*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.*
1425 River Park Dr # 100
Sacramento, California 95815
Josh and his team are great! Well organized, down to earth and extremely knowledgeable. I have worked with Josh the past 9 years and can say with confidence he has your best interests in mind and will work with you in any capacity to create a brighter and better future for you and your family!
Josh was excellent in helping me sort through my retirement financial planning. Ended up going SEP IRA to ROTH, thanks to his guidance. He's great.
Josh has been great to work with as my advisor. He?s knowledgeable, professional, and always ensures my financial goals are a priority. Highly recommend!
Josh and his team have provided my wife and I excellent service since 2018. I didn't know what to expect during our very first in person meeting. In summary: Josh was professional, knowledgeable, and most importantly not pushy. I did not feel one ounce of selling pressure from him at all. He's very personable and empathetic. He listens to understand, not just to reply. My wife and I are busy professionals as well which makes us appreciate the time we spend together. Through Josh's financial services, we bo
I am grateful that my husband and I found Josh Albert and his team. Josh has helped us with our long term and short life insurance and retirement investing. He is very knowledgeable and prepared. I personally shut down if anyone tries to hard sell me on anything and I have never felt this way when meeting with Josh. I now feel more confident about our retirement and our future.
I've been working with Josh for a while now and I can vouch for his professionalism, tact, and candor. Josh is very attentive, detail oriented, and a pleasure to work with as he is always friendly and engaging with his approach to financial advising.
I have been doing business with Josh for 5+ years and he is an awesome advisor and person!
Working with Josh has given me the mechanism to save for my first home purchase and long-term retirement. I'm thrilled with his service and would recommend him to anybody interested.
I've been very happy with Josh and his team. They are very thorough and clear and are also just nice, pleasant, and fun to work with. They have my seal of approval.
Josh was referred by a friend and he has been very helpful with getting life insurance as well starting a retirement plan.
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.