*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.*
8880 Rio San Diego Dr
San Diego, California 92108
Although only being with Amar and Client First Capital less than a year, my wife and I are incredibly impressed with his professionalism, pro-activeness and methodical way of investing our resources. We are very happy with everything we have experienced with his firm and their ability to make the complex understandable with straightforward explanations and objective, data-based decision making. We give him our strongest recommendation!
My husband and I recently met with Amar & Cheri to begin sorting out our combined finances, retirement funds, budgeting, and saving for a house. As newlyweds, this was a daunting task for us, but they made the entire process so much more approachable. They were incredibly friendly and took the time to tailor the conversation to our specific needs. We felt genuinely cared for as clients and appreciated the personalized attention we received. We highly recommend Client First Capital to anyone looking for a kn
Amar has been my family's most trusted financial planner for so many years now he is truly a part of our family. He has personally helped me navigate different financial situations with such ease! What sets Amar apart from any other planners I have worked with is he really takes that extra time to get to know each of his client's personal needs and goals therefore maximizing their investments to fund that which they value the most. Do yourself and/or your family a favor and reach out to him because you will
We have known and worked with Amar Shah since 2017. When he founded Client First Capital, we decided without hesitation to continue with Amar as our financial adviser and to have him continue to manage our investments. Amar has always given us sound, conservative financial advice about our portfolio. He always makes time to clearly answer our questions faithfully updates us with useful periodic reports about the status of our investments. We trust him to manage our retirement savings with our best inter
Amar Shaw has been our financial advisor for almost 10 years. Initially we were affiliated through his role as an advisor with USAA. We were always pleased with his professional approach to financial planning. Detailed personal meetings resulted in a very specific plan dependent on our goals, expectations, risk tolerance and many other factors unique to us. Amar has helped us invest through a time of income generated through work to our current situation as a retired couple. When USAA changed its model f
We wouldn't go anywhere else for our financial needs than to Amar Shah and Client First Capital. We have known Amar for many years and followed him from a previous employer to join his business as a client. He is able to communicate financial explanations and recommendations in a way that a lay person can easily understand, and always listens to our concerns and questions. He is easily accessible by phone, text, and email. He is also interested in how we are, personally, and knows our family. We have f
I have worked with Amar Shah for several years. Our relationship predated his launch of Client First Capital. I have been highly satisfied with Amar and the level of service that he has provided. I live two time zones away and we have successfully navigated the physical distance by leveraging technology. Amar has provided sound advice using a transparent process and backed up by best in class research. I have been impacted less than most during this current downturn. I attribute this to Amar's attention to
Find Amar to guide me through the challenges with midlife financial decisions has been a huge weight off my shoulders. He is guiding me through Traditional vs ROTH IRA moves and when is the right time to do it has been great. He has brought up so many things I didn't think about when I made financial decisions in the past. Having an expert on my side has been wonderful. Easy to reach via phone and email and love the website for organizing my financial life and all the pieces that make it up (not just in
Client First Capital with Amar Shaw is the best financial investment company/advisor I have ever hand, and I have had a few. He provides information in a concise and understandable form, is on top of everything constantly, explains well what is happening and actions taken, and keeps up with the current financial world and conveys that information to clients in a clear and understandable way. And he has our big picture in mind and integrates personal considerations into his financial planning.
My husband & I started with Amar many, many years ago when he was with his previous employer. There was an instant rapport that has lasted to this day. When my husband died 6 years ago, Amar was there for me as he is now. There was no question that I would follow Amar when he started his own company & I have been more than pleased with the result. Finding Amar those many years ago was a very lucky day for me!
We have been with Amar for a number of years and totally trust his judgement and business ethics. He not only has an amazing knowledge of the financial world but also has the unique ability to explain things to a neophyte like me. He and his business partner Jason are a pleasure to work with. Trust is what it is all about, and we TRUST them.
Amar and I have worked with one another for 10 years. He is an extremely experienced and ethical advisor and comes highly recommended.
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.