As a professional I always have my credentials and certifications framed and hung on my office wall for everyone to see. The same goes for awards and associations meberships.
So when it comes to hiring someone where I don't get a personal reference I always look for this, I also start with professional association member lists and or their referal services.
Most good accountants will provide you with a free consultation at their office or at the very least over the phone, just don't get hung up on fancy clothes and expensive furniture as that can all be just a facade.
The best accountant I ever had wore jeans and plaid shirts, drove a twenty year old car and his desk was always stacked with papers but he knew his stuff and was a huge part of my success, unfortunately he retired but again as a good accountant he referred me to another account before he retired.
So when it comes to hiring someone where I don't get a personal reference I always look for this, I also start with professional association member lists and or their referal services.
Most good accountants will provide you with a free consultation at their office or at the very least over the phone, just don't get hung up on fancy clothes and expensive furniture as that can all be just a facade.
The best accountant I ever had wore jeans and plaid shirts, drove a twenty year old car and his desk was always stacked with papers but he knew his stuff and was a huge part of my success, unfortunately he retired but again as a good accountant he referred me to another account before he retired.