*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.*
180 S Clinton Ave #300
Rochester, New York 14604
I have been working with High Falls Advisors for the last year. I had worked with two financial advisors serious to them and I can say that the level of care, attention to detail, and communication far outweighs any other company I have worked with. I am so very impressed and grateful to Ken Burke and his team for all he has done for me. As a entrepreneur and business owner, taxes and financial planning can feel burdensome but they made is so easy and took what they could off of my plate! I HIGHLY recommend
I highly recommend High Falls Advisors! They have been such a great team to worth on a personal level and business. The support they provide is something we have looked for for many years for our growing company and personal finances. And a very down to earth team that never make feel "dumb" for asking any questions. Glad we found them!
We have been High Falls Advisors clients for the past 14+ years and have always found them to be very expert at guiding us through our financial needs as situations change through retirement. Ken Burke is very professional and works with us to understand and make decisions with confidence. We are treated with utmost respect always, we highly recommend their services.
What an amazing and most of all professional firm! I have worked with a couple of Financial advising firms through the years but never felt like I was getting what I needed. After my first conversation with Ken Burke, I already knew this was the firm for me! As a dentist we need a lot of guidance in the financial arena and I could not be any happier and at peace on how things have been going. They have exceeded my expectations! I highly recommend them to anyone that truly cares about their financial future!
High Falls Advisors offers the personalized guidance and financial advice I need as I approach retirement including tax planning, estate planning and investing. Very, very happy with their services and attention.
High Falls Advisors is a full service house. Incredibly responsive, knowledgeable and professional! I have been working with them on tax challenges, tax planning, and numerous other topics. I recommend them highly.
Excellent customer service! I use Ken and his team for my business and personal financial advice, succession planning, year end taxes, investments, and bookkeeping and I couldn?t be happier! They do what they say they are going to do and they do it well! It?s great having all of these services in one place.
Illegally access accounts through their investment partner, Fidelity Investments, to share balance and transactional history with their other clients, without any written or express consent. Further falsely advises others with the intent to cause significant financial harm against an individual whom they do not even work. I would strongly recommend that one stays away from this "advisor firm", especially with what I have personally encountered. This is now under investigation by Fidelity, the SEC and FINRA.
It is without any reservation I give High Falls Advisors gets my highest recommendation. Everyone I have interacted with is extremely professional, responsive and their advice is topnotch.
Trustworthy, professional team. We received excellent customer service and attention from each staff member at High Falls and felt cared for through the entire process.
The best communication and processes I?ve experienced with an advisor. Thanks Ken for taking the time to help get all of our financials in order and take our financial planning to the next level.
I strongly recommend High Falls. Ken Burke is extremely knowledgeable, pays attention to detail and the specific needs of his client.
My investment portfolio has done very well with High Fall Advisors. I highly recommend their financial services.
Best Advisors out there! Always looking out for the best interest of their clients! Cannot recommend them enough!
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.