Why Choose a Smaller Accounting Firm Over a Larger One?

Each business poses a wide variety of accounting requirements that need to be met. Choosing between a large and a small accounting firm in Winnipeg can be difficult for many business owners. Companies often get confused about what to choose. There are certainly some advantages and drawbacks to working with both. There is no doubt that big firms possess brand recognition. These firms are larger, employ more staff, and have some highly notable, wealthy clients on their list. But this does not mean that big firms are the best option for you or your business. In the accounting services domain, smaller accounting firms often work best. You can benefit from working with local and small accounting firms more than large ones.

Let's see how!

• Building a personal and genuine relationship with the client - As a client, you want an accountant who properly understands your business and your financial situation. Business owners want to have a genuine and personal relationship with their accountants. Bigger firms have several accounting professionals, and each time you will find yourself working with different accounting staff. So you won't be able to have that genuine and personal relationship with your accountant if you work with a larger accounting firm. Dealing with a different accountant each time makes it difficult for you to discuss the same issues you are regularly encountering. While working with a smaller accounting firm, you can have the desired professional relationship with them. You can get their support whenever required, which ultimately improves your business finances.
• Local Expertise - An accountant with local knowledge and expertise is helpful. If you need an actual meeting with your accountant, you can visit them easily. Attending a virtual meeting with big firms is not as effective as meeting your accountant personally and discussing the issues while having coffee on the table. This helps build a good relationship with your accountant, and you will feel comfortable discussing the other aspects of your business.
• Flexibility - One of the great benefits of choosing a smaller accounting firm is the tailored accounting service packages. Big firms often have certain policies and practices that every client needs to follow, while smaller accounting firms are flexible in service rates and payment plans. Instead of choosing an entire accounting package closest to your needs, you can get an individually tailored range of services with small accounting firms. You do not need to spend extra cash on 'included services' that you don’t need. Smaller accounting firms take time and put effort into understanding each client's business and finances and offer them accounting services tailored to meet their requirements.
• Dedicated toward growing your business - Instead of moving from one department to another and meeting several representatives that might not even understand your business well, you should choose a smaller accounting firm that acts as a 'one-stop center'. You can also seek advice and discuss other aspects of your business when you select a smaller accounting firm.
• Accessibility - Larger accounting firms do not only employ a large number of staff but also have a higher volume of clients. This, in turn, makes it harder to reach your point of contact within that firm, especially during the tax season. Unlike large accounting firms, a small accounting firm in Winnipeg promptly addresses any pertinent questions or any business-related issues.
• Providing higher value - As we have already mentioned, smaller accounting firms offer a more personal experience while being more accessible. These two combined features of a smaller accounting firm with an exceptional work ethic can result in an overall higher value. While big accounting firms offer quality work, these two features are not easy to attain.

Every company has different accounting requirements, and fulfilling these requirements requires a different approach. Big firms have national or global networks and extensive portfolios, but they lack personal experience with their clients. But when it comes to selecting accounting firms for your business, bigger isn't always better. Choosing a small accounting firm offers you flexibility in terms of accounting services, accessibility, and a dedicated accountant who understands your business well and can advise you on various aspects of your business. So keep these points in your mind when you get confused about what to choose between a large or small accounting firm in Winnipeg.