If you're a business owner in the telecommunications industry ready to outsource the company finances, telecom accounting might be the way to go. CPAs are familiar with many aspects of your business's financial transactions. Partnering with an accounting firm can save you valuable time and money.

Beyond that, you must decide to partner either with a general accounting firm or a specialized firm. Essentially, choosing a CPA or accountant that specializes in the telecom industry makes more sense. Only CPAs and firms specializing in the telecommunications industry have the technical skills, knowledge of FCC rules, and financial expertise to assist you.

Choosing from telecom accountants ensures the following:

1. Your CPA will be knowledgeable with the accounting needs of a telecom company.

2. Specialist CPA firms for telecom companies can suggest qualified, industry-specific ideas for making the most out of your revenue.

3. Accountants for the telecom industry can offer industry-specific tools to help you balance your books.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide what telecom accounting service you need for your small business

Not only do specialized accounting firms cater to your specific industry, but their individual services vary across the board. Make a list of any financial services you think you want. Where one accounting company for telecom clients may just prepare federal taxes and generate financial reports, another may offer more complex services, such as audits and longterm financial advising.

I recommend: Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker is a founding member of the TELERGEE Alliance, a nationwide team of seven established utility and telecommunications CPA and consulting firms. Carr Riggs & Ingram, LLC is one of the largest regional CPA firms in the Southeast.

Make sure your prospective telecom accountant is committed to customer service

When partnering with a telecom accountant or CPA, make sure that the firm you choose is as committed to customer service as you are. You need a partner you can rely on. More importantly, you need one that offers knowledgeable customer representatives, prompt response times, and detailed reports on the status of your account.

I recommend: Moss Adams, LLP is the eleventh largest accounting and consulting firm in the United States. Its consulting services include litigation support and business planning. Grant Thornton, LLP is a leading national CPA firm focused on the accounting needs of midsized companies.

Choose from top telecom CPAs with the right technology

When deciding which telecommunications industry CPA to pick, find out what your prospects have to offer in the way of online tools and access. The ability to manage your account remotely can be a great time saver.

I recommend: Deloitte offers many online tools, including podcasts, financial analysis and a client login portal. WithumSmith-Brown also offers a client portal where you can check your account.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Accounting for telecommunications companies isn't done on paper anymore. Though human capital is important, many firms offer attractive software packages to draw in clients. Be sure to check out what kind of programs a firm offers before you commit.