*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.*
600 W Broadway #600
San Diego, California 92101
Daniel has been a great financial advisor for our personal insurance and investing as well as our business. At every turn he has been there weather we need a recommendation for a business coach, an accountant or insurance for our aging family members. He is professional but also very personal checking up on our company during COVID and providing us with a wealth of information for us to research to aid in our company's growth and our person finances. We truly enjoy working with him.
My wife and I truly enjoy working with Daniel. Daniel is extremely knowledgeable and professional and you can tell he cares a lot about doing a great job for you. Daniel genuinely takes the time to get to know you and your financial/life goals and he works tirelessly to help you achieve them.
Daniel has been great to work with! He invests a lot of time with us to have a comprehensive look at our overall needs and then follows up regularly. Definitely recommend him to anyone who wants to wants to have a professional experience and a personal advisor who cares and goes beyond making a sale.
I had worked with Financial Advisors, researched and interviewed them for several years. I enjoy very much the experience of working with Daniel and his comprehensive, holistic, pragmatic yet proactive approach, but primarily I enjoy his thoughtful and balanced manner, his knowledge really, I have come to know that he is wired to recommend insightful careful management advice, never forgetting who he is working for and how important their life's plan and savings are, moreso their life decisions involving,
I met Daniel at a networking event and we connected right off the bat. He was kind and comfortable to speak with. He always takes the time to check in with us to talk family and business. Over time we've developed a strong working relationship. During our meetings with Daniel and his team, they were transparent and we felt at ease. Highly recommend Daniel.
My wife and I highly recommended Daniel as a financial advisor. He is professional and kind. He answered all of my questions without making me feel bad about my lack of expertise. We will continue to work with him in the future!
I highly recommend working with Daniel for financial planning. He demonstrates a vast knowledge in almost every avenue of planning, including those what-if scenarios. If he doesn't have the answer, he'll have it within a few days. This is a great service and you never know what you don't know until you have an expert like Daniel walking you through everything.
My wife and I have truly benefitted by working with Daniel. We have been very impressed by the extent to which he has taken time to understand our financial goals, the detailed financial plan he prepared for us, and the solid financial research he has done on our behalf.
Daniel knows what he's doing and how to guide you even when you barely know how to articulate your goals. His mind works in brilliant ways.
Daniel is great! He's always available to answer our questions, and takes the time to help us truly understand!
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.