Whether you’re an individual or a Los Angeles business, wading through the hundreds of CPA firms in the area can get overwhelming. Not all CPAs have the same level of experience, expertise in the same areas, and even a location that is convenient for you. Here are some tips you can use when wading through CPA attorneys, firms, and bookkeepers in the greater Los Angeles area.
Choosing a Los Angeles CPA for Your Business
Choosing a CPA for Los Angeles area businesses requires some careful digging. CpaLA.com is a good place to start for recommended CPA firms and bookkeepers in your area. You will find a full list of local CPAs who are divided by specialty, including some who have experience in business management and business planning.
Once you have found a few firms that are near you, you need to determine which is the best fit for your needs. One way to know that a CPA firm is good for a business is to find one that has at least 60 percent of its clientele coming from businesses, and if possible, businesses of a similar size and structure as yours. This will ensure that the CPA is familiar with the unique needs a business like yours faces. As you know, the needs of an LLC are going to be a lot different than the needs of a corporation, and you need a CPA and/or attorney who has the right skills.
You also need to interview the CPAs you are considering. You’re going to be working closely with them on a professional basis, and you want to know that you’re going to feel comfortable with their services. Find out how long they have been in business, and get references. Call those references, confirming that the firm works well with businesses like yours. You can also be very upfront and ask the CPA what you will benefit by choosing their firm over others available to you.
When you inquire about rates, find out not only what the rates are, but also what is included in this rate. This will allow you to better compare the different CPAs you interview.
Bookkeeping is essential to a successful business. Find out what system the CPA firms use and why they prefer that system. If you find that they use the program you are already using, you are going to be in much better shape, because you can simply transfer your existing information to their system.
Finally, learn the hours the CPA operates. You may not be available to call or have interviews during traditional business hours because of your own commitments, so make sure the firm’s hours work for you.
If you’ve followed these steps with at least three CPA firms, you should be well on the way to finding the best CPA for your Los Angeles business. With cpaLA.com, you will have a head start by being able to search for accountants who specialize in business dealings.
Finding a CPA for an Individual
Businesses are not the only ones who need a CPA in Los Angeles. Many individuals can benefit from an accountant or bookkeeper, especially when dealing with investments or complex tax returns. CpaLA.com provides just as many resources for individuals as it does for businesses.
CpaLA.com separates their extensive database into different categories. Some that might apply to individuals include financial planning, financial management, tax consultants, and estate planning. They also have many CPA attorneys to help with the legal aspect of finances. Many of their CPAs provide notary services as well.
When you’re filtering Los Angeles Accountants for a personal fit, you will follow much of the same procedure that a business would follow. Narrow down your list based on areas of expertise and interest, finding CPA firms that match your needs as an individual. Then, take the time to interview each one.
Your questions may not be as detailed as the questions asked by a successful (or start-up) business owner, but you need to ask questions to ensure you will be happy with the service you receive. Ask to see the individual’s license to ensure they are licensed to practice in California. Find out the number of years of experience the CPA has and how long the firm has been in business. If the CPA is new, are there other CPAs in the firm who can help? Does the firm have a lawyer on staff to deal with any legal issues that arise?
Finally, take a look at the fees, but do not just compare fees without doing a little research first. Remember, one accountant may offer more comprehensive services than another, and you need to know that you are comparing apples to apples.
As you begin the process of seeking the perfect CPA for your needs among the hundreds in the greater Los Angeles area, plan to spend some time searching on cpaLA.com. The easy-to-use search engine will help you narrow down your options much easier. Selecting the wrong CPA can cause unnecessary headaches so it’s an important decision. Be sure to take your time, do your research and this will save you aggravation and money down the road.
Good luck with your search!