Should your accountant be in the same age group as you?

There are factors to consider when hiring an accountant and age is one of them. It can be easy to make assumptions about an accountant based on their age. For example, you may expect an older accountant to have more experience in the field, while a younger one may be more modern and may have better communication skills

While there are benefits and downsides to hiring either an older or younger CPA, no one age group is better suited for the task. That being said, consider the age of your accountant and how it impacts their practice. The general age range for accountants starts around 22, with the average age being 43. But how do you decide whether an older or younger accountant is right for you? Let’s take a look at some factors to consider

What you need

Should your accountant be in the same age group as you? You may feel more comfortable working with a similarly aged person because they understand the social and financial climate you’ve grown up in. However, that doesn’t mean their style of accounting will match your needs. For example, if you are looking to work with a larger CPA firm, you may end up with a young accountant compared to a small firm. In addition, a large firm may also have a team that allows you to collaborate with people of a variety of ages, unlike a firm with more limited resources.

Technology preferences and what generation your CPA comes from will influence your decision. Does the accounting firm offer your preferred communication methods?

Ultimately, the most important thing to look for is the proper level of efficiency and experience. Still, having an accountant who you relate to and understand can make a significant difference. 

What we have

The age of your accountant isn’t the only factor to consider. If you’re looking for a new accountant, GYL CPA has a team built on diverse identities and perspectives, with shared ethics and goals. Their team, tech and approach are built around you. Whether you need a CPA as an individual or a California CPA for business, the experts at GYL think “outside the box”.