*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.*
7373 E Doubletree Ranch Rd Suite B-165
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Could not be happier as a client at Burnett Advisors! Ryan and the entire team are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable from financial planning to tax strategy planning. Would highly recommend all of their services and Ryan especially. The team thoroughly explains and understands the clients needs and goals and implements strategy accordingly. They are incredibly responsive and I have the utmost confidence in the team. They make complex things seem simple. They also take the time to educate so the client b
I had an excellent experience working with Ryan. Ryan is extremely knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and made what could have been a complicated process feel seamless and stress-free. He took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all my questions thoroughly, and provided valuable advice tailored to our business needs. It?s clear that he genuinely cares about his clients and their success. I look forward to continuing to work with him and highly recommend Burnett Advisors AZ, LLC to anyone looking
Ryan Bayster is my accountant at Burnett Advisors is a pleasure to work with. He?s knowledgable, responsive, and makes himself readily available. He and his team our 4 corporations/businesses as well as our personal finances and works well with our financial advisors.
Ryan Bayster and Burnett Advisors have done a great job over the years helping me and my family with handling our financial and tax needs. Ryan is very knowledgeable and quickly responds to any questions that may arise.
I've been working with Burnett Advisors for the past two years, and they?ve been an incredible help with my accounting and taxes. Since bringing them on, I've had more time to focus on growing my business instead of stressing over the books, resulting in more income. They're reliable, professional, and made the entire process simple for me.
We?ve had a great experience with Ryan. He is very knowledgeable and communicates complex information in a way that is easily understood. He is available anytime we have questions or concerns and responds in a timely manner. We are extremely satisfied with our decision to work with Burnett Advisors.
Burnett Advisors is a great team to work with! Big shout out to Ryan Bayster, who effortlessly prepared my very complicated ?24 taxes! They are smart financial advisors as well, so you?re in great hands with them :)
I can?t say enough good things about Ryan and Burnett Advisors. Ryan and his team were nothing but patient, caring, and extremely detail oriented. I?m dedicated to them as a loyal customer due to the exceptional experience that I?ve received over the past several years. 10/10 Recommend.
10/10 recommend!! Worked with Ryan on both individual & estate taxes. Made the whole process stress free, simple & easy to provide the needed documents, and was quick to get everything processed. Definitely made the tax process way less stressful than usual. Will be keeping them as a trusted partner.
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.