*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*
If this is your first time working with a CPA, don’t worry — most professionals offer a free consultation and will walk you through what to expect. You may be asked to complete an intake form, share financial documents, or set clear goals for your session.
*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*
*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*
*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*
*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*
12031 Ventura Blvd Suite 1
Studio City, California 91604
Ara and his team were amazing from start to finish. As an entrepreneur you have to have someone you trust with tax prep and planning. We planned and got amazing results with the business this year. Thanks! Highly recommend!
My wife and I have been extremely satisfied with Ara and his staff at ACap Asset Management. Over the last several years Ara has gone out of his way to meet with my wife and I to discuss our financial goals and help us invest accordingly. We have been introduced to many asset managers over the years, but none that compare to Ara and his staff. Ara is knowledgeable, professional and well-rounded making our interactions go smoothly. Each time we meet with him we leave with all questions answered and feeling
I have been working with ACap Asset Management and Ara Oghoorian since Feb 2011. I had found Ara through a website that listed commission-free financial advisors - my priority was to have an unbiased expert to help establish my investment portfolio and set me on the right path to retirement. After over 3 year with working with Ara, I am completely happy with my decision. He is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and professional. He is easily accessible in person, by phone, or via email to answer all of my questi
Ara, and Tamia along with his whole staff have been doing a great job working on my finances and properly setting up my future. His team is incredibly through and makes sure you're on a path of success. I had a lot of in depth questions regarding real estate management, wedding finance planning, tax planning etc. I needed to get a grasp on what to handle first. I left very confident and will continue to use and recommend their services!
Ara and his staff are amazing. ACap goes above and beyond for their clients and are extremely knowledgeable and professional. ACap is the one place I trust with my financial and future goals. They make you feel comfortable and take the time to educate you on what is best for you and your family. Ara was also very flexible with his time and never made us feel rushed. Hands down I would recommended ACap to all of my family and friends. Ara I am forever grateful to you and appreciate everything you have
My husband and I have been working with Ara and ACap for a little over 2 years now. We have really been impressed by their level of service and attention to detail, as well as Ara's patience in answering our some of our oddball financial questions. It's great to have a proactive and trusted financial advisor (and not just a manager of funds)
ACap Asset Management has been managing our financial portfolio for the past few years, and my husband and I could not be happier with their service. The guidance and support given to our family to navigate the world of financial planning and investments have been invaluable. We highly recommend Ara and his team for their services.
Ara is wonderful to work with! I received helpful, actionable advice and a bit of a much-needed, financial education during our consultation. I appreciated the human touch Ara brought, explaining how investments like college savings plans and 401k contributions impact my family now and in the future, and what might work to help me meet my personal goals. I highly recommend his services.
I've been working with Ara for over 3 years, and he has consistently provided wonderful service. He has given me very good financial and investment advice, and he is extremely patient and thoughtful in his explanations. Ara is incredibly easy to work with and always available. I highly recommend ACap Asset Management.
I've worked with ARA since 2012, when I finished residency--now a total of 3 years. He is a total life savior! I had so much to do at that time, and he made the paperwork easy and walked me thru exactly what I had to do to get my 401K transferred into a Roth IRA. Since then, he's done a great job with my investments. Since he is doing such an excellent job, I also chose ARA/ACap to prepare my taxes this year! They saved me money. :) I trust ARA because he is honest and straightforward. I am clueless
I was referred to ACap by a trusted friend and I just have to rave about my experience with Ara and his team. Their financial planning process is so in-depth that I referred to it as "financial therapy." It allows you to get everything out on the table so ACap can provide you with a 360 degree view of your financial health. The "what" is there along with the "so what" empowering you to make better financial and general life decisions. I'm looking forward to continuing my partnership with ACap as I'm confid
I can't think of a better group of financial advisers. My wife and I have worked with many other financial advisers before, but Ara and his team top them all. Ara checks in with us every quarter. Whenever we want to meet with him, he is always willing and able to make time. He responds diligently and quickly to every email, text, or voicemail. You can reach either him or one of his team members at almost any time of day. He provides his services for a flat fee, so he's not selling anything. His investment
Ara, Matt, and the ACap team are your ideal advisors and accountants. I wish everyone had the experience of receiving the level of service and attention that ACap provides to their clients. My wife and I are young professionals, and they have been there for us through many major life events - starting a business, planning for the future, buying a home, etc. These can be stressful times when you need trusted guidance. ACap has always delivered. I highly highly recommend ACap!
Ara and Louiza have done a very thorough analysis of my financial situation and have proposed a solid and actionable financial plan to position me for the best financial future possible. They have combed through thousands of data points to compile a balance sheet of my current financial situation and have provided easy to understand recommendations and a desired portfolio allocation investment plan. I highly recommend leveraging their talented team to help paint the true picture of your current financial st
Ara as been managing our family's portfolio for about three years now. We have been very pleased with the service we have been receiving. We get regular reports and meaningful suggestions about how to invest to align ourselves with our future goals. It has been a great experience thus far.
I recently had a comprehensive financial review done by ACAP management. I have been a DIY investor for years and was essentially seeking a second opinion. Ara and Tamia were excellent. I had a in depth review of my investments, IRA, and 401K. I didn't realize how off balance my portfolio was and they helped me line everything back up. They also performed in depth analysis of my home, car, and other insurance policies which was great because I was neglecting that. They reviewed all my work benefits and
Greatest thing about this team is you don't have to invest millions to be a highly valued customer. ACap has been leading the charge on my investment portfolio/retirement accounts for the last 4 years. Like most folks, I have a super demanding job/life and having a solid, reliable team managing my future/finances is priceless. Thanks to this capable and competent team, my life/future/family are in good hands.
I just finished medical residency training, and I was looking for a fee-for-service financial planner, especially as I was looking to pay off such great debt from student loans. Ara and his staff were able to take a look at my financial situation, and gave me the information that I needed to know to manage my finances. Tamia and Louiza have been very helpful in guiding me through the plan that we had designed, and I've come away with confidence in managing my wealth and planning for my financial future. I w
Ara is responsive, honest, and accessible. He takes the time to explain terms, options, and potential outcomes. His practical and realistic approach is refreshing. I've always felt comfortable with his advice. I highly recommend ACap.
Ara is the consummate expert in his field. He is knowledgeable, professional, and personable. His kind and calming presence is refreshing and puts you at ease. He is also generous, which is further evidenced by how much he does for clients and his community.
I'm a very private person. I don't trust people right away. You must earn it. Ara earned that trust and then some. If you are looking for an educated, experienced, knowledgeable financial adviser, Ara is the right person to help you. And you can trust him.
Excellent advising! We have been very pleased with the prompt, friendly and very useful financial advice. They are always informative and helpful. Their management strategy is very individualized and conscientious.
To clarify, I have no incentive to be anything other than honest in this review; I rarely make online reviews.
The super pleasant experience I had with this company! Highly Recommended
I've been working with Ara for nearly a year, and I can confidently say his service is outstanding. He handles both my business and personal taxes with exceptional care and precision. From bookkeeping and payroll to smart, strategic tax planning, Ara truly knows the tax code and has helped us significantly reduce our tax liability. He and his team are always reliable, responsive, and consistently go above and beyond. If you're looking for an accountant who delivers real results, I highly recommend Ara and h
Look for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, which ensures they’ve passed rigorous exams and meet state requirements. Check for relevant experience in your industry, additional certifications like CFA or CMA, and membership in professional organizations like the AICPA. Verify their credentials through state licensing boards.
Use online directories like the AICPA, CPAverify, or state CPA societies. Search platforms like Yelp or Google for local CPAs with reviews. Ask for referrals from business associates, friends, or financial advisors. Local chambers of commerce can also provide recommendations.
A CPA is a licensed professional who has passed the CPA exam and met state requirements for education and experience. An accountant may lack this certification and could have varying levels of expertise. For complex tasks like tax audits or financial reporting, a CPA is typically more qualified.
Ask about their experience with your specific financial needs, such as tax preparation, small business accounting, or estate planning. Review their website or LinkedIn for case studies or client testimonials. Inquire about their client base to ensure they handle similar financial situations.
Yes, reviews provide insight into a CPA’s reliability, communication, and performance. Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau for client feedback. Look for patterns in reviews, but verify their authenticity, as some may be biased or outdated.
Visit your state’s Board of Accountancy website or use CPAverify.org to check a CPA’s license status. Confirm their license is active and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints. This ensures they’re in good standing and meet professional standards.
Ask about their experience with your financial needs, fee structure, availability, and communication style. Inquire how they handle tax filings, audits, or financial planning. Ask for references or examples of similar work to assess their expertise and fit.
Fees vary based on location, services, and complexity. Basic tax preparation may cost $150-$500, while business accounting or audits can range from $1,000 to $10,000+. Request a detailed fee structure upfront and compare quotes from multiple CPAs.
Yes, many CPAs offer remote services through secure online platforms for document sharing and virtual consultations. Ensure they use encrypted tools for data security. Remote CPAs can be effective if they understand your local tax laws or business regulations.
During consultations, evaluate their ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly. Ask sample questions about taxes or financial strategies and note their responsiveness and clarity. Good communication ensures you understand their advice and fosters a productive relationship.
Beware of CPAs who guarantee specific tax refunds, lack a valid license, or have disciplinary actions on record. Avoid those with poor communication, vague fee structures, or negative reviews highlighting unethical behavior. Always verify their credentials independently.
Large firms offer more resources and specialized teams but may charge higher fees. Solo practitioners often provide personalized service and lower costs but may have limited availability. Choose based on your needs, budget, and preference for personalized attention.
For individuals, annual meetings for tax preparation may suffice. Businesses may need quarterly or monthly check-ins for bookkeeping, tax planning, or financial reporting. Discuss your needs upfront to establish a meeting schedule that aligns with your financial goals.
Yes, many CPAs handle both, but confirm their expertise in both areas. Ask about their experience managing personal taxes and business accounting simultaneously. Ensure they can balance both without compromising attention to your specific financial needs.
Discuss concerns directly with your CPA to resolve issues. If unresolved, check your contract for termination terms. Seek a new CPA by researching reviews, credentials, and referrals. Request your financial records to ensure a smooth transition to a new professional.