What Should Small Businesses Look for When Choosing an Accounting Firm?

For a small business owner, choosing an accounting firm is about more than simply finding someone to prepare a tax return. Bookkeeping, personal tax returns, corporate T2 filings, financial reporting, and ongoing tax planning can all play an important role in keeping business finances organized.

I’m curious to hear from other business owners and professionals:

• What factors matter most when choosing an accounting firm?
• Is experience with small businesses important to you?
• Do you prefer a firm that handles both personal and corporate tax needs?
• How important is year-round accounting support compared with seasonal tax preparation?
• What questions should someone ask before hiring an accounting professional?

I recently came across a discussion focused on personal returns and corporate T2 requirements for small businesses, which raises some useful points for anyone comparing accounting support:

https://www.quora.com/profile/Usman-Hussain-196/I-spend-more-time-than-most-people-reading-about-accounting-firms-Personal-returns-corporate-T2-for-a-small-business

What has been the most important factor for you when selecting an accounting professional?