Skilled accountants keep your books accurate, your taxes on time, and your financial decisions grounded in real numbers. Hiring one gives you back the hours you now spend reconciling transactions and lets you plan growth with clearer data. This guide walks you through what accountants do, what they cost, and how to hire the right one for your business.
What does an accountant do?
An accountant records, organizes, and interprets your financial information so you always know where your business stands. Some handle day-to-day recordkeeping, while others focus on strategy, compliance, or forecasting. Many freelance accountants specialize, so you can match the person to the exact work you need done.
- Recording transactions and reconciling accounts, often through bookkeeping that keeps your ledgers current and audit-ready.
- Preparing and filing business and personal tax returns while tracking deductions and deadlines.
- Producing monthly financial statements, including profit and loss, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
- Building budgets and forecasts through financial planning that guides your next hire, purchase, or expansion.
- Overseeing accounting operations and internal controls, work that senior financial controllers handle for growing companies.
How to hire an accountant on Upwork
Finding the right accountant comes down to writing a clear job post, conducting a careful review of financial credentials, and having a structured conversation about your books. These four steps help you move from posting the job to a signed contract while keeping the focus on accounting skills that matter to your business.
Step 1: Write a targeted job post
Spell out the accounting work you need and the qualifications that matter, so the right freelancers apply. Naming your software and compliance needs upfront filters out candidates who aren't a fit.
- List required software such as QuickBooks or Xero
- Note credentials like CPA and at least two years of experience
- Describe tasks such as tax compliance, reconciliation, and reporting
- Include screening questions tailored to your specific needs
- Start from an accounting job description and adjust it for your business
Describe your needs in a few sentences and the Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI, can draft a post for accountants. Review, customize, and post it in minutes. In 2025, the time from job post to first proposal received was just three hours. And 89% of first-time clients on Upwork completed a contract.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Review each applicant against the financial signals that predict accurate, reliable work. Look past a polished profile to the credentials and track record behind it.
- Confirm credentials such as CPA or CMA certification
- Check industry experience relevant to your business
- Verify proficiency with your accounting software
- Look for a track record of accuracy and on-time delivery
- Check for high Job Success Scores, talent badges, and positive feedback from past clients
Uma can conduct instant video interviews using your screening questions and provide candidate shortlists with side-by-side comparisons, so you can weigh your top applicants quickly.
Step 3: Interview your top choices
A short conversation can confirm whether a candidate understands your books and your industry. Focus your questions on real accounting scenarios rather than general experience.
- Ask about software they use daily and how they set it up
- Discuss their approach to tax preparation and compliance
- Walk through how they catch and correct reconciliation errors
- Pull from a list of accountant interview questions such as "Describe your experience with accounting software." and "Describe your experience with tax preparation and compliance."
You can schedule and conduct interviews within Upwork Messages, with a transcript and summary provided after each interview.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Before work starts, align on deliverables, timing, and other details. A clear scope helps keep the engagement on track and your financial data secure.
- Define deliverables such as monthly statements or a filed return
- Set milestones tied to reporting periods or deadlines
- Confirm the accounting software, chart of accounts, and financial records the accountant will use or maintain
- Establish a schedule for progress updates, financial reviews, and questions throughout the engagement
- Arrange secure access to your accounting software
Use messaging and the contract workroom to communicate and manage the project as it moves. Identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds add security for both sides throughout the life of the contract.
Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.
The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.