As part of my preparation for contracting I have found an accountant on recommendation from a friend (who is contracting).

Now as I am totally new to this, is there anything I need to look for in an accountant apart from a big smile and friendly demeanor?

Obviously the aim is to pay as little tax as possible (legally) but do I leave this up to the accountant to figure out, or should I be calling the shots in terms of how much i want paid and all that stuff?

Sorry if I'm pitching up high level, but I am still finding my feet. And I don't really know what to look out for...

KL