HAMCO
Serving America Since 1989

The Small Business & HAMCO

The independent accountant in public practice is one who is skilled in the knowledge, science and practice of accounting. He or she is a business accountant in that professional services are offered to a variety of clients in the business world on a fee basis. Services are performed for the sole proprietorship, partnership and corporation, thereby distinguishing the independent business accountant from the accountant who works full time for one employer.

Significantly, he or she is independent. The term independent is used to mean the absence of self-interest or bias in forming judgments. The independent business accountant can thus bring to the client complete objectivity and integrity in performing professional services.

Generally, it is not necessary for the typical, small or medium-sized businessman or woman to engage an accountant who usually handles Securities and Exchange Commission matters or very large corporate clients. The practitioner who specializes in small and medium-sized business affairs can better relate to this client's particular needs.

In selecting an independent business accountant in public practice, the emphasis should be on independence, ability and integrity. These qualities are not identified with a particular title nor with initials after the accountants name, since competence, skill and knowledge are unique to everyone.

Services provided by HAMCO

• Bookkeeping
• Federal, State and Local Taxes
• Social Security
• Budgets
• Payroll Services
• Loan Packages
• Health Plans
• Accounts Receivable
• Accounts Payable
• Job Costing
• Inventory
• Business Plan
• Estate Plannning
• Corporate Filing & New Corporation Set Up
• Annual W-2's and 1099's Service
• Peer Group Comparisons

Characteristics of the independent business accountant.

• Comparative judgment.
• Objectivity and availability.
• Adherence to code of professional conduct.
• Up-to-date and current education.
• Confidentiality.

What do independent business accountants charge?

In the initial conference have a frank and complete discussion of the nature of the services to be performed and the fees to be charged.

Some of the major factors considered in setting fees are:

• Time involved;
• Experience and skill;
• Duration and nature of the engagement;
• Any unusual or especially difficult situations;
• Prevailing costs of conducting an accounting practice in the community.

The accounting profession does not set fixed or minimum fees.

Memberships

• National Society of Accountants
• Georgia Assosiation of Public Accountants
• American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
• National Society of Tax Professionals

By employing the services of an independent business accountant, the small and medium-sized businessman or woman can be assured of competence, integrity and independence of thought, which in the long run will reap rewarding returns for his of her business and personal affairs.