Have you just opened a business in Georgia? Accounting is one of the first departments you need to fill to ensure you set up the correct system for your business as well as document valuable information such as tax liability. Georgia accountants evaluate your needs and then implement user-friendly bookkeeping systems for your bookkeeping department. If you need a loan to continue doing business, or for business equipment, accountants in Georgia can prepare the bank proposal and the loan papers for you.

Decide whether you need Georgia accountants or CPA firms in Georgia. A Georgia CPA can file your tax return as a paid preparer and go to audits with the IRS for you. A CPA in Ga costs substantially more than an accountant in Ga, so evaluate your needs and get prices from both groups before you hire.

1. Choose Atlanta accountants to get the job done.

2. Go the extra mile with Atlanta CPA firms.

3. Use bookkeeping services provided by Atlanta accountants.

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

Choose accounting firms in Ga to set up your bookkeeping systems

The time to get your bookkeeping in order is before it is disordered. Hire an accountant to evaluate what kind of system your business needs, and then implement this system. Georgia accountants also offer advice on budgeting, taxes, banking and loans. Hire someone to work every day in your office, or hire an outside firm. The outside firm collects your records at regular intervals and prepares monthly statements for your review.

I recommend: Bookkeeping Help offers a directory of names of accountants. Atlanta, Savannah, Buford and other areas of Georgia provide listings on this directory, and you may search by county.

Get more from Georgia accounting CPA firms

A CPA or certified public accountant, is state certified by the state of Georgia. Each person must pass an initial rigorous test and continue testing in order to maintain certification. CPAs can prepare your tax returns and sign off as a paid preparer. This gives them ability to accompany you or go in your behalf should you get that dreaded audit notice from the IRS.

I recommend: CPA finder provides a list of Atlanta CPA firms, as well as many other cities throughout Georgia. Choose your city and find the CPAs that are available there. Each CPA listing details services offered and length of time in business. Most offer a free consultation before you hire.

Use bookkeepers integrated with your chosen Georgia accountants

Many Georgia accounting firms provide bookkeeping services. They can send in a team of expert bookkeepers, or just one if that's all you need, to maintain your daily paperwork needs such as accounts billable, accounts receivable and payroll.

I recommend: Buyer Zone offers an extensive list covering most accountants in Georgia. You pick the city and fill in a form advising which services you need. They send this information to qualified bookkeepers in your area. They work with individuals, firms and even people who work remotely from their home office. If you want Georgia accounting firms who also provide bookkeepers, they will send your request to only the companies or individuals who perform these duties.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for complaints or issues with your accountants. Atlanta BBB phone number is (404) 766-0875. Call before you hire the firm. Once you receive the report, determine if the firm is right for your business needs.