*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.*
21250 Hawthorne Blvd Suite 500
Torrance, California 90503
Angela has helped me so much in financial matters! It is an area that I have consistently lacked knowledge of and struggled in. I needed to find a financial planner that I could thoroughly trust. I found that trustworthy, kind, hardworking individual in Angela. As a woman I have many life components that I am balancing, and with the assistance of Dorsey Wealth Management, I no longer worry about my financial decisions. I now have piece of mind that my financial details are being attended to by a financial p
My husband and I had been discussing the need to find a financial advisor to plan for retirement, but we kept procrastinating. After unexpectedly facing a life-changing situation, I reached out to Angela Dorsey in 2015. It was imperative that we quickly understand our future financial situation and how to ensure we didn't derail our retirement goals and ability to cover college tuition for our daughter. After meeting Angela, I found her extremely professional and knowledgeable. She took the time to really
After I turned 55 years old, I realized I needed to start planning for my retirement and decided to seek the help of a financial advisor. On my quest to find a financial planner, I received names and numbers for approximately eight different planners, all referrals from friends, neighbors, and coworkers. One of those referrals was from a good female friend and coworker. She told me how wonderful it was to work with Angela Dorsey, whom she'd previously worked with. Out of all the referrals, Angela was the on
A few years ago I began thinking about partnering with a financial advisor to help plan my retirement and then started interviewing potential companies last year. I liked Angela?s organized, step-by-step process which is geared toward a women?s unique needs. Other companies seemed to focus on the investments needed for retirement; Angela drew the entire financial planning picture. She gave me the confidence to nail down a retirement date and helped me prepare for it. I've given Angela?s name to a few frie
I am recently widowed and had to redo all my finances. I wanted to find a financial advisor that was knowledgeable, trustworthy and could explain things to me that I could easily understand. I'm new to this and didn't want to feel rushed or anxious. Every time I have a question, Angela is always available to answer anything I have concerns about in a very timely manner. It gives me so much peace of mind that she has my back and I appreciate her so much!
I was faced with a totally unexpected health situation ten years before I was even considering retirement. I started saving in my early 20?s and signed up for all the bells and whistles of 401ks, disability and long-term care plans, things you can't even imagine seeing in your future. After several employer changes over the decades, and realizing I had stuff all over the place, I began to worry about how I am going to figure this all out and manage my health concerns at the same time. I had reached out to
It is so wonderful to have Angela Dorsey as my financial planner. I have been her client for more than five years, and with her council and investing, I have exceeded my financial goals and expectations. I would give her more stars if I could. It is wildly helpful to have a trusted unbiased professional on your side when it comes to finances.
Angela was very patient, thoughtful and listened carefully to my goals. She provided the advice I needed with detail and care. I highly recommend her.
We highly recommend Angela, she has made us feel confident that we will be able to retire in the manner that we always hoped to.
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.