A small business accountant does far more than file annual returns — the right one actively shapes cash flow decisions, tax efficiency, and how prepared a business is for growth or investment. Ask prospective accountants about their experience with businesses of a similar size and industry, since the financial patterns of a retail business look very different from a service-based consultancy. Clarify upfront whether they operate reactively, only engaging at tax time, or proactively, flagging cash flow issues and tax planning opportunities throughout the year — the latter is worth paying a premium for. Ask how they communicate: monthly reports, a dedicated point of contact, and response times during urgent periods all affect how useful the relationship actually is day-to-day. Software compatibility matters too, particularly if the business already uses a specific accounting platform, since switching systems solely to match an accountant's preference adds unnecessary friction. Finally, ask directly about their approach to compliance versus optimisation — a good accountant balances staying firmly within regulation while still minimising unnecessary tax burden.