Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):

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For many people, finding the right CPA can be just as importan t totheir well-being as finding a good So time and care are needed in choosing the correctr person. "In the business world, there are few relationships more personalo than that of a businesss andits accountant," says Kenneth C. a CPA with Tidwell DeWitt LLC. "After all, nothing is more privatd and delicate than the issueof money." The first step is to determine exactly what type of CPA you While there are numerous companies that will prepare taxees for any type of CPAs often specialize in certain areas.
"Determine what your needs are andwhat you're looking for," says Jimmy Williamson, chairmab of the Board of Directors of the American Institut of Certified Public "Some CPAs want to do everything, but I think that can be If you have a heart problem, you don't want to just go to your standared practitioner. You want to go to a cardiologist who can do specialize d testing and see exactlyu what yourproblem is." Then ask aroundx among friends and professional colleagues to find out who they use as an Williamson says it can be particularly useful to talk with attorneys, bankera and stockbrokers, since people in those fields tend to be knowledgeablee about CPAs.
"Most new clients come from referralws fromother clients," Williamson The AICPA also offers help in finding a CPA through its Web site at Narrosw your list of potential CPAs to at leasg three, and then interview each one. Come equipped with a numbert ofspecific questions, including how much the CPA "That needs to be addressed on the front end, to prevenft surprises down the road," Williams says. * How long has your firm been in business? Some people want to use an established CPA, whilew others prefer a newer firm that has a smallerrclient list, enabling it to pay closeer attention to its customers. * Do you offer an initiap consultation, and is there a charge?
Many firms offefr a free initial consultation and shoulxd be able to give an estimatee of the fees for the servicesyou * Can I contact any of your currentf clients for a referral? A reputable firm will be willinb to provide you with * What education have you recentlhy completed in your area of expertise? CPAs who have an activde certificate to practice public accounting are requiredx to complete a specified amount of continuing professionakl education. They receive credit by attending courses, writing articleds or teaching. * What computer programs do you prefer your clientsd to use forrecord keeping? Usintg a program the CPA is familiar with can save time and moneg on your billings.
A firm also should be able to help you in settingh up and maintainingcomputerized bookkeeping. In additio n to obtaining this information, you shoulc also look for a CPA who fits your Some people want theirr CPA to beall business, while otherd prefer a lighter "It's important that the chemistry be there, " Williamson says. "There shouldn't be anything uncomfortable abouty working witha CPA. If there is, then move on to somebodyu else." DeWitt agrees. "Since open and frequent communicatiom is often the key ingredient in a it should be considered with equal importance as experienceand ability," DeWitt says. "There are tens of thousands of CPA firmsin America.
That means there is most definitely a CPA out theresfor you."