*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.*
1096 Calimesa Blvd Suite 215
Calimesa, California 92320
I was very dumb with money when I was old enough to get credit cards. I made poor decisions with the mentality that I would ?pay it back later?. When later came, I had ruined my credit. Now that I'm more mature and trying to have a home of my own, I realize the importance of good credit. Elite Financial was able to help me out of the hole I dug myself in. I am forever grateful for their services. I couldn't have gotten back on my feet without them. Thank you so much for everything!!
Elite Financial was the best decision for me and my family. I was looking for a company that would actually provide results and Elite did that for me. Mike was extremely professional, hard-working and gave me the peace of mind that my credit was being worked on so that I can re-fi my home. They were also very flexible when it came to terminating my contract.They understood that my priority was to improve my credit and refinance my home and then come back to Elite when I was able to. No hard sells and no com
Hello, I'm Michael Ayala with Elite Financial. I am the Lead Sales Executive of the company and I help people throughout the nation get their lives back on track through credit repair and building credit wealth. I make Credit understandable and easy. I love to educate those looking to build Credit wealth and to advance their financial situations by the implementation of Healthy financial habits and offering a new perspective on Credit and it's importance. My knowlege, personality, and strong connections
After my husband and I got married, we reached out to Elite Financial to help us with our credit. After speaking and meeting with Cesar and Danielle Marrufo, we decided to sign up and allow them to help us out. After just a few short months we have already seen a drastic change for the better in our credit scores. The Elite Financial team has kept in contact with us via phone, text or email throughout this process and have been very helpful with understanding the details along the way. They are also very un
Had a great conversation with Credit Coach Mike today about how he can help me and my husband can get our credit restored and healthy again. Credit Coach Mike was very helpful, informative and laid out the entire plan of how he can help us which made us feel very comfortable. I have a lot confidence that things will get done and I'm looking forward to working with Elite Financial and eventually buying our dream home. Thank you Credit Coach Mike!
The staff at Elite Financial was professional and personable. They handled all my problems with speed and efficiency. It was well worth it to do business with Elite Financial. I would gladly recommend this company to all my friends. No one does it better than Elite Financial.
I had made some bad choices with credit cards at 18 years old. I am now at the age where I need help as I need to buy a house. I called around and elite made me feel the most comfortable. I paid hundreds and hundreds of dollars to get absolutely no where. No resolution at all. I would be told all these amazing scenarios which none happened. I ended up settling all my debt myself which was what I was told I should do. Overall my score has went down 50 points since dealing with this company.
Mike is awesome. He is quick, thorough, very detailed and I learned a lot from him in regards to my credit. All the staff at Elite Financial is super friendly! The organization in their office is an A+++++...
Cesar Marrufo is absolutely brilliant when it comes to everything credit related. He's got the answers and solutions to easy questions, hard questions, and everything in between. He is experienced in his industry and in life. He knows the sort of credit debt and problems the average American gets themselves into. He just gets it. Stand up guy. Great company. Highly recommended for all credit related questions.
Truly the Elites!... Quickly met with excellent hospitality from Credit coach Mike Ayala and got straight to business. Ceaser and Danielle have done a great job developing the perfect team and environment that sets you up for success. Truly a people helping people company that focuses on the indivitual and your situation rather then trying to fit u in a mold. YOU WONT FIND A MORE TRANSPARENT TEAM! EVERYTHING is layed out and explained in front of you i guarentee you will leave satisfied, informed, and conf
Asked them to address 3 old accounts ( unsuccessfully ), they wound up placing a fraud alert on my credit files and "forgot to tell me". When I went to apply for credit I was repeatedly denied resulting in a lot of credit pulls. In short I started with a 675 mid score and ended up with a 647 mid score and paying a higher interest rate an a new vehicle than I would have if I had never heard of Elite Financial. Take your business somewhere that has reviews written by actual customers.
So let me start off by saying (as weird as it may sound) im beyond excited to be working with this company and in more specific with Mike Ayala. Im eager to repair "MY LIFE" cause this is basically what i feel this team will help me do! Im excited for what my future holds because i know im in the greatest of hands ?? Mike you the man! & never the less big shout out to my dad for setting me up with elite financial!
elite financial can't explain how happy it makes me to know my family is in a better position Michael Ayala is very passionate about his job and the people he helps defenatly a key member of the team Definitely recommend
We have worked with Elite Financial LLC and have had positive results. Cesar and Danielle are hard working people of integrity and I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Michael Ayala was very helpful and informative when discussing how to help better my financial situation. He was very friendly and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend him and this company. Thanks.
This company has done a tremendous job with my families credit and they communicated really well. I felt extremely supported and taken care of. They improved my way of looking at credit!
I would recommend this company for anyone who needs help with any service they offer! They do a great job on helping you with your needs and being super affordable! Cesar did not let me down!
Thank you Mike you were very helpful and having me understand how to credit words and how you guys are going to fix my credit I am very pleased and I am so happy you made me understand everything and I recommend everybody to go to you I am very very pleased thank you Mike
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.