Selecting the Right CPA for You
Finding the right
CPA for you may not be easy, but having a clear idea of what you want from
the person will go a long way in making the selection process successful.
- Some CPA's deal with large
businesses, some with only individuals.
Make sure that the
accounting firm you are engaging is familiar with small business concerns
and has some familiarity with your industry. If the firm is only a tax
preparation service, then find out if it can fill your other business
consulting needs.
- Ask your business
acquaintances who they use for their accounting needs.
Ask specifically
how their accountants help them run their businesses more efficiently and
more profitably.
- Ask who in the firm will be
handling your account.
You could sign up
thinking you were getting the big guy only later to find out that your
account has been pawned off to a staff assistant.
The accountant you
select should be able to tell you how much he charges for services. You may
be conformable with an annual fee. If so, ask him to give you a quote on
that (and be sure you understand what the fee includes and what it does not
include).
- Enlist the services of the
individual you feel most conformable with.
Sit down and talk
with the individual who will be doing your work. Can you and he or
she communicate? It all comes down to communication. Consider
this simple proposition: even the most brilliant strategy devised by high
priced consultants is worthless unless you can understand it and put it
into practice.
If you
have any other suggestions on how to select a CPA, please drop me a line.
I would love to add your suggestions to the list. E-mail me at
jmurphy@jkmcpa.com
After you
have chosen your CPA, you might want to know how to maximize the value of
his or her services to you. Check out my ideas on how to get more value from your CPA.
