*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.*
2339 Jones St #2
San Francisco, California 94133
I have worked with Association Reserves for many years with my Associations and am always pleased with the reporting and service received. I highly recommend using them any time you need your reserve studies completed in a timely manner with easy to read reports.
The team was fantastic to work with! They were prompt, professional, and easy to collaborate with. They met with me on time, and the comprehensive reserve study they provided was delivered quickly and exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend their services
Our HOA used Association Reserves to perform our first full reserve study and found the process rather painless. Jackie was very helpful and walked us through the process, highly recommend working with them!
I am a property manager in the Bay Area. Association Reserves are our most trusted reserve study company. They provide a product that helps owners understand their properties and budget for important maintenance and improvement projects. The studies are detailed, but also easy to absorb and explain to others. I highly recommend reaching out to them if you need a reserve study.
Our first Reserve Study from Association Reserves is excellent in my opinion. It is very thorough and professional. AR defiantly met their responsibility to document our capital expense needs to maintain the complex. Now, it up to us to determine how and when we meet those needs.
The team was very responsive and thorough. Kevin was wonderful to work with and explained the assessment very clearly. Definitely recommend this team!
Working with AR was great. They had a quick turnaround time and made all modifications needed in a timely manner. Will definitely use AR for all future reserve studies.
We have used Association Reserves for a number of years for our HOA Reserve Study and they have been easy to work with and good communicators. They have consistently delivered the report in a timely manner.
Matt, very professional and arcuate. Was able to get the study done in record time. Communication skills spot on, quick responses. Will definitely use for future HOA studies.
We just did our 3 year Reserve Study update with Association Reserves and couldn't be happier. We got everything we wanted at a reasonable price.
They were very professional and easy to work with, and helped us to set a good financial path for ourselves.
Association Reserves did a great job on our HOA Reserve Study, and in a timely fashion. Thank you!
Kevin was very helpful to have everything prepared for my association in a timely matter.
Asked for all the pertinent records ahead of the walk through, which made the study available sooner.
Professional staff, great service, quick turnaround, we are very happy with them!
Updating our HO Reserve Study through services of Association Reserves is easy and efficient.
Efficient, on time and detailed reports as always. This is why I stay with AR
Phenomenally quick and more detail better organized than I could have hoped for.
The inspector was pleasure to work with. Very informative.
Prompt and efficient! Professional all the way!
Having worked with Association Reserves for more than 10 years, I can confidentially recommend the entire team as professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. The concise and understandable studies Association Reserves provides gives HOA boards and managers the information they need to build budgets for the long term health of their property. The U-Plan-It software is a great tool for scenario planning!
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.