Is it reasonable to ask all this of a small engagement?

Yes. These take twenty minutes and the engagement will run for years.

What if they seem offended?

That is information. A professional expects due diligence from a client who is about to hand over their financial records.

Should I ask for references?

Ask for one client in a similar business, and ask them a single question: what happened the first time something went wrong?

How many accountants should I speak to?

Two or three. More than that and you are spending more time choosing than the first year of fees is worth.

What if I don't understand the answers?

Say so, and ask them to explain again. How someone handles that request is itself one of the more useful answers on this page — you will be asking them to explain things for as long as you work together.

Can I switch later if it isn't working?

Yes, and question 8 is what makes that switch survivable. Time it for after a filing rather than during one.

8 Questions to Ask an Accountant Before You Sign Anything

Eight questions that separate a good accountant from an expensive one in Lebanon — with what a strong answer sounds like, and what should make you keep looking.