Most people wait until something breaks before calling a CPA. That's usually the worst time to shop around. A little research upfront saves a lot of hassle.
Before You Search
Decide what you actually need. Bookkeeping? Tax prep? Audit defense? A generalist who does everything often masters nothing. Look at your last year's mess and write down the three things that hurt most. That's your job description. Don't search until you know those three things.
Vetting Candidates
Ask who they work with most. If they mostly do restaurant chains and you run a dental practice, move on. Ask for references from clients with your problem, not just their biggest fans. Then call those people. Spend ten minutes on the phone. You'll hear if the accountant is slow, overpriced, or good. Trust the feeling in your gut, not the website.
Getting Quotes
Give every candidate the same pile of your actual paperwork. Ask for a fixed quote for that specific work. Hourly billing is a blank check. Fixed quotes force them to be honest about scope. If they won't give a fixed number, they're either inexperienced or planning to nickel-and-dime you. Walk away.
Before You Sign
Read the engagement letter like it's a rental agreement. Look for cancellation terms, extra fees for phone calls, and who owns your data. Make sure you can leave with your files without paying a hostage fee. Ask how they handle a mistake. If they dodge that question, don't sign.
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