*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.*
9870 Research Dr
Irvine, California 92618
Matthew Sassani has been our financial advisor for more than 15 years. He has prepared us for Retirement, Estate Planning, Long Term Care Insurance, and Investments. He always keeps our best interests in mind. He provides us with sound advice and gives us the guidance we need in making the right decisions. He checks in with us to provide us updates and just to see how we are doing. We meet with Matthew a few times a year to review our plan. My wife and I enjoy the time we spend together and have come to con
Matthew Sassani has been our financial advisor for more than 18 years. He always keeps our best interests in mind. He provides us with sound advice and guidance while giving us the freedom make an informed decision to choose what is right for us. He checks in with us and returns our calls promptly. Over the years, our professional relationship evolved in to a perfect balance of professional and personal connection. We highly recommend Matthew to our family and friends.
Matthew has been our financial advisor for over 20 years. With his help my wife and I have had a secure and financially stable retirement. I can rest assured that Matthew is keeping abreast of developments in the market and is helping us make sound financial decisions. With the wealth of options out there, we needed someone knowledgeable and experienced. Matthew is like part of the family now and I trust that he handles our interests as such.
Matthew became our financial advisor shortly after the 2002 stock market correction. Our prior advisor was not communicating with us in a timely manner when we had pressing financial issues. We were subsequently referred to Matthew as someone who would respond to our financial questions promptly and would provide a more individualized and explanatory service for our particular needs?this has more than proven to be the case. We feel very secure in entrusting our investments with Matthew and continuing to hav
Matthew Sassani of Irvine Wealth Management has been our financial advisor for almost 20 years ever since we moved from New Jersey. We have been happy with Matthew for all the information, Support and planning he gives us on a regular basis. He looks after our retirement portfolio and is always approachable for any questions we may have. We meet with him on a yearly basis once or twice a year and we decide the future plans. He manages our Annuities and RMDs in a way that will be beneficial to us. We would r
Matthew has guided investments and retirement plans for myself and my family for over 20 years. His advice and attention to detail is second to none. We live in a time of financial uncertainty, so it's imperative to have an Advisor like Matthew to guide you through these shark-infested financial waters. He is at the top of his game and would absolutely recommend him to anyone seeking help with their investments, retirement & estate planning etc.. Ask for Mario if you would like more info.
You get lucky a time or two in life?and getting connected with Matthew was one of those times. That was about 20 years ago and I had limited assets at the time. I still remember the ?5 star? attention and interest I received from Matthew. Times have changed along with my portfolio value but, the ?5 star? investment experience has not. Particularly in these challenging times, I'm so grateful for Matthew?s two decades of advice, council and direction. As a result, I am not fearful about our uncertain futu
Trustworthy, honest, smart, dedicated, passionate about what he does: Matthew Sassani. Matthew Sassani has been my financial advisor for 20 plus years. I could not be in better hands. Nor could I be more pleased. I am confident that a new client will quickly come to the same conclusion. Jim Mittelkamp
I've been a client for over 20 years and have had a great experience working with Matthew on my retirement goals. I highly recommend his services.
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.