*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.*
3031 Tisch Way
San Jose, California 95128
I spoke with a CPA over the phone to get a sense of whether or not they would be able to help me with my tax situation. The initial conversation was OK, but as I started to ask details on a specific service and how much it would cost, the CPA kept insisting that I was "overcomplicating things" and that he was "the tax expert", and insinuating that it was my fault at not being able to communicate. He also claimed that the specific tax situation I had did not exist, when it is clearly stated on the IRS websit
Account team is the best! We had a few years of taxes to catch up on, Stephanie, Svetlana and Fiona all worked very hard to meet our deadline and get our books in the correct order. I would highly recommend them, they are precise, fast and friendly. Again thank you so much for all of your help and looking forward to doing more business with you. Phil and Melissa
We've been working with Accounteam for about 4 years and love how easy and integrated everything is from bookkeeping to tax returns. Stephanie is extremely knowledgeable and takes as much time as needed to help you get on board and working with them. Their team works together seamlessly to keep us on top of details. Luda works with me on Quickbooks issues and is fabulous. They are efficient, convenient and always available to help, I highly recommend them!
We are a very small business and can't afford one of the"big" accounting firms. For a great price, Accounteam has met all of our accounting and pre-tax preparation needs accurately and efficiently for several years. Stephanie and her team have the skills and resources needed to support us and are a pleasure to work with!
We've been working with Accounteam for our small business accounting and tax preparation for several years now. They are a super responsive, proficient, and efficient operation. They also get how to use modern cloud-based tools, such as QuickBooks and Base Camp, which has made it a breeze to work with them.
We are extremely happy Accounteam--our main interface has been with Anna (bookkeeper), but Stephanie, Svetlana, and tax-guru Rudulf have all been excellent. They are great communicators, very customer oriented, and good at their jobs. They helped us get up and running on QB Online and catch up on long overdue tax returns (not an easy task). Also, they use a free tool called Basecamp which has really been great to facilitate a group effort with document handling.
I have been working with Rudulf Ly at Accounteam for 3 years since 2017. He's very nice and patient. He literally answers all of my questions regardless times of the day. I have never had to wait so long to get an answer from him. He works very hard to make sure all of my issues are addressed and guide me through all the steps of getting my tax filing done right and properly. I referred my family to work with him because he is a very trustworthy and reliable tax accountant.
Accounteam has been doing the bookkeeping and the taxes for my company for several years. It is a pleasure to work with them. Their prices are very competitive. They work diligently and very professionally. I trust and highly recommend them.
Stephanie and her team are really amazing. They do reconciliation at the end of each month for our non-profit organization. They also take care of the W2 and Rudulf prepares our tax return in time and with great professionalism.
As a start-up, it's been crucial time management to partner with an experienced partner like Accounteam. We've enjoyed working with one of their delightfully efficient bookkeeper and Quickbooks pro who's helped us set-up our system so we're ready for taxes. She's savvy in most effective bookkeeping/ accounting ways, so we're able to run numbers and check our profitability. Also set up our payroll via Quickbooks, which is saving our business' overhead. Accounteam is also able to remotely answer question
Svetlana at Accounteam is an impeccable accountant/bookkeeper with a very strong work ethic. We trust her implicitly to insure meticulous perfection with our QuickBooks accounts. She is very experienced and a pleasure to collaborate with. We endorse and recommend Svetlana and Accounteam as Quickbooks accounting professional experts!
Communication is sub par. They switched ?account managers? on me several times and charge me double to train them. Then at the conclusion of our business dealings they charged 400% fees and told me I should be thankful. Then to cap it off they told me I was not good enough to be their client after I fired them for reasons noted above
I started my business a year ago as self employed. I am a hairdresser and didn't want to worry about the accounting part. Stephanie and her team helped and guided me from the beginning with my quickbooks and my bookkeeping.
Outstanding service, I highly recommend!
My experience was great! I was able to get my taxes done quickly and efficiently online during the COVID-19 crisis. Rudulf was very helpful
Accounteam is wonderful! I'm a small business owner and am so relieved to have accounteam there! They are prompt and knowledgable. I will be using them also for my clients!
Great team and easy to work with. They gave great advises and helped me understand my challenges and overcome them. Highly recommended!!!
We've been very pleased with Accounteam. They are professional and respond promptly to our questions.
Great service, easy communication. My company(Viprinet) is fully satisifed.
Very helpful, so far satisfied 100% , have been filing my tax with them for 2 years.
Love their Quick & Fast service to get the job done & well along with concise communication that is streamlined in a very professional manner!
Accounteam have taken care of my accounting for the past 5 years and I wouldn't change! Perfect
The Accounteam has been a great pleasure to work with!
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.