*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.*
2002 Summit Blvd NE Suite 120
Atlanta, Georgia 30319
HPC is one of the best services providers available. They provide outsourced services to my firm, as well as my portfolio companies. In addition, they handle my personal finances and tax matters. They are a technology driven firm, which makes it efficient, given my team is geographically dispersed. The HPC team is knowledge, efficient and responsive, which for me is of great value in this 24/7 world. I recommend HPC to my friends whether it's for outsourced family office services, a start-up or a growing an
We have a great partner in HPC! Having an expert available to coach us through the finer points of our financial and accounting systems has been particularly useful during times of transition at our company. Our virtual CFO has helped us work through integration issues between Xero, our e-commerce platform, and our inventory management system. Response time is excellent and reporting is clear. We recommend HPC and look forward to learning more from them as we grow.
My only regret is the thousands of dollars, and many painful hours, that I wasted before finding HPC! Our previous CPA was highly competent...but he was wedded to QuickBooks. That software always felt like software designed in the 80s, no matter what updates were layered on. The software company did not strike me as about end users...though they may take good care of the accountants. Most important, the process of using a great but traditional accountant+QB was hard, annoying work. Shifting to HPC has mad
Moving our bookkeeping over to HPC has been a major win for our company. We were able to eliminate a full-time position from our regular payroll, which allowed us to both save money and feel more confident that the person keeping our books was qualified to do so. Bookkeeping has gone from a constant stress factor to something we no longer have to worry about. Not to mention that the HPC team walked us through our move from Freshbooks to Xero step-by-step to make sure everything was completed correctly. The
Apiary has opted for HPC in 2013 and their accounting, tax and virtual CFO & advisory services were nothing short of perfect. During that time Apiary has expanded into other countries and along the way HPC had an answer to every question and every problem we have encountered in their area of expertise. We especially value their time flexibility and the ability to work with our overseas accountants and advisors. I highly recommend HPC to any small and mid-size business.
I found HPC when I moved from Quickbooks to Xero. Xero makes life better as an entrepreneur but HPC makes my life easy as a business owner. Bruce Phillips has done a good job of assembling the technology to make accounting effortless and he?s built a solid team to make that technology fade into the background while putting the success of my financial planning firm front and center. TJ and Kristi? keep up the good work!
We are a UK based company who started working with HPC in 2013 after setting up a subsidiary entity in the US. Since that time, HPC have been our trusted advisor for accountancy in the US. They advise us on US accounting specifics (federal and state), and are extremely responsive in responding to our queries as the business changes, and as we try to stay on top of our US compliance obligations with the challenges of having employees and customers in multiple states. HPC provided valuable advice when we f
I found HPC when I first arrived in the US two years ago. They have been fantastic. I've used them for both bookkeeping and accounting services. Every single person I have dealt with at this organization has been intelligent, helpful, friendly, and I have felt completely supported, which has been invaluable when running my own business in a new country. I have referred HPC to others, and will continue to do so. Thank you!
HPC have taken care of my accounting needs very well. Michelle has been particularly personal and helpful and making sure my accounting needs are taken care of. Knowing that my accounts are up to date on a monthly basis has given me peace of mind and time to focus on business building activities. Highly recommended!
I've used HPC since they've acquired cloudsourced accounting & the experience has been great. My business workflow is completely cloud-based and i've grown as they have since our initial introduction. They're now taking on more administration of my finances (taxes & planning) so my time can be freed up to focus on other aspects of my business such as marketing and sales. The staff has been diligent in executing and communicating thus far and has always been very professional in their dialog. Very happy with
Janice Marcus is great to work with and an asset to our business. She explains things in a way that makes accounting and the Xero system easier to learn. On one hand she is very patient. On the other she is so organized and good at problem solving that we can do our monthly updates in a very efficient, timely manner. This makes keeping our books easier. I think this is how it should be.
I have used Aprio for CPA and accounting services for years and have always been 100% happy. Recently I moved my payroll to Aprio Cloud and words cannot describe how happy I am about this move. The service is above and beyond anything I received at Paylocity. Not hard to do. Thank you to John Bly and Tina Duncan for best-in-class service.
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.