As you look for an accountant to help you with your company’s bookkeeping you will see that the fees on offer vary quite a lot. However, as in most walks of life you get what you pay for. The fees that chartered accountants charge will probably be a lot higher than others, but they will probably offer you a more complete service. It is possible for anybody to set up a practice as an accountant, and remain within the law.
A chartered accountant is one who has studied the subject to such an extent that they have managed to pass the entrance exam to their professional Institute. With this membership, they are obliged to maintain certain standards, and fulfill certain responsibilities. They are also subject to strict monitoring to ensure the standards are upheld. To further safeguard their work, and your company, they will carry indemnity insurance.
If you opt for hiring a certified accountant because of their lower fees, you will find, in all probability, the range of services that they can offer will be smaller. If you are hiring them to work with your company you may find there will be added costs. This is because they will not hold the privileges or qualifications needed to satisfy certain legal requirements.
One of the major differences between accountants who are, and who are not, chartered members of the Institute is that they cannot legally sign your annual accounts, and other documents required by law. A great many commercial financial institutions also do not accept a non-chartered members signature.
There is a great similarity in the courses that are taken by certified accountants and those taken by their chartered counterparts, and some will try to convince you that they can complete the tasks you require equally as well. The fact that the course was the same is irrelevant, unless they are chartered, they have not passed the entrance exam required and therefore, will probably not be able to complete the tasks you require of them. You would have to hire the services of a chartered member just for their signature on your books.
The function of a chartered accountant is to provide financial records that are reliable. They normally work within corporate financial structures, and to create reports for audits and taxation purposes. They also provide important advice concerning achieving a company’s financial goals.
When you are deciding between accountancy practices ensure that you understand the certification and qualifications that the accountant holds. Make sure that they have the privileges to complete the tasks that are required by your company. You will probably find that a chartered accountant will charge much higher fees, but the package of services that they provide will be of far higher standard and will serve your company well.
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