*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.*
160 Clairemont Ave Suite 200
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Gian has been great to work with for accounting services. She has been incredibly detailed and thorough in preparing my taxes, making the process smooth and stress-free. Her customer service is professional and responsive, and she is genuinely a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for reliable and knowledgeable accounting and advisory services.
Gian was great! She was comprehensive, accurate and timely in the preparation of my tax return and had good advice on different investment strategies that I might explore. Also, just a really nice person. Kerese on her team is also very responsive and competent.
HIGHLY Recommend for individuals and business owners. Gian and her team were patient and informative. They gave me advice that will help my small business continue to grow and prosper. I really loved the personal care given to me and my business. It?s hard to find customer service like the kind they provide anymore. You won?t be disappointed!!!!!!
I?ve been working with Gian for two years and she has been absolutely amazing. I?ve thrown complicated stuff at her and she?s always quick to help and so kind in her responses. My taxes are always handled efficiently and accurately. I will definitely continue to come back here for years to come!!
Gian and her team did an amazing job for us. Above and beyond doing our taxes correctly, they helped answer our real estate questions and plan for the upcoming 2-3 years. We'll sleep better tonight, tomorrow night, and every night we know she's only a 1 call or email away to provide guidance. Thank you again Gian for being a great accountant and advisor.
I had an excellent experience with my Accolade Accounting. Their expertise and attention to detail made filing my taxes stress-free. I highly recommend their professional and reliable service.
I have used them for a few years now and absolutely couldn't imagine working with anyone else. Very reliable, great customer service, excellent response time, remote access.
I started a business in 2020 and decided to seek out professional tax services to help me with the more complicated return. After working with JD, I now feel like I have a trustworthy, reliable, and professional advisor to help me navigate the financial side of being a business owner. JD made the whole process easy and I know I can reach out with questions if I need to. I will be a loyal Accolade client for years to come!
This was the first time my wife and I used Accolade's services, and we were both very impressed with the knowledge and professionalism of J.D. and his staff! J.D. is a one of a kind, hard to find, young professional, who has integrity and excellent business ethics! I was especially taken back with his down-to-earth mannerism, and his thorough knowledge of tax-law; he saved me tens of thousands of dollars this year! I have recommended two people to his firm already, and feel very relieved that my personal
I was extremely impressed with the services and staff, specifically JD. I personally screwed up and didn?t file one year even though I prepared my own taxes... It was a complete oversight that I missed until I tried to file the following years taxes. At this point I needed help and felt overwhelmed. I contacted Accolade via email and they immediately set up an appointment with JD. JD explained to me exactly what needed to be done, how they would handle it and the fee they would charge. Within just a few day
JD is an amazing accountant! He is very knowledgeable about taxes and he is more than willing to answer any questions that you may have. He takes the time to walk you through the return that he prepared and makes sure that you are comfortable throughout the entire process. It did not take long (maybe a week) for him to prepare the return. The process was very smooth and efficient and I will definitely re-file with him again!
JD did an absolutely fantastic job helping me with my taxes! I had so many changes in 2020, I had no idea where to start! He took the time and was so meticulous with every detail of my finances. I ended up getting more back than expected, and I will always use him and Accolade Accounting going forward!
We have relied on JD and his team for the last two years for our tax preparation. I really appreciate his patience and thoroughness in not only preparing our returns but also taking the time to explain everything and answering any questions. We are so grateful that we found someone who truly cares about his clients and we can trust to look out for our best interest and the future of my small business.
JD provided an exceptional tax service for me. He was communicative, timely, and presented the information in a way that was easy to understand. Overall JD is very thorough and makes filing your taxes a frictionless experience. I would definitely recommend Accolade Accounting to friends and family in the future.
I have a small cleaning business and was in need of an accountant who was responsive and would educate myself and my husband on what was needed to make our business run more efficiently. JD has been very responsive to all of our many questions and took the time to breakdown our tax return to make sure we understood. He is extremely patient, made us feel comfortable and confident in our business decisions.
Cannot say enough about JD and team. Was absolutely blown away by the quality of customer service relative to other CPA's/Tax Services. They make tax season quick, easy, and painless. If you want prompt request response, quick turnaround times, and a maximized return, look no further than Accolade Accounting.
JD with Accolade accounting hits it on the nail in every way possible a CPA should. He does both my personal 1042 and business 1065 federal tax forms along with our state and local. We've been through the ringer before, but with JD he takes care of all that for you. Happy client 5 plus years!
JD helped fix up my QuickBooks and handled my personal and business taxes like a pro. Amazing service, friendly employees, hard working, diligent, and overall the best CPA I?ve had. This is the start of a great partnership! I highly recommend JD and Accolade.
Accolade was recommended by my financial advisor when I asked for tax help after years of doing it myself. I could not be more pleased with the outstanding service, attention and professionalism I received. Accolade boiled down my complicated tax year into understandable and actionable information - they saved me thousands with knowledge no self-preparer would have. They are available and responsive - they give you all the time necessary and their fees are very reasonable. I gained a new member of my financ
I used Accolade Accounting for both my business and personal taxes this year and had an amazing experience. I am pretty fluent and generally complete my own taxes but this year decided to use a CPA. JD took the time to understand my tax needs to a level that most accountants don't and I was extremely impressed. I would recommend him to anyone for their accounting needs.
We've worked with JD for personal and business taxes for several years now and we couldn't be happier with the services that he has provided. For context, we're not even in GA, we're in the North East, but he's far outperformed local accountants for us. We had other tax accountants before but mistakes were made when filing on more than one occasion (due to our income coming from more than one source, which most accountants aren't used to handling), and JD was able to help us amend those returns, and save
Hands down the best tax services I've ever used. JD and his staff are top notch! The customer service, fast response, thorough tax preparation and follow up were A+. Will use him again for both business and personal taxes.
Truly amazing people to work with! I've been doing stuff with Accolade for about 3 years now and don't plan on changing that anytime soon. They respond quickly, easy to work with, and take their time in making sure you understand what is going on. For those who don't know a lot about the landscape of taxes, you can count on these fine people to help you out every step of the way, and most importantly, they do so in a personable manner.
Accolade Accounting is HANDS DOWN the best Accounting service in Atlanta! JD Was very understanding, professional and responsive! He knows his stuff and came through in the CLUTCH when I needed him most! I?ll be using this service for years to come! If you are looking for a tax expert look no further ACCOLADE ACCOUNTING is it!!!
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.