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are professionals who, by training and certification, are qualified to audit a company's financial statements. These audits can help attract some (but certainly not all) investors and are essential for going public. CPAs can be sole practitioners or members of a larger firm. Companies that do not have an accountant who is experienced in working with emerging growth companies should consult with an outside accountant to establish a company accounting system that is appropriate to their business. Even a company with a good accountant can usually benefit from the counsel of an accounting firm that has experience with growing companies. Such firms can help management decide what types of books and records the company should keep and what types of regular reports management should receive to help it manage its business and attract investment. These firms can also help management design a bookkeeping system that anticipates rapid growth and provides mechanisms to make it easier to manage the problems such growth inevitably brings. Many accounting firms also help companies prepare projections and draft business plans. Many have valuable contacts in the business community and can provide introductions to potential investors. Some even assist start-up companies on a reduced-fee or delayed-billing basis. A relationship with a good accounting firm can also provide a reference for venture capitalists to consult. See: Audits, Reports and Records.
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