Updated October 21, 2026
How people usually find an accountant
Many people start with recommendations from friends, colleagues or other businesses in the same sector. Referrals are useful because they tell you how the accountant handles deadlines and communication for businesses like yours. Online searches and specialised marketplaces are also common. Local business associations, co-working spaces and Facebook groups for entrepreneurs can point you to accountants who work with small companies and sole traders.
Public registers and directories are another route. Some profiles are generated from public business registers and show the registered trade and town of sole traders. These can be a starting point but require further checks.
- Ask peers in the same industry for names and what they like or dislike
- Search marketplaces and local directories, then shortlist a few
- Check public-business-register-based profiles and verify details
What to check before you agree
Before agreeing to work with an accountant, verify identification and business status. In Croatia most businesses and sole traders have an OIB (personal identification number) and interact with the tax authority Porezna uprava. Ask for the provider's business registration details so you can confirm they are registered and authorised to provide accounting services.
Also check experience with your type of business, software they use, typical turnaround times for monthly and annual reports, and whether they handle communication with tax authorities on your behalf. Request a written engagement letter that states the scope of work, fees, responsibilities and how records will be stored and returned.
- Confirm business registration and OIB or company ID
- Ask for examples of similar clients or industries
- Get a written engagement letter before starting work
Questions to ask in the first meeting
A short checklist helps keep the first meeting focused. Ask which services are included in the monthly fee and which are extra. Clarify who will do the day-to-day bookkeeping and who you will speak with for queries. Confirm deadlines for VAT, payroll and annual statements relevant to your business and how the accountant notifies you about them. Ask about data access and backups, and whether they can work with your chosen invoicing or accounting software.
Also ask about language and availability. Many providers work primarily in Croatian; if you need correspondence in English or another language, check this before you start.
- Which tasks are included and which cost extra
- Who is the main contact and how fast they respond
- Which software they use and whether they share cloud access
- Language of service and availability for questions
Specifics to check in Croatia
There are a few local checks that matter in Croatia. Confirm the accountant handles filings and communication with Porezna uprava if you expect them to submit tax returns or VAT forms for you. Ask whether they will register or advise on VAT registration - and request confirmation of any submissions made on your behalf. Keep copies of any forms and confirmations sent to authorities.
Seasonality can affect workload. Year-end reporting and key filing deadlines create busy periods for accountants. During those times they may be less available, so ask how they manage peak periods and whether they offer guaranteed turnaround dates for urgent queries.
- Confirm who submits forms to Porezna uprava and how you receive confirmations
- Ask about handling of VAT matters and registration assistance
- Check availability around typical filing deadlines
How quotes and payments are normally handled
Quotes often come as monthly retainers for ongoing bookkeeping and payroll, or as fixed fees for specific tasks such as annual accounts or tax filings. Some accountants also charge hourly rates for consulting or one-off projects. Ask for a clear breakdown of what the quote covers, how often it will be billed and whether there are extra charges for additional services.
Payment methods vary. Bank transfer is common; many accountants accept regular standing orders for monthly fees. On marketplaces and profile platforms that support card payments, payments can be taken by card and paid out to the provider's own bank account through Stripe. Always check the payment schedule in the engagement letter and whether any deposits are required.
- Request a fee breakdown and billing frequency
- Confirm accepted payment methods and where funds are sent
- Agree on notice periods for changing or terminating services
How a Websta profile helps you compare providers
Websta profiles look like small websites and can show services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking if the provider has added them. The marketplace lets people nearby find providers by service and place and post tasks for providers to make offers on. Use profiles to compare service lists, the clarity of descriptions, available booking slots and contact responsiveness.
Some profiles in the catalogue were built from public business registers and show the registered trade and town of a sole trader. Those pages include a notice that the person can claim or remove the page. Profiles that offer online booking or task offers give you a structured way to request quotes from several providers and compare written offers before you decide.
- Compare service lists and what is included in each offer
- Use booking and contact forms to judge response time
- Check whether a profile is claimed and whether registration details are shown
Red flags and final checks
Warning signs include vague answers about who will do the work, refusal to provide registration details, lack of a written engagement letter, or inconsistent fee breakdowns. Slow or unclear communication at the start is likely to continue. If the accountant will represent you to tax authorities, ensure they can provide copies of submissions and confirmations.
Finally, keep an organised file of all documents you give to your accountant and ask for regular backups or cloud access. If you later change accountants, a clear record of what was delivered and which periods were completed will smooth the transition.
- No written engagement letter or refusal to provide registration info
- Unclear allocation of responsibilities or missing deadlines
- Difficulty obtaining copies of filings or records
Frequently asked questions
- How do I check if an accountant is registered in Croatia?
- Ask for their business registration details and OIB or company ID. Use those details to verify the provider in public registers and confirm whether they represent clients before Porezna uprava.
- What documents should I bring to the first meeting?
- Bring a sample of your invoices, bank statements, payroll records if any, and any prior tax filings. These let the accountant assess your current status and give a more accurate quote.
- Can an accountant handle VAT registration and filings?
- Many accountants assist with VAT matters and filings. Confirm whether they will submit forms to Porezna uprava on your behalf and ask for copies of any confirmations or receipts.
- How easy is it to switch accountants during the year?
- Switching is possible, but it goes more smoothly if you have a clear engagement letter and organised records. Ask both the outgoing and incoming accountants about the transfer of files and any outstanding filings before you set a date.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.
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