When a small transportation business owner looks to partner with an accounting firm, a transportation accounting firm is usually the ideal solution. An accounting or CPA firm keeps abreast of the latest requirements in taxation, auditing and bookkeeping tools. Partnering with an accounting firm can save a business owner time, money and aggravation.

There are two types of accounting firms to consider. You could partner with a general accounting firm, or one with specialized transportation accounting services. Selecting a CPA or accountant that specializes in the transportation industry almost always makes more sense. A specialized firm can help you with budgeting, cash-flow analysis, forecasts and projections for fleet owners and owner-operators, dealerships and and service facilities.

A CPA that specializes in the transportation industry is beneficial because:

1. Your CPA will be knowledgeable of the accounting needs of a business in transportation.

2. A specialized firm can suggest qualified, industry-specific ideas for making the most out of your revenue.

3. Accounting firms servicing the transportation 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

Pick which transportation accounting services your small business needs

Transportation CPAs cater to your specific industry needs, but their individual services vary. Compile a list of your needs and compare them with the firms you are considering. Where some firms just prepare federal taxes and generate financial reports, others offer a variety of complex auditing and advising services.

I recommend: Dixon Hughes and LarsonAllen are both national firms specializing in the transportation industry. Both offer transportation-related tools and resources for their clients.

Find out which transportation accountants offer you individualized customer service

A small business should partner with a company that has a commitment to customer service. Find out what your prospective accounting firm provides as far as online or software assistance, response time and informative representatives. Make sure your account will be handled by experienced CPAs. Partnering with an accounting firm that has bad customer service can hinder your business's future growth.

I recommend: Grant Thornton LLC and Rothstein Kass are transportation related accounting firms with a long commitment to customer service.

Accounting companies servicing the transportation industry should let you check in on the road

Internet access is a necessity these days, especially if your CPA firm specializes in the transportation industry. When choosing a from transportation accountants, see what they offer in the way of online tools and resources. Many accounting firms offer online resources, and some have secure client logins to track your account, no matter where you are.

I recommend: Reznick Group offers ClientFlow, an online access tool where clients can check the status of works in progress and exchange information. BKD LLP also offers comprehensive client access online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The qualifications and experience of an accounting firm servicing the transportation industry varies from that of a CPA. CPAs are licensed by a state board, and expected to adhere to a code of ethics.