Find the Right CPA for You
What is a CPA?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) gives guidance on a wide range of financial matters, including saving for college, personal financial planning, estate planning, and taxation planning.
CPAs are considered to be among the most trusted financial advisors, and adhere to strict professional standards of conduct. In order to keep their CPA designation, they are required to meet continuing education requirements that keep them up-to-date on changing accounting standards.
Services CPAs Provide
CPAs offer a wide range of assistance, including business financial, personal financial, auditing/accounting and tax advisory services. In addition to these advantages, CPAs often serve as consultants on management, human resource and litigation issues. The core services CPAs deliver are compatible with any business or personal need.
What Qualifcations You Should Look for in a CPA
- Is the CPA licensed to practice in your state?
- Are your needs compatible with the CPA's expertise?
- How active is he or she in professional organizations?
Professional membership is important. CPAs who are members of the American Institute of CPAs and/or the Arizona Society of CPAs are regulated by a strict code of professional ethics. Once every three years, their accounting and auditing practices are rigorously reviewed by their peers.
What CPAs Charge
CPAs normally base their fees on the time required to perform the services you request. Fees depend on the type of services you require, the prevailing costs in the community, the CPA's level of expertise and the complexity of your work.
Talk frankly with your CPA about fees. Compare the cost of having work performed by a staff accountant under CPA supervision, a higher-level employee such as a supervisor and the CPA to determine who can best meet your budget needs.
Get the Most Value out of a CPA's Service
To get the most value from a CPA's services:
- Discuss your goals with your CPA.
- Consult with your CPA when considering business or personal financial decisions.
- Don't pay unnecessary fees. Keep good records and prepare routine work ahead of time.
- Keep your CPA informed of changes in your personal and professional life. A recent marriage or divorce, the birth of a child, a career change or an especially generous bonus can all have a significant impact on your tax liability and personal financial goals.
