*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.*
124 Little Falls Rd C2
Fairfield, New Jersey 07004
Overall the CPA services were subpar. David was never punctual. We constantly had to remind him to call us or email us. He amended 2 years of our taxes and did them wrong. This year was the final straw. We had talked to him about amending the taxes he messed up and filing our taxes for this year. We never heard from him. I wrote him an email on May 24, 2025 and we still have not heard back from him. I would not recommend his services to anyone. Only hire him if you want to constantly call him to get him to
I have been working with David for 2 years, and I can confidently say he is exceptional at what he does. He is professional, always available when you need him, and knows exactly how to handle even the most complex financial situations. His long experience and expertise make him incredibly reliable, and I fully trust him with my finances. David is also outstanding at tax planning, helping me save money and stay ahead of deadlines. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and dep
For the past 15 years, our company has been fortunate to work with DF O'Brien. Working with David and his staff has been a great experience. What we like best is their willingness to understand our needs as both a person and as a business client. They are always ready to jump in and help for any financial or accounting need that arises. We wholeheartedly endorse DF O'Brien and would recommend them to anyone in need of knowledgeable, professional, and personal CPA support for themselves and their busines
We have use Mr. O' Brien in the past and there has been sometime that has gone by. I have used numerus different Advisors since leaving Mr. O'Brien. As the saying goes you don't know what you had until it is gone. We are reengaging with Mr. O'Brien again his knowledge of his craft is one of a kind. DF O'Brien is an advisor that growing business need by their side. I can't say enough about Mr. O'Brien his knowledge about business financial is one of a kind. I'm honored that he is allowing my company to reeng
We started working with O'Brien after finding their accounting firm through Profit First professionals. As a virtual client, I was a bit concerned about maintaining communication so we don't experience gaps in service. Dave and his team put these concerns to rest as they have been extremely thorough and made our accounting and tax work easy to manage for our business. I am very happy that we moved over to their group!
I have been using Dave's services for about 14 years now for both business and personal taxes. He is very responsive and makes sure everything is properly filled by their deadlines. He helps me with my mother's annual tax filings as well. Always goes above and beyond for us. I wouldn't trust my accounting needs with anyone else.
Dave and his staff are extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. While I had some unique situations, Dave handled everything efficiently, accurately and ending up saving me quite a bit of money! He also advised me on how to save money in the future. On top of it, he?s a real gentleman to deal with!
David O?Brien has made my job so much easier while saving my company money in the process. He has tailored his services to meet our needs as our business continues to grow.
My wife and I have been clients for over 15 years. Dave is a trustworthy, dedicated professional. He goes the extra mile and will always make himself available.
We have been working with Dave on business taxes and personal taxes for over 7 years now, him and his team make the process very simple and easy. I would highly recommend for business financial statements/taxes and also personal taxes.
SD O'Brien & Co is a thorough, efficiently-run, and genuine organization when it comes to tax consultancy services. I was pleased with the punctuality of their reporting and overall support. I look forward to working with them in the future!
We have had Dave as our accountant for many years. He has always responded to our questions promptly. We have the utmost confidence in his professionalism.
Dave was incredibly helpful and professional when he helped me with my taxes. Even when I had questions not in tax season he was always willing to hop on a call and discuss it with me!
Dave has been instrumental in helping us grow our reporting and his CFO level expertise has become a necessity in pushing growth.
I have been a client of David?s for over 15 years. Always top notch work.
Very professional and reliable. Have been using for years. Highly recommend.
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.