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Choosing an Accountant

Assuming you have no prior ideas or preferences regarding the selection of your accountant, this section may help you in your search. Just because a person sets out their business stall and places the word 'accountant' over the door, it does not necessarily signify a formal accountancy qualification. Start-up businesses or small businesses should look for an accountant with one of the following organisations' letters after the name:

1. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants - the letters ACCA or FCCA after their name.
2. The Association of Authorised Public Accountants - the letters AAPA or FAPA after their name.
3. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland - the letters FCA or ACA after their name.
4. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland - the letters CA after their name.

Recommendation is by far the best way to select an accountant. Friends, the bank manager or the Enterprise Agency will help, and don't be afraid to negotiate the price.