*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.*
1721 Westwind Dr Suite A
Bakersfield, California 93301
Premier Surgical Institute had a very pleasant experience with this group. Amanda was very helpful at sourcing all our hr needs including staff recruitment. She was professional, organized and responded to requests in a timely fashion. Highly recommend them for all your business needs!
Their logo is spot on. They helped me resuscitate my practice and turned things around for my billing and credentialing. I am indebted to their expertise and professionalism. Hands down the best and would recommend to all physicians.
I absolutely love empire management! Betsy goes above and BEYOND for her tenants. She is full of solutions and does not hesitate to step in and offer her support with any questions. She just makes everything so easy and always has the best attitude. I am one super happy tenant!
Pyramid Construction has had the pleasure of working with Empire Management Group on a couple different capacities. We worked with Property Manager and Project Manager, Betsy Roig who was easy to work with for the EMG Tenant Improvement. She was knowledgable and very responsive through out the entire project. Betsy also referred us over to one of her commercial properties for repairs after a leak. Being reliable makes working with Betsy and EMG an efficient and easy experience. I would recommend then to eve
Sandy at Empire has been an absolute GEM to work with. she is very attentive, very detail oriented, and is incredibly helpful. the knowledge for credentialing and billing far surpasses other companies i spoke with before i decided to work with them. i am so grateful for their hope, i would have NOT been able to get setup with medical panels and billing without their help.
What a great experience working with Betsy of Empire. She was very easy to work with and super fun. We had a large job to deal with and she was pleasant and very professional. I will certainly deal with Empire Management Group again because of her.
Loved the energy of the team, especially Sandy and Cheryl. They make the billing process seems too easy and engage you all the way w the initial process.
I always have a great experience with the property management group. The staff is always very professional and Betsy is great to work with. I appreciate the quality and work ethic they bring to the area.
Excellent, reliable service from billing to back office support for my practice. Efficient, honest, I cannot say enough about the quality of the services provided.
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.