*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.*
226 S Beverly Dr Suite 200
Beverly Hills, California 90212
My financial adviser at Affluencer Financial Advisor is Sam Rad, who I met when taking his classes about Social Security and Retirement advice. In addition to being a financial adviser, he also offers classes at UCLA and West L.A. College. I had been so impressed with his teaching style, offering material that was both informative and very useful, yet he made it fun and interesting. When I decided to become his client, he considered my personal situation and gave me ideas that fit with my finances and g
I went to the Retirement Education Seminar and it was the best decision I ever made. My husband and I were just trying to see where we stand as far as when we could retire and the best measures for our future. After meeting with Sam and his amazing team, he advised us we could retire this YEAR and here is the road map to get there. My husband is now retired, I am going to be working part-time shortly, we are moving back to San Diego (this was in the plan) and we have our Trust, Will, and Health Directive
Good financial advice that makes sense! The guys at this firm really know how to handle anything financial. I met with them over 5 times and cannot tell you how much progress I have made in my retirement plan. I also had them do my Will and Trust, easy simple process and I actually enjoyed the whole experience.
I'm only 41 years old. Have less than 200k in savings. And won't be retiring for a long, long time. In another words, I am not the type of client that Sam or his team would take on. He deals with older folks closer to retirement. But that didn't stop Sam from spending over an hour of his time, thoughtfully and caringly dispensing financial advise on any question or worry I might have had. And when I ran out of questions, he raised a few of his own. Things I had never even thought about (but should have).
We sold our home and wanted to make sure we reinvested the profit we've made the best way possible. So, we sought professional help. The people at Affluencer reigned over other advisors that we've interviewed. They guided us through our goal planning, needs, and financial wants for retirement. We (me and my wife) definitely recommend Affluencer as your professional and knowledgable financial advisors. Especially during these times.
Building wealth for my family is very important to me and the advisors here understand that. They listen well to my wants and needs, providing me with the best financial plan fit for me. The guidance and expertise from the advisors here are top notch and I wouldn't recommend anyone else.
I met with the guys at Affluencer Financial and was really impressed at the quality of their guidance and their ability to listen to my needs. I have been to other financial planners who just talk and talk. These guys actually listened to what I had to say and helped me solve my retirement challenges.
Get ready to be impressed by these guys. I used to be with Chase investments and found that I was losing lots of money in fees and expenses. I decided to give Affluencer Financial a try and found that their investments are way less costly and better in performance. I would definitely recommend you give these guys a visit. You will be impressed.
Very happy with their services compared to my previous advisor.
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.