Anyone can call themselves an ‘accountant’, even if they have never had any formal training or passed any exams.
Their lack of training and experience could cost you money. They might complete the job but they could have made mistakes or missed things which could prove expensive for you.
The benefits of using a qualified accountant
Qualified accountants are required to maintain training and education each year. They are bound by a code of ethics and standards. They are required to be covered by professional indemnity insurance in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. They are also answerable to their professional body if a client has a grievance.
Neither of these protections are available if you use an accountant who is not a qualified professional. They may have the necessary skills to do a good job, but there is no one to complain to if they let you down.
Don’t be afraid to ask an accountant which chartered member of the CCAB (Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies) they are registered with. They’ll rightly be proud of the status that their hard work has achieved and it will give you more confidence in the advice and assistance they provide.