Most accountants handle the basics: your corporate tax return, personal tax return, and GST filings. And honestly, that’s all many business owners expect. But if you’re an entrepreneur, you deserve more than just ticking boxes. Your accountant should be a trusted advisor who truly understands your business and helps you move forward.
So how do you know if your accountant is giving you the service you really need? Start by asking these five key questions.
Too many accountants zero in on tax deadlines and filings and miss the bigger picture.
Your business is unique, and your goals go beyond just numbers on a tax form. That’s why at True North Accounting, every client begins with a one-hour onboarding meeting. We want to hear about your business, your personal ambitions and your growth plans.
Accountants are conscientious fact finders — the more info we have on you and your situation, the more we can save you taxes and support your growth.
If your accountant can’t speak to your business goals beyond tax deadlines, it’s a sign they might not be invested in your growth.
Deadlines are a big deal. Missing a tax filing deadline can mean penalties. Missing a payment deadline will mean interest. Missing both can mean calls and letters from the CRA and unnecessary stress.
At True North Accounting, we make sure roles and responsibilities are clear from the start. Everyone knows what’s expected and when, so we can avoid surprises and costly mistakes.
And if we ever do miss a deadline? We take full responsibility. We cover any penalties or interest — no excuses, no blaming anyone else.
If your accountant won’t own up to mistakes or isn’t transparent about deadlines, consider it a red flag.
Nobody wants to get audited. It’s stressful, confusing, and can feel overwhelming. On top of this, most accounting firms charge extra if the CRA audits your business.
At True North Accounting, we stand behind our work. If you get audited, we’ll guide you through the entire process (no surprise fees or extra headaches). We also prepare for audits as best we can while doing the work — it's why we’re adamant about getting supporting documents!
You’re not alone when audits happen. We have your back.
Running a business moves fast. When you have questions, waiting days for answers can slow you down.
That’s why we aim to respond to client questions within a day. Quick communication helps you make decisions with confidence and keeps your business moving forward.
Many entrepreneurs work with solo accountants, and that can work well — at least for a while. But what happens when your accountant is on vacation, sick or swamped with other clients?
At True North Accounting, we’ve built a team of specialists to make sure you always have support when you need it. Whether it’s payroll, tax planning or audit assistance — someone’s here to help.
Having a team means no gaps in service, especially when your business grows and your needs get more complex.
If your accountant can’t answer these five questions clearly, it might be time to find someone who can.
At True North Accounting, we’re built to serve entrepreneurs — and we’d love to help you grow your business. Got questions? Set up a free meeting with us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Read more about Starting a Business topics that may be helpful to you and your small business.