead of a full-time hire. 

Take Ovation, a technology tools company. When they needed to get their financial processes in order, they turned to a freelance accountant for help. The accountant transitioned them from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, provided real-time access to financial data, and standardized invoicing, which improved cash flow and accuracy. This allowed Ovation’s leadership to focus on fundraising, while their part-time accountant managed critical financial tasks.

Finding the right accountant can make a significant difference, as Ovation experienced firsthand. But ensuring a successful partnership starts with asking the right questions of your candidate so you find the best fit for your business.

Top 10 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Freelance Accountant 

1. What are your specific areas of accounting expertise and relevant certifications? This foundational question helps you verify the candidate’s experience and qualification so you ensure they meet your business needs. 
2. Can you describe your experience working with businesses of our size, in our industry? It’s important to know your accountant understands GAAP for your sector, as well as for the size and scope of your business.
3. Which accounting software and tools are you proficient in? The most qualified candidates are familiar with multiple solutions and can work with many different legacy systems. This reduces training time and ensures seamless integration with your business.
4. How do you approach remote collaboration and communication? This question is a must for remote hires. It helps you understand a candidate’s ability to manage their time and collaborate with distant team members. 
5. What is your process for managing deadlines and handling busy periods? Top candidates will have experience handling SMB accounting priorities on tight timelines. 
6. How do you stay updated on tax laws and accounting regulations? Accounting is an ever-evolving field. Continuous education is a must.
7. Can you explain your fee structure and billing practices? The best candidates will have a reasonable fee structure and a manageable billing process that’s compatible with or adaptable to your payment schedule.
8. What is your availability, especially during peak financial periods? Your SMB may not require freelance accounting services year-round, but it is vital to have access when you need them most.
9. How do you ensure the confidentiality and security of financial data? Given the increasing need for cybersecurity, asking about how they protect sensitive information is critical to maintaining regulatory compliance and reducing reputational risk.
10. Can you provide examples of how you’ve added value to similar SMBs? Real life examples allow you to judge how well the candidate’s services align with your needs. 

Overcome the Challenges of Finding Freelance Accounting Talent

Freelance employment has increased dramatically: technology has made remote and contract work much more common. According to Statista, there were almost 64 million freelancers in the US in 2023. However, many small businesses struggle to find the right freelance accountant due to recruitment time, qualifications or availability. 

Paro helps you overcome these challenges. We can match your business with the precise SMB accounting expert you need. Our proprietary AI-powered matching service includes:

• Upfront Vetting: Paro verifies the credentials of every candidate. We check industry certifications, experience, qualifications and technology proficiency. Only the top 2% of candidates pass our six-step vetting process, so our clients know every candidate meets extremely high standards of expertise and professionalism.
• Best-Fit Matching: Beyond credentials, you still need a good fit. We go beyond credentials by using advanced matching algorithms to assess work preferences, industry-specific knowledge and availability. Then we present you with the top freelance accountants who will fit seamlessly into your organization—all in as little as 72 hours. 
• Technology Alignment: Part of the matching process ensures Paro accounting experts are highly proficient in the software and tools our clients use. Onboarding becomes a simpler and more efficient process when they already know how to optimally use your tools.
• Scalability: No need to worry about growing business needs: with access to a comprehensive network of financial professionals, Paro can help your SMB scale with freelance accounting services at the level you need. 
• Streamlined Interview Process: Since we handle the initial vetting and credential checking, you can focus on the cultural fit to determine which candidate will best fit with your team and contribute to your specific financial goals.
• Administrative Support: Paro manages contracts, payments and other administrative details, so you can focus on your core business.

How Paro Simplifies Hiring an Accountant

Freelance accounting services can be an efficient and flexible way to meet your SMB’s financial needs. There’s no need for a lengthy search process—Paro can help you find the most suitable candidate up to 20x faster than traditional recruiting. If you’re considering hiring a freelance accountant, match with a vetted expert from Paro. It will save you time and resources while giving you certainty that your accounting professional will be the best, most experienced fit for your unique needs.