Start with the engagement type
Personal tax, a corporation with clean books, a corporation needing cleanup, an estate and an advisory project are different jobs. State the entity type, years involved, bookkeeping platform and deadlines so the firm can tell you whether the work fits.
Verify credentials when they matter
Not every accounting service requires the same designation or authorization. If you need a CPA, assurance work or another regulated service, use the appropriate current professional directory to verify status rather than relying on marketing language.
Compare workflow and fees
Ask what documents are required, how they are transferred securely, who prepares and reviews the file, what is included in the quoted fee and how extra bookkeeping or advisory work is billed. Clarify expected turnaround and how questions are handled after filing.
Protect tax and identity information
A local directory is for discovery, not document exchange. Do not send social-insurance numbers, tax account credentials, banking details or source documents through an ordinary listing or contact form. Move sensitive records only through the process specified by the professional you retain.