*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.*
16 Debow Terrace
Pompton Plains, New Jersey 07444
CFO your way was brought in to assist one of our firm's audit clients with their day to day accounting, monthly reporting and year end close. Prior to CFO your way coming in the client's books and records were a mess, and the audit was an extremely challenging endeavor. Cheryl and her team were able to come in and clean up a mess, and also set up a great internal control environment so that the day to day accounting had an appropriate process and procedure. The annual audits have become much smoother sin
Overnight we needed the services of an experienced versatile financial professional well versed with GAAP and AICPA standards along with state-of-the-art IT skills for a very large demanding established client base. Cheryl and CFO Your Way was and continues amazing mastery beyond words of all of our financial needs. No way that we could have and continue to successfully survive to this day without her personal attention and involvement with all of our accounting and reporting needs. All of our clients r
This year's financial audit has been a breeze. Before CFOyourWay stepped in, the annual financial audits were a major source of bother. They would take 3-4 weeks of endless back and fourth with the accountants. The CFOYourWay team is superb. Their communications, thoroughness, and overall professionalism were crucial to completing the audit in such a short period of time, this year. I was just copied on all the emails through the process but didn't have to do a thing, except to just watch it being hand
Cheryl and her team at CFO Your Way have made our lives at the North Jersey Chamber of Commerce so efficient! Our financials are aligned with our budget goals and learning Quick Book tricks one mistake at a time. Cheryl is patient with her clients and truly has saved us not only money, but time to assure our business is productive!
I've been working with Cheryl and her team for years. They are true professionals in every sense. If you need help managing your business' finances, you can stop looking. Give CFO Your Way a call.
I can't say enough great things about CFO Your Way and Cheryl's team! They keep my business books fine tuned and it helps me strategically in my business. No more burying my head in the sand! Highly recommend.
CFOYourWay took all of the time-consuming bill writing and reconciliations off of my plate. I can now focus on the analytics of my business and the bigger picture growth activities.
Very professional and knowledgeable. A great asset to our condo board.
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.