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Your First-Time Guide to Working with an Accountant
Starting a business or striking out as an independent contractor brings a rush of excitement and a mountain of questions. One of the smartest early moves you can make is finding a trusted accountant. But if this is your first time working with one, you might not be sure what to expect.
We work with entrepreneurs at every stage—from just getting started to scaling up—and we know how important it is to get off on the right foot. Here’s what new clients should know before that first meeting and how to get the most out of it.
You Don’t Need All the Answers
First things first: don’t stress if you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing yet. That’s completely normal. Whether you’re still deciding on your business structure or already generating revenue and wondering about taxes, we’re here to guide you through the process, not quiz you on what you’ve figured out on your own.
That said, coming prepared with a few key details can help make the first meeting more productive. If you have them, bring along:
- Your business registration or incorporation documents
- Any correspondence from CRA (like your Business Number or GST/HST registration)
- A rough estimate of your income and expenses to date
- Questions you’ve been mulling over, no matter how small
Let’s Talk About Fees
One of the most common questions asked by new clients is, “How much is this going to cost?”
We’re upfront about our fees, and we’ll walk you through them before any work begins. Our pricing is based on the type of service you require. A simple year-end tax return looks very different from ongoing bookkeeping or corporate tax planning.
Our goal is to make sure you’re not just spending money; you’re saving it too. In many cases, we help new business owners uncover tax deductions they didn’t know they qualified for or avoid penalties they didn’t see coming. The right accounting support can more than pay for itself over time.
What to Expect in Your First Year
Your first year in business is full of financial milestones and potential pitfalls. Here are a few things we’ll help you stay on top of:
- Understanding your tax obligations (income tax, GST/HST, instalments, etc.)
- Setting up a recordkeeping system that works for you
- Navigating payroll if you hire anyone (including yourself)
- Meeting key filing deadlines
- Planning for tax season early, so there are no surprises later
We tailor our approach to suit your goals and the level of involvement you prefer. Some clients prefer hands-on support throughout the year, while others just need help tying things together at year-end. Either way, we’ll make sure you’re covered.
Accounting Isn’t Just for Tax Season
A common misconception is that accountants are only helpful once a year. The reality? The earlier we’re involved, the more value we can add. Whether it’s helping you choose the right accounting software, advising on whether to incorporate, or flagging expenses you should be tracking, we’re here to support your business year-round.
Let’s Build Something Together
At Mowbrey Gil, we don’t just prepare tax returns, we build relationships. We get to know your business, your goals, and your working style so we can offer the kind of guidance that grows with you.
If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of your finances, we’d be happy to help. Let’s make sure your first year is a smart one.
Call us today at 780.461.3800 to book your first consultation.
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