What do you look for in chosing an accountant?

Back in September I was privileged to hear Hamish Taylor speak at the Annual UK MindShop conference which this year was held in London.  But this blog is to ask you something about a comment that was made at the end of his presentation.

Hamish has a CV that the Times said "takes some beating". He has been Head of Brand Management at British Airways, CEO of Eurostar and of Sainsbury's Bank and told an interesting story of how when working for Proctor and Gamble he went to peoples homes to see how they used their products.  Clearly as an Accountant we cannot go to see how people use their accounts but we can ask them what are they looking for from an Accountant. 

And it was this question, the final question of an excellent presentation that was asked of Hamish.  What do you look for from your accountant?

His answer was firm and unequivocal.  

1. He expects that all of the worries about filing deadlines and compliance with tax and accounting laws are taken away and dealt with. 
2. He expects to pay the minimum amount of tax legally and simply, no fancy schemes but make sure he has claimed all that he should.  
3. He expects the accountant should help him grow the business.

There was then a supplementary final question.  Does your accountant do all that.  The answer was that they were very good at items 1 and 2 but not at item 3.

I think that will not be an uncommon answer from people but at Crowther Beard along with other MindShop trained firms we assist our clients with all three. 

Do you agree with Hamish's view of what you should expect from an accountant and if so do you get it from your accountant?