It’s easy to get swept up into thinking you can do everything yourself, especially when all it takes is a simple internet search to find an endless stream of advice. But when it comes to managing your finances, there are particular instances in which professional advice is definitely worth the investment. Having a chartered professional accountant on your side can yield invaluable benefits, and potentially lead to substantial financial savings.
At MMT Chartered Professional Accountants, we provide businesses and individuals with a wide range of financial and tax services. With offices in Vancouver and Calgary, our team offers expertise across a variety of industries, including tailored advice for real estate agents, medical professionals, lawyers, and more. No matter your financial situation, we’re experts in reducing your tax burden and preserving your wealth.
If you’re not already working with an accountant, we strongly recommend you consider the expertise of a professional, particularly if you find yourself in one of the following five situations:
1. Starting a business
Launching your own business can be both exciting and overwhelming. Seeking financial counsel is a strategic move that lays a solid foundation for success. Our accountants can help you to establish proper protocols and guidelines to ensure accurate financial monitoring. This way, you’ll be able to track your balances and deficits as you grow, and ensure that you’re in compliance with industry standards.
Professional accountants also offer more than mere financial record-keeping. Our proficiency in mathematics, data management, business acumen, and analytical thinking makes us ideally positioned to provide new business owners with comprehensive financial insights. Our personalized support will ensure you’re positioned for success, with adequate financial reserves, a well-structured payroll, the implementation of cost-savings strategies, and the identification of appropriate tax incentives. It’s more than just finances—it’s strategic business advice.
Outsourcing bookkeeping also saves time, enabling you to focus on your own areas of expertise. A proficient financial consultant can expedite the completion of your financial tasks with a higher level of accuracy, making the expense a valuable way to reduce your overall costs.
2. Opening a medical practice
Medical professionals establishing private practices face unique financial complexities. Balancing medical school debt with the costs of setting up a new clinic calls for a specialized approach. An experienced accountant can help you explore tax credits and deductions, and optimize your financial strategies.
How you structure your practice also matters. When it comes time to decide whether you’ll incorporate, enter a partnership, or operate as a sole practitioner, expert advice can help you to better differentiate your options. Maximize your earnings by understanding the tax advantages and investment opportunities associated with each of these structures. Get advice on whether it’s most advantageous to pay yourself a salary, dividends, or a combination of both.
3. Navigating complicated tax strategies
While tax software is widely available, it’s typically calibrated for straightforward situations. Intricate financial situations demand tailored expertise. Our accountants use advanced software, minimizing errors and deftly handling tax intricacies. Collaborating with an accountant also allows you to cultivate a long-term partnership, yielding cost-effective insights and recommendations over the years.
For complex financial portfolios, diversified income streams, substantial investments, interest income tax, or international interests, entrusting seasoned professionals can significantly enhance your fiscal management. Accountants have the proficiency to expedite tax preparation, allowing you to maximize expertise-driven income in no time.
4. Undergoing an audit
Facing a financial audit can be unsettling. Make it less scary by connecting with an accountant who can ensure a smooth audit process. Auditors meticulously examine your books and records. A chartered professional accountant can assist you in compiling the requested information, recalculate your expenses if you’ve made an honest error, and negotiate with the auditor on your behalf.
Accountants specializing in audit representation also safeguard your rights by holding auditors accountable to the rules and limited scope of the audit. While audits may seem unpleasant, being honest and complying with all aspects of the audit is essential, and an experienced accountant can help you navigate this process while ensuring that your rights are protected.
5. Creating a retirement plan
Dreaming of retirement? Seeking counsel on financial planning and investments is prudent, and it’s never too early to start. Accountants can help you create strategies to maximize your investments while minimizing tax liabilities, bringing your retirement goals within reach. Even minor changes, like automated contributions, can reap significant rewards.
Relying solely on government assistance for retirement isn’t usually sufficient. By collaborating with an accountant who’s skilled in wealth enhancement, you can create strategies that will help you achieve your retirement aspirations effectively. The advice of an accountant may well pay for itself long before you actually say goodbye to your office.
Embracing the guidance of experts
While there’s a definite trend towards DIY these days, your finances aren’t a good place to gamble with your novice efforts. Furthermore, complex financial situations need expert intervention in order to protect your future financial security.
If you’re ready to amplify your wealth-building strategies or are facing a new financial situation, reach out to MMT Chartered Professional Accountants. Our team of seasoned accountants can ensure your optimal financial health, with professional expertise that’s tailored to your specific situation and goals.
