Choosing the Right CPA
How do you know that you are choosing the right CPA? A good CPA (certified public accountant) is key to helping you maximize your income while creating an efficient wealth management strategy. A CPA can help you with large purchases, planning for retirement, tax strategy, and day-to-day financial operations. In fact, your CPA can even act as a general accountant or as a fractional CFO. Learn more during a free 30-minute consultation or read more about CPA services here.
Choose a CPA with Experience
When choosing the right CPA, look for someone with a great deal of knowledge and industry expertise. Find a certified public account that has at least 20 years of experience, as well as a background in working with both individuals and organizations. The best CPAs work with trusts, partnerships, individuals, and corporations. For example, a CPA like Candice Gerlach offers insights as a Certified Fraud Examiner and as a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She has also worked with a wide range of clients on tax compliance, business accounting regulations, and audits.
Ask the Right Questions
As the customer, you have an opportunity to ask your CPA about their experience and areas of expertise. You’ll want to learn more about their past work, as well as what types of services they can provide you. Here are a list of questions to ask when choosing the right CPA:
- How long have you been working as a CPA and what is your area of focus?
- Can you provide past clients or organizations as references?
- What is your level of knowledge on tax compliance?
- Do you provide audit or financial compliance services?
- Do you offer updates on the latest tax laws?
- Don’t hesitate to ask for referrals or client testimonials, and make sure to book a complimentary consultation before signing up for any paid services.
Choose a Full-Service CPA
Choosing a full-service CPA firm is a great way to support your current and long-term financial needs. By working with a full-service certified public accountant, you’ll have access to a wide range of tools as your accounting needs change over time. An independent CPA will provide customizable accounting services to meet your current and future objectives, including:
- General Accounting
- Financial Income Statements
- Tax Planning
- CFO Services (part-time, interim, and fractional CFO)
- Trust & Estate Planning
- Audits, Reviews, and Financial Compilations
- Forensic Accounting, Legal Testimony & Depositions
By choosing a CPA that offers all of the above, you’ll have a centralized financial strategy that supports you in all stages of business and life.
Utilize the Right CPA for Tax Strategy
Did you know that most CPAs aren’t qualified to provide tax planning services because they have limited knowledge of the tax code? Choosing the right CPA gives you access to strategic support that’s based on in-depth knowledge of state and federal tax codes.Ask your CPA about their experience with:
- Assessing your current and future tax strategy opportunities
- The latest changes to federal and state tax codes and how you could benefit
- Preparation of audits, financial reviews, and compilations
- Tax planning expertise for trusts and estates
- Tax benefits for employing a spouse
- Legal expertise in the accounting and tax law
Read more about tax strategy on our blog, or download our tax planner tool.