Short answer: When choosing an accountant in Ankara, first verify the professional's licence and chamber registration, then ask whether they have experience with your type and size of business. The scope of service and the fee should be set out in a written agreement, and document delivery, the contact channel and the filing calendar should be agreed from day one. The right accountant does not just file returns; they warn you in time.
Many certified public accountants work in Ankara. That abundance does not make the choice easier: if you do not know what to look for, it is tempting to decide on a single criterion such as price or distance. In this guide, we at Ankara Muhasebeci have gathered the questions we hear in almost every first meeting, along with concrete checkpoints businesses can use when deciding.
1. Authority: verify the licence and chamber registration
In Turkey, the accounting and financial advisory profession is regulated by Law No. 3568. The person who keeps your books and files your returns must hold a certified public accountant (SMMM) licence and be registered with their professional chamber. Professionals practising in Ankara are registered with the Ankara Chamber of Certified Public Accountants.
You can use the member search on the TÜRMOB website to check. A search by name and chamber shows whether the person is registered. The check takes a few minutes and should be the first step of your selection. If you are curious about the difference between an SMMM and a sworn financial advisor, see our guide what does a financial advisor do.
2. Clarify your needs: company type and volume
Being able to summarise your situation in a few sentences before the meeting makes the quote you receive far more accurate. Preparing the following is enough:
- Company type: sole proprietorship, limited company or joint stock company.
- Bookkeeping basis: balance sheet, business account or freelance income book?
- Monthly documents: the approximate number of invoices you issue and receive.
- Staff: number of employees and payroll needs.
- Special cases: marketplace sales, exports, VAT refunds or courier work.
For an e-commerce business, reconciling marketplace payouts matters most; for a motorcycle courier, platform payments and expense documents. An accountant experienced in these areas prevents mistakes from the start.
3. What to discuss in the first meeting
The first meeting is the best opportunity to understand how you will work together. The table below summarises useful topics and what to look for in the answers.
| Topic | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| How many clients in my sector do you serve? | Knowing sector rules reduces the risk of errors. | Concrete examples |
| How and when should I deliver documents? | Late delivery squeezes the filing calendar. | A clear deadline and channel |
| Will you inform me before returns are filed? | Knowing amounts in advance helps cash planning. | Regular sharing of tax assessments |
| Who will be my contact person? | Knowing who answers saves time. | A named person and channel |
| What is included and what costs extra? | Prevents surprise costs later. | A written list of the scope |
4. How are fees set?
Accounting fees depend on the bookkeeping basis, document volume, number of employees and additional services. The minimum fee tariff published each year by the professional chambers sets a floor; the actual amount depends on the scope of work. That is why knowing what you are paying for matters more than a single figure.
A sound quote lists monthly bookkeeping, tax returns, payroll, e-Ledger and year-end work separately. We explain each item in our guide what does an accounting service include.
5. Sign a written agreement
A written service agreement between the professional and the business makes each side's responsibilities clear. We recommend that it covers:
- The list of services and work outside the scope
- Monthly fee, payment date and how the fee is updated
- Deadline and method for delivering documents
- Confidentiality and protection of personal data
- Term of the agreement and termination conditions
A written agreement answers the question "was this included?" before it ever comes up.
6. Location: the advantage of a nearby office in Ankara
Most documents are now shared digitally, yet signatures, powers of attorney, trade registry or tax office matters can still require a face-to-face meeting. An office in a central area such as Kızılay or Çankaya is easy to reach from all districts of Ankara. Still, location should never outweigh authority and experience.
An accountant who works regularly with Ankara's tax offices, the Ankara Chamber of Commerce and the provincial social security directorate knows local practice and appointment procedures, which makes things more predictable. Ask which official procedures they will handle on your behalf.
7. Digital workflow
With e-Invoice, e-Archive and e-Ledger, accounting has become largely digital. Ask how your accountant works with these systems, which channel they use to collect documents and which reports they will send you regularly. Our article on the difference between e-Invoice and e-Archive covers the basics, and our monthly accounting document checklist helps you set up your document routine.
8. Common mistakes when choosing
- Looking only at price: a low quote with an unclear scope can lose its advantage as extras are added.
- Relying on a verbal agreement: if the scope is not written down, expectations easily drift apart.
- Not asking about sector experience: a marketplace seller, a courier and an exporter have very different needs.
- Not discussing communication: who answers, through which channel and how fast should be known from the start.
- Leaving document responsibility unclear: if nobody owns document collection, filing periods get squeezed.
9. What happens in the first month?
The first month after you agree is the best time to build a lasting routine. Your tax registration details, tax certificate, opening figures and bank accounts are usually reviewed first, followed by e-Invoice or e-Archive use, e-Ledger obligations and, if you have staff, social security records.
At this stage you should receive a monthly document calendar and the filing deadlines. Our monthly tax calendar shows the general dates. For new businesses, this process can be planned together with company formation.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether an accountant is licensed?
Use the member search on the TÜRMOB website with the person's name. The chamber details of a registered certified public accountant are shown there.
How are accounting fees determined?
Fees depend on company type, bookkeeping basis, monthly document and staff numbers and additional services. The chambers' minimum fee tariff sets the floor; the final amount is confirmed in a written quote.
Is a written agreement with my accountant required?
It is strongly recommended because it sets out the scope, the fee and each side's responsibilities, preventing misunderstandings and disputes from the start.
Does the accountant's office need to be close by?
Not necessarily, since most documents can be shared digitally. However, face-to-face meetings help with signatures, powers of attorney and official procedures, so a central office in Ankara is practical.
Can a foreign-owned business in Ankara work with a local accountant?
Yes. Foreign-owned companies keep their books under the same Turkish rules. An accountant who can communicate in English makes reporting and day-to-day questions much easier.
I am a courier or e-commerce seller. What should I look for?
Ask whether the accountant has experience with platform payments, marketplace payouts, returns and expense documents. These activities produce many documents, so a regular monthly routine is essential.
Conclusion
Verifying authority, clarifying your needs and putting the scope in writing are the foundations of a long and trouble-free working relationship. Price matters, but a quote that does not show what you are paying for can mean extra cost and lost time later. Take your time, meet more than one professional and ask each the same questions so you can compare quotes fairly. Once you decide, use the first month to set up a routine; it is the key to smooth months ahead.
At Ankara Muhasebeci, we handle accounting for companies, freelancers, e-commerce sellers and motorcycle couriers from our office in Kızılay. See our bookkeeping and accounting page for the scope of our service, or reach us through our contact page.
