Tips for Finding a CPA Firm that Works for You

a small business owner using her tablet to look up a potential cpa firmIt’s tax season, and that means it is crunch time for nearly every individual, non-profit, small business, and massive corporation. It’s crunch time for everyone! And while you have the option of staying up late night after night – crunching numbers tirelessly while you crunch on your third bowl of cereal in an attempt to stay focused. You also have the option of seeking professional assistance. Given how complex and discouraging taxes can be, it’s important to focus on why you should consider a certified public accountant or a CPA firm. Whether you’re an individual or an entity, Clifford, Ross, Raudenbush & Cooper, LLC is ready to help.

Finding a CPA Firm That Works for You

Choosing a tax accountant can be tough, but doing your taxes is tougher. Luckily, we rounded up a few simple questions that you can ask yourself as you begin considering various CPA firms.

  1. Is my CPA experienced? This is the most important question you can possibly ask. The CPA firm you hire should have experience that in the specific area with which you need assistance. Whether you are an individual or a small business owner, you may find that some CPA’s have experience that better suits your needs than others. Also, bear in mind that not all accountants are CPAs. Working with a general accountant is fine, but it is important to know the difference between a certified public accountant and a general accountant.
  2. What will this cost me? This may seem like an obvious question to ask, but some people forget to ask it until far into the process. Many CPAs charge by the hour, but some charge by project or maintain other payment structures. If your accountant charges hourly, you will want to be well organized with your statements and preparation. That way, your accountant will not need to spend as much time sifting through piles of paperwork to search for information.
  3. Am I comfortable with this accountant? The tax code is incredibly confusing, and it is likely that you will have several questions as you work through taxes with your CPA. Accordingly, you want to make sure that you feel comfortable working with your accountant and asking questions of all manners. He or she should make you feel competent, capable, and safe to ask any questions that come to your mind (be they silly or not).

Choose Your CPA Wisely!

To wrap up, here’s a fun fact for the books! Before starting to act, many celebrities studied accounting, including Bob Newhart, Kenny G., and Janet Jackson. Basically, if you choose your CPA wisely, you may wind up working with a future celebrity. The team at Clifford, Ross, Raudenbush & Cooper, LLC may not be celebrities (yet), but we are equipped to help you with all of you bookkeeping, auditing, and accounting needs. With this in mind, contact us today! You’ve found a CPA firm that works for you!