Are you a CA, and what specific compliance work will you handle for my business?

A CA qualification is required for statutory audit and tax audit. For bookkeeping and management accounts, a non-CA is often adequate and more cost-effective. Clarify exactly what the scope includes: bookkeeping, GST filing, TDS compliance, payroll, income tax return, and statutory audit. And whether all these are included or priced separately.

Do you work with businesses in my industry?

An accountant experienced with your type of business. Retail, e-commerce, services, manufacturing. Understands the specific accounting challenges, tax provisions, and compliance obligations relevant to you. Sector-specific experience reduces the onboarding time and lowers the risk of avoidable errors.

What software do you use, and will I have my own access to my accounts?

You should have independent read access to your accounts at all times. This is your data. Confirm the software, your login credentials, and what happens to access if you change accountants.

What monthly deliverables will I receive, and by when?

At minimum: a monthly P&L statement and balance sheet delivered by the 15th of the following month. Ideally also a cash flow statement and a brief commentary on key variances. If the accountant only produces annual accounts, that is a bookkeeper operating on a slow schedule. Not a proactive business accountant.

How will you help me reduce my tax liability. Not just calculate it?

A reactive accountant files what you give them. A proactive one advises on advance tax planning, optimal timing of expenses, available deductions you may be missing, and structure decisions that have tax implications. Ask for a specific example of proactive tax advice they have given a client similar to you.

How do you handle GST compliance. What does your monthly GST process look like?

For any GST-registered business, the accountant should describe a defined monthly process: recording transactions with correct HSN/SAC codes, preparing GSTR-1 data, reconciling GSTR-2B against purchase register, filing GSTR-3B, and managing ITC. If this process is not defined, your GST compliance is at risk.

What happens when I receive a tax notice or GST department query?

Clarify whether notice response is included in your fee. Most accountants charge separately for income tax scrutiny notices and GST department queries. Knowing this upfront prevents disputes when a notice arrives.

How many clients do you currently work with, and what is your capacity?

An accountant managing 200 clients alone cannot give your business the attention it needs during peak compliance periods (March, September). Understanding their current workload helps you assess whether you will get timely service.

What is the transition process if I want to switch accountants?

A professional will confirm they will hand over complete books, all source documents, and software access within a reasonable notice period. Reluctance to discuss this is a red flag.

Can you provide a reference from a business in my industry?

Speaking with a current client in a similar business gives you insight into reliability, communication quality, and whether the accountant proactively adds value or just processes filings. Ask to speak with the reference directly.

Accounting

10 Questions to Ask an Accountant for Your Small Business

The 10 questions every Indian small business owner should ask before hiring an accountant. Covering qualifications, scope, compliance coverage, and how they add value beyond filing.

Ajsal Abbas

10 June 2025

5 min read

Quick summary

The 10 questions every Indian small business owner should ask before hiring an accountant. Covering qualifications, scope, compliance coverage, and how they add value beyond filing.

What you need from a small business accountant

A good accountant for a small business does more than file returns. They tell you whether your margins are healthy, flag cash flow issues before they become crises, ensure you are not overpaying tax, and help you make better decisions with your numbers. These questions help you find one who will actually do all of that.

The 10 questions

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The 10 questions

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