Brenda Bernhard, The Business Broker

Brenda Bernhard, The Business Broker

About This Listing

Who Can Work with a CPA?

Individuals seeking tax prep, retirement planning, or financial advice
Small business owners needing bookkeeping, payroll, or tax compliance
Freelancers and contractors with 1099 income or complex returns
Couples planning finances together or managing joint returns
Investors with capital gains or rental property income
Anyone looking for year-round financial guidance and peace of mind

*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*

First-Time Clients

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.

What to Know Upfront:

Documentation Bring your most recent tax returns, income details, and any financial concerns
Availability Appointments fill up quickly during tax season — book early if possible

*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*

What to Bring

Government-issued ID for verification
Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, investment summaries, etc.)
Receipts or logs for deductible expenses, donations, or mileage

*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*

Preparing for Your Appointment

Write down any financial goals or questions in advance
Check if your CPA offers virtual sessions or document uploads
Bring a notebook or use a notes app for key takeaways
Know your deadlines for filing, payments, or compliance

*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*

How to Get Started

Use our directory to find highly reviewed CPAs near you. Reach out directly to schedule your consultation.

Other Helpful Info

Many CPAs offer both in-person and remote consultations
Fees may be flat-rate, hourly, or based on service complexity
Some CPAs specialize in industries like healthcare, real estate, or tech
Check for client reviews and credentials (CPA license, EA, etc.)

*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*

Contact Information

Address

3500 W Olive Ave #300

Burbank, California 91505

Customer Reviews

Brenda was an incredible partner throughout the entire sale process of my business. She is not only extremely knowledgeable and experienced but also kind, patient, and genuinely cares about her clients? success. The process was lengthy and challenging, but Brenda?s guidance made everything feel manageable. She truly works from a place of integrity and abundance, putting her clients? needs first every step of the way. If you want a smooth and successful sale, Brenda is the one to call. She transformed what

Brenda was amazing to work with. Kind, honest knowledgeable and patient. She guided me every step of the way and helped me from a place of abundance. We just closed the sale of my business which was long and tedious but would have never been possible with out her. She?s not greedy, but she?s knowledgeable and very experienced and her patience kindness and transparency shows through from her given experience. If you want a miracle sale call Brenda!!! She definitely helped change my life trajectory in a good

I've had the pleasure to work with Brenda on a couple of occasions. I was more than impressed with not only her people skills, but how quickly she was able to understand and market my business. I was selling a digital out-of-home platform and having a difficult time finding a broker who really understood how my business worked. Brenda easily grasped the concept and became very knowledgeable within the category. She is very articulate, professional, prompt with replies and is great with follow up. With that

If you?re looking for a professional, high caliber, and a truly honest broker then look no further. I was in the market to sell my business a few years ago and had a great experience working with Brenda. She was extremely resourceful and understood the transaction process to the core. With her expertise, I was guided throughout the valuation, negotiation, and transaction process. The communication between us was transparent and she always returned my calls and emails promptly. Brenda, I am truly grateful

Five stars all around! I used Brenda to sell my business and she was wonderful. when things got a bit tricky (to be expected) she remained calm and steadfast. I feel like she was a great representative for both sides and found a perfect fit of a buyer for the company. Bravo Brenda!

We couldn't have asked for a more professional and dedicated business broker to facilitate the purchase of our new acquisition. Brenda was so personable from the start which set such a comforting tone as we moved forward with the process. She was available for any questions that surfaced, maintaining transparency so that we understood everything clearly. If you are looking for an organized, knowledgeable and superb business broker, Brenda Bernhard will not let you down!

I used Brenda to find and acquire my current business. She is sincere, hard working and professional. Brenda has a great understanding of business and works hard for her customers. I would use her again without hesitation and recommend her to all of my friends who are interesting in either buying or selling a business. You can't go wrong with Brenda the Broker!

Brenda is the most professional and resourced broker I have met in the last eight years. I was first referred to Brenda by a friend and was never disappointed. She is sincere, loyal, confidential and punctual in her dealings with clients and staff. For over eight years, she never let me down and was truthful in her conduct with me throughout our relationships. She returns my email and phone calls promptly and has organized conference calls with potential clients throughout the country. If you want immediate

I have known Brenda for more than 15 years, personally and professionally. Since Brenda first entered the profession of business broker and continuously thereafter, she has worked tirelessly on behalf of her clients and the business community to provide first rate service with integrity and character. Without question, she is one of the hardest working and most dedicated professionals in the field, with a work ethic second to none. Her standards are unflinchingly high; she expects perfection from herself in

From the moment I first contacted Brenda the Broker - to value and sell my firm - she was in constant contact with me. She located several potential buyers within a short time period, and made all the arrangements to conduct interviews with them. She is an intelligent, strong, determined, friendly - and often humorous facilitator. Brenda exceeded my expectations - which were initially, relatively high. She made it a seamless, and congenial process to sell my business. Thanks, Brenda.

What can I say about Brenda? She has been one of our company's most valuable advisors. After dealing with several other brokers that seemed to just want to rush the process and cash out quickly, it was such a breath of fresh air to be connected with Brenda. She has a thorough, well-crafted process and is completely transparent in modeling and valuation. She was able to get multiple investors and buyers to the table with multiple offers. Offers which other brokers had said would be well above market, and

Brenda has been the most helpful, kind, efficient and consistent person we have ever worked with. Her knowledge and experience has helped immensely while doing business with her. I strongly recommend working with Brenda as she goes above and beyond to make sure all parties are happy. I guarantee if you do business with Brenda, you will be very pleased!

I was looking for a business to buy in the engineering field. I contacted Brenda about a business that she had listed. Brenda did a fantastic job from the due diligence stage all the way through completing the transaction. She created a very healthy transaction experience between myself and the previous business owner... I was a very demanding buyer and Brenda did a great job making sure that I was comfortable through the whole process. Kevin Buchanan President | Terra-Petra

After a lengthy time of trying to sell our business ourselves we contacted Brenda. We found her professional, personable and knowledgable. Very quickly we saw a stream of well qualified potential buyers through her. And in short order we came to a deal. We highly recommend Brenda Bernhard to anyone looking to buy or sell.

I have worked with her on a number of transactions and she is exceptional. While she is highly intelligent and experienced, she is a very good listener and will not push her own agenda. Her valuations are reasonable and thoughtfully rendered. I would recommend her without any hesitation and would give her a top endorsement. M. Lebow / Beverly hills, CA

Suffice it to say that this was the worst agency relationship I have ever experienced. Of course, this is just my opinion and experience; yet when it comes to buying or selling a business do you really want to take a chance? I would not risk one of the most important business transactions of your life on this broker. I know I will NEVER EVER work with her again and will advise friends, family and people on the street to stay away!

Super knowledgeable & helpful in selling my business Highly appreciate it

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should I look for in a CPA?

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.

How do I find a CPA in my area?

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.

What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

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.

How do I know if a CPA specializes in my needs?

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.

Should I check a CPA’s reviews before hiring?

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.

How can I verify a CPA’s license?

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.

What questions should I ask during a CPA consultation?

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.

How much should I expect to pay for a CPA’s services?

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.

Can I work with a CPA remotely?

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.

How do I assess a CPA’s communication skills?

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.

What red flags should I watch for when screening a CPA?

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.

Should I choose a CPA from a large firm or a solo practitioner?

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.

How often should I meet with my CPA?

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.

Can a CPA help with both personal and business finances?

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.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my CPA?

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.