Complete Guide: How to Find and Choose the Right Accountant

Finding a good accountant can be the difference between a healthy business and a constant tax headache. If you're looking for an accountant or accounting firm in Portugal, this guide was created for you. We explain everything you need to know - from the right time to hire, to what you should demand before signing any contract.

What is a Certified Accountant and why is it important?

A certified accountant is a professional registered with the Order of Certified Accountants (OCC), the body that regulates and supervises the profession in Portugal. Only these professionals are legally qualified to sign tax returns and ensure your company or activity complies with all obligations.

Hiring a non-certified accountant can put you at risk of fines, tax irregularities and legal problems.

What are the functions of an accountant?

Many people associate accountants only with filing IRS or IRC - but their work goes far beyond that. A certified accountant can help with:

Tax returns: IRS, IRC, VAT, activity declarations

Payroll processing: payslips, holiday management, subsidies and Social Security contributions

Company formation: support in choosing the most suitable legal and tax regime

Tax planning: identification of deductions and tax benefits

Annual accounts and year-end closing

Financing support and incentive applications

Compliance with monthly, quarterly and annual accounting obligations

Responding to notifications and Tax Authority inspections

When is the right time to hire an accountant?

The answer is: the sooner, the better.

If you're self-employed:

When opening your activity and unsure about the best regime

When your invoicing volume starts growing

When you struggle to understand how much to set aside for taxes

When you receive a Tax Authority notification

If you have or are opening a company:

Before forming the company - an accountant can help choose the right type of company and tax regime from the start

When invoicing grows and financial management becomes complex

When you need to hire employees and manage salaries

When you want to access financing or incentives

For individuals:

When you have income from multiple sources

When you want to ensure you're using all available IRS deductions

When you've received an inheritance, sold a property, or have a complex tax situation

Use our IRS simulator to get an idea of your deductions' impact.

Individual accountant or accounting firm?

Both options are valid - the choice depends on your specific needs.

Individual accountant

Can be a good option for smaller businesses or self-employed workers seeking a closer, more personalised relationship.

Accounting firm

Offers a multidisciplinary team with specialists in different areas - tax, payroll, financial and management. A clear advantage for growing companies needing fast responses and comprehensive service.

What to check before hiring an accountant?

Are they registered with the OCC? Check on the OCC website for active registration.

Do they have experience in my sector? Sector experience means better knowledge of specific tax rules.

What services are included? Understand exactly what's covered and what may cost extra.

How is communication handled? Easy access by email, phone or meetings is essential.

What accounting software do they use? Modern, secure tools facilitate document sharing.

How is my data handled? Confirm GDPR compliance.

Documents you typically need to provide

Purchase and sales invoices

Bank statements

Expense receipts

Employment contracts and employee data

Company formation documents

Correspondence with the Tax Authority or Social Security

Frequently asked questions

Am I required to have organised accounting for my company? Yes. All commercial companies must have organised accounting signed by a certified accountant.

What if I'm self-employed under the simplified regime? It's not mandatory but highly recommended - especially as your activity grows.

Can I change accountant at any time? Yes. You have the right to change whenever you wish. The previous professional must hand over all documentation.

What happens if I don't comply with tax obligations? Non-compliance can result in fines, late interest, and in serious cases, criminal tax proceedings.

How can Grupo Your help?

At Grupo Your, we have a team of certified accountants with experience across various business areas. We offer complete accounting, payroll and tax advisory services - adapted to each client's real needs.

Our goal is simple: let you focus on your business while we take care of everything else.

Contact us today and discover how we can help.

Grupo Your - Accounting, Management and Advisory at your service.

30 Mar 2026

Beverage Packaging Deposit System: How It Works in Portugal

From April 10, 2025, Portugal launches a deposit system for beverage packaging. Learn how to recover €0.10 per returned container.

Read article

30 Mar 2026

Fixed-Term vs Permanent Employment Contracts: Differences, Rights and When to Use Each (2026)

Hiring and unsure which contract to use? We explain the differences between fixed-term, uncertain-term and permanent contracts — with comparison tables, deadlines and practical examples for 2026.

Read article

30 Mar 2026

Can a Managing Partner Not Receive a Salary? Everything You Need to Know in 2026

Are you a partner or manager wondering if you can choose not to receive a salary? We explain the tax implications, Social Security and alternatives.

Read article