Guide to Accountants in New York

Find NYC accountants for all of your business needs

By T.S. Johnson, Sweet Potato Pie

1. Find a New York accountant that specializes in the needs of your business, whether it is tax preparation or bookkeeping.
2. Ask your accountant what professional organizations he is a part of. While not required to do business, it shows that he takes his profession seriously.
3. Seek out an accounting firm that specializes in the needs of small businesses if you feel a firm would better suit your needs then an individual accountant.

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

Find NYC accountants that specialize in tax preparation for small businesses

All accountants aren't created equal, and it is important to recognize that as a small business owner, you have special needs that differ from larger companies. When searching for an accountant, look for New York accountants that are well versed in the tax code and how it applies to small businesses.

I recommend: StartUpNation.com and their article, How to Choose Accounting Services, offer a detailed overview of what small business owners should look for in an accountant. BookkeepingHelp.com offers a list of New York accountants that may be a good fit for your small business tax needs.

Find out if your New York accountant is part of a professional organization

While not a requirement, accountants in New York City have several professional organizations they can join. Not being part of a professional organization doesn't mean your accountant is any less qualified, but it does show a seriousness about her profession that may mean more dedication and attention to your accounting needs.

I recommend: The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants is the largest state accounting organization in the nation. If you’re looking for accountants in New York, they would be a good place to begin to look. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is a national organization that you can use to find New York accountants.

Find good New York accounting firms

There are a plethora of accountants in New York. However, you may feel you'd rather work with an accounting firm than an individual accountant because of the security it offers. If you don't want to work with an individual accountant and would rather work with a firm, then it would be best to find one that specialize in accounting for small businesses.

I recommend: Hirsch and Company is a New York accounting firm that specializes in small and medium sized businesses. The Bonadio Group offers accounting in New York that focuses on small businesses.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't rely solely on word of mouth when choosing New York accountants. Find a few accountants that fit your needs, and interview them all to determine who's best for the job.