Choosing the right accountant for your Irish SME in 2026

A good accountant for your business is someone you can trust to be on your side; they will find you solutions, add value while ensuring compliance, and put you in firm control of your finances and your future.

But how do you find your ideal accountant – and what should you be aware of when you are looking?

Check their expertise – and choose a qualified accountant 

Many people do not realise that anyone in Ireland can legally call themselves an “accountant” and set themselves up to practice. This lack of protected title means the burden of checking qualifications and commitment falls entirely to you, the business owner.

Making the wrong choice is not just an inconvenience; it can be a significant financial risk. Unqualified practitioners have no regulatory oversight, may have outdated knowledge and, crucially, are not required to hold Professional Indemnity Insurance.

So if something goes wrong, you and your business have little recourse.

A reliable accountant will be a member of a recognised professional body. These bodies enforce rigorous initial education, ongoing ethical conduct, and mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure their members are always up-to-date with the latest tax and legislative changes.

Qualified accountants have trained regularly in order to maintain their qualifications and their institute will insist on them having professional indemnity.

There are four main accountancy bodies in Ireland:

• Chartered Accountants Ireland (ACA, FCA, CTA)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA, FCCA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA, FCMA)
• Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA)

Accountants and accountancy practices may hold several of these, as well other qualifications. You can check by using the member-search function of the relevant body or look up accountancy bodies and oversight organisations at the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA).

If in doubt the advice when choosing an accountancy practice in Ireland is check they are a registered Chartered Accountant.

These individuals or firms are members of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Ireland’s biggest professional accountancy body, and supervised to uphold the highest possible standard for accountancy. Using one ensures you get someone who is qualified, committed and – very importantly – accountable. Chartered Accountants are bound by a code of ethics and professional standards and required to have professional indemnity insurance in place.

You can search for a Chartered Accountant near you, or verify if someone is a registered member of Chartered Accountants Ireland, through their online directory.

An accountant nearby – or the best fit you can find? 

In the past, you worked with someone near you. Businesses in Dublin chose accounting providers in Dublin, Cork clients wanted someone in their home city.

These days most accounting is carried out on computerised systems using cloud-based software. So, in theory, you can work with any accountant in Ireland, based on your preferences and their expertise.

These secure cloud systems and technologies, and the availability of virtual meeting spaces, means you can have a strong relationship with your accountant without ever meeting face-to-face. For example, our main office is in Cork but we provide accountancy services to Irish SMEs and individuals in Cork, Munster, Dublin and all across the country – anywhere in Ireland we are needed.

• Does having a local service really matter to you? Or are you happy to work with someone further away? Your choice on this will either widen or tighten your pool of options considerably.
• Additionally, consider if your Irish accountant needs overseas expertise and networks. International taxation and compliance is complex. If you are thinking of growing outside the Irish market, ask if your accountant already has and can handle international clients. Accountancy firms with international expertise should bring a network of professional contacts and service providers to the table.

Services and expertise 

What services do you need? Some will provide only basic bookkeeping while others will become a trusted advisory resource, providing insight and advice across all your finances.

Services could include: accounting, audit, business start-up advice, outsourced payroll & bookkeeping, company secretarial, tax compliance & planning, wealth management, retirement and pensions, corporate advisory solutions and succession advice.

1. It’s always a good idea to look for an accountant who will be proactive about saving you money, so how involved you would like them to be in your finances? Can they provide this level of collaboration with your business?
2. What services will give you with the most value and does your accountant have expertise in that area? Are they equipped with the experience to help you grow or are they learning as they go?

Some accountants may not be able to offer advisory services in your area, or have the specialists on hand for your specific needs. What are your needs – and your wants?

How to change accountants in Ireland – and what to expect

Don’t stay with a service you’re not happy with. Switching accountants doesn’t need to be a long or complicated process; your new accountant should guide you on how to make it as easy as possible.

At Paul O’Donovan and Associates, for example, we offer new clients a free initial consultation to discuss your needs. We liaise with your outgoing Accountant to provide a smooth handover  and assign one of our staff as your main point of contact to tailor solutions to your needs. 

A good ongoing relationship with an accountant won’t just ensure you are tax-efficient and Revenue compliant, it will keep you updated with the information you need for strong decisions. Choosing the right accountant for you or your business can take time but it’s worth investing in.

Ensure they are someone you can trust with your finances and who will work with you to build a better future.