Choosing an accountant is one of the most important decisions a business owner can make. While many accountants can prepare accounts and submit tax returns, a good accountant does far more than simply ensure compliance.
A good accountant becomes a trusted adviser, helping you understand your finances, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions that support business growth.
So, what makes a good accountant? Here are five qualities every business owner should look for when choosing an accountant.
1. They are Proactive, Not Reactive
Perhaps the biggest difference between an average accountant and a good accountant is their level of proactivity.
Many business owners only hear from their accountant when a deadline is approaching or when paperwork is required. However, a good accountant takes a proactive approach throughout the year.
Rather than simply reporting what has already happened, they analyse financial information, identify trends, and provide advice before issues become problems.
For example, a proactive accountant may:
- Spot cash flow concerns before they affect the business
- Identify opportunities to reduce tax liabilities
- Highlight areas where profitability could be improved
- Recommend strategies to support business growth
- Help business owners make informed financial decisions
At JDH Accountants, we believe that good accountants don’t just save businesses money—they help businesses thrive.
2. A Good Accountant Will Help You Stay Ahead of Deadlines
Tax deadlines have a habit of arriving faster than expected. Unfortunately, many business owners experience unnecessary stress because paperwork is left until the last minute.
A good accountant works differently.
Instead of waiting until deadlines are just around the corner, they contact clients well in advance and actively chase the information they need. As a result, there is plenty of time to prepare accounts accurately, address any questions, and avoid last-minute panic.
This proactive approach benefits everyone involved.
Not only does it reduce stress, but it also allows more time for planning and advice. Furthermore, it helps minimise the risk of errors that can occur when work is rushed.
Ultimately, good accountants understand that organisation and preparation are just as important as technical expertise.
3. They Communicate in a Way That Works for You
Every client is different.
Some business owners prefer a quick phone call. Others find email more convenient. Increasingly, many clients prefer to communicate through WhatsApp or other messaging platforms.
A good accountant recognises these differences and adapts accordingly.
Rather than forcing clients into a one-size-fits-all communication process, they take the time to understand how each individual prefers to communicate.
This may seem like a small detail, but effective communication can have a significant impact on the client experience.
When clients can easily contact their accountant and receive timely responses, they feel more confident, informed, and supported.
At JDH Accountants, we believe strong relationships are built through clear and accessible communication tailored to each client’s needs.
4. A Good Accountant Embraces Technology
The accounting industry continues to evolve, particularly with the introduction of Making Tax Digital and cloud-based accounting solutions.
As a result, a good accountant should be comfortable with technology and understand how different software solutions can benefit different businesses.
Importantly, good accountants do not force clients to use a particular system simply because it suits the accountancy practice.
Instead, they assess the client’s business, processes, and goals before recommending the most appropriate software.
For example, one business may benefit from cloud accounting software with integrated invoicing and expense tracking, while another may require a more specialised solution.
The right technology should work for the client—not the other way around.
By recommending suitable software and providing support during implementation, a good accountant can help businesses improve efficiency, save time, and gain better visibility over their finances.
5. They Deliver Value for Money
Many business owners focus heavily on price when comparing accountants. While cost is certainly an important consideration, choosing the cheapest option is not always the best long-term decision.
A good accountant provides value far beyond the annual compliance work.
They help identify tax-saving opportunities, improve financial processes, support growth plans, and provide guidance when challenges arise.
As a result, they often pay for themselves many times over through the value they bring to the business.
Instead of asking, “Who is the cheapest accountant?”, business owners should ask, “Which accountant will help my business succeed?”
The answer is often very different.
Why Choosing a Good Accountant Matters
Your accountant should be more than someone who prepares your accounts once a year.
They should be a trusted adviser who understands your business, communicates effectively, embraces technology, plans ahead, and actively looks for opportunities to help you succeed.
When you find a good accountant, you gain more than compliance support—you gain a partner who can help your business grow with confidence.
Looking for a Good Accountant?
At JDH Accountants, we pride ourselves on being proactive, approachable, and focused on delivering real value to our clients.
We believe in building strong relationships, communicating in ways that suit our clients, embracing technology that makes life easier, and helping businesses stay ahead of their financial obligations.
If you’re looking for a good accountant who will support your business throughout the year, we’d love to hear from you.