How to know your accountant is good.

Core Skills & Knowledge.

A good account will have:

• Technical competence: Deep understanding of tax laws, financial regulations, and accounting standards (ASAB, GAAP, IFRS, etc.).

• Attention to detail: Catching mistakes others might miss—accuracy matters a lot.

• Analytical thinking: Interpreting numbers and spotting trends to give strategic insights, not just crunching numbers.

Proactivity & Problem-Solving

A good accountant will be:

• Forward-thinking: Offering advice before problems arise—e.g., tax planning, budget forecasting.

• Creative problem-solving: Finding smart, legal ways to save money or fix financial issues.

Communication & People Skills

A good accountant will:

• Be able to explaining complex stuff simply: Not everyone understands financial jargon—good accountants make it clear.

• Have trustworthiness and integrity: You're dealing with people's money—confidence and ethics are non-negotiable.

• Be Responsive: Answering questions quickly and being available, especially during busy seasons.