How can you check out a potential accountants' firm?

[SNDa]

What can you check out about potential new accountants, short of the 'suck it and see' approach, particularly if you don't know of which accounting governing body they are a member?

Are there public records of those firms which consistently have HMRC enquiries / investigations of their clients?

[Andrew[MG]]

I used to have a list of questions that I used when looking for a new accountant...can't find it now. Is this any use http://www.citywire.co.uk/Personal/-/advice/10-que...

[Eric Mc]

If the firm is practising under the auspices of one of the recognised professional bodies, they will normally be keen to advertise this fact on their official website and stationery. I certainly do.

[SNDa]

Thanks for the responses chaps.

[Stitch]

Check out the ICAEW web site - there is a 'find an accountant in your area' tool.

Then ask for references as well - you would for a tradesman, why not a professional.

Also useful to find out if chosen accountant has other clients operating in your sector, your trading info will be confidential but if the accountant knows the sector he should have good ideas about tax allowables etc and should be able to give you a view on how your business is performing compared to others in the sector