*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.*
600 Stewart St #1220
Seattle, Washington 98101
I reached out to Brett Handy when I lost my job in April. He got back to me pretty quick, but the circumstances were not quite right for my needs. Not long after that he came back to me with a better offer from the same company. I was hired and started within a week. It was a perfect fit! Within a month, this company wanted to hire me on permanent. I would not have found this company on my own, so the fact that Brett went out of his way to make everyone happy speaks volumes. Everything from day one was a s
Matrix helped me find my last two jobs. I worked with Erik both times and would highly recommend him. He is very responsive, transparent about the process, and honest about what roles would (and wouldn't) be a good fit. He kept me informed throughout the process (which ended up being a long and winding path, during the coronavirus downturn). And he's also connected me to his colleagues at Matrix that specialize in providing contract / temp help, as I've needed it in my new role. Whether you're looking for a
I have worked with Matrix for 2.5 years and two contracts. I am very impressed with the company. If I ever had any issues or concerns then Emma, my recruiter, and Maribeth, who supports in many issues including payroll, would be able to quickly resolve the problem. Over the last couple of months they have went above and beyond. I was working on a contract that was supposed to go through the middle of July, but I had a major urgent medical condition that took me out for originally 6 weeks but then exten
Bret is the most professional and efficient expert in this industry. He helped me find several great opportunities within a week! He took care of the hard part of job searching and made the whole procedure so easy. He is simply the best. If you ever worked with Bret, you would know why Matrix is the fastest growing company, since they have the great expert like Bret.
Working with Matrix Finance and Accounting has been an awesome experience. An old coworker sent me Scott's contact information, and that very same day he called, asked me what I was looking for, and started searching for new positions. Scott has responded diligently to every email I've sent, helped clean up my resume, and offered me professional advice whenever I've asked for it. I would 100% recommend Matrix Finance and Accounting.
I have worked with Ariel Janikowski for four years now. Before when she was at another agency and now that she's at Matrix. I sought her out specifically because I was impressed from a candidate's perspective as well as an employer's perspective. I can trust Ariel to send me great candidates. I trust her advice and judgment with regard to the job market and going rates for a variety of positions. Additionally, she is always responsive to her clients and her candidates. It's hard to find that level of consis
I highly recommend. Bret was very responsive, diligent, and really listened to what I was looking for in my next employer. He paired me up with great opportunities, in which I was able to land just the perfect role. The process was dare I say fun, as he is very personable and upbeat without losing any professionalism.
Since moving to the PNW, Erik Johnson has gone out of his way to find the right job for my skill set. Though it took longer than we both expected, he was on top of vying for my value whenever presenting me to prospective employers. He was very responsive and honest during the entire process and was able to help me find a job in my dream industry. Would highly recommend!
Over my career as I work to fix or strengthen finance departments I have had an opportunity to fill many temp-hire and direct hire positions through Matrix with the help of Emma, Elbe, Bret, Erik as well as others. They all share the same work ethic and bond with both their candidates and their clients to find the right match that works. I highly recommend Matrix Finance and Accounting LLC for your staffing needs.
From a candidate perspective, Scott at Matrix provided the ideal candidate experience. He's the best at following up or communicating changes/status updates. My hiring process lasted over two months and I always knew what was happening. No one could have done better than Scott in terms of staying connected with a candidate. Without hesitation, I'd give him five stars.
Maribeth Ong from Matrix is amazing. She will go over and beyond to help you with any issues that you have. You can count on Maribeth with any questions or concerns. She works hard and she will always make sure you know what is going on with any assignments and your time card issues. I was getting garnished and Maribeth was able to gather all the documents I needed to submit to my lawyer to stop the garnishment. Maribeth is reliable and just an amazing person I'm happy that's she's with Matrix. I know I can
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Bret as my firm was searching for a full-charge bookkeeper. Bret's team was professional and highly responsive. They took extra time to listen to our needs and understand how important the personality fit was for team as well as the technical fit. I would highly recommend him and his team to anyone!
Seriously the best experience I have ever been through in job searching. Bret Handy made the entire experience stress and worry free and was available always with any questions or concerns. I highly recommend Matrix do help search the right for employment for you. I had two interviews and got hired. Thank you Bret!!
Erik Johnson at Matrix Finance and Accounting is an exceptional resource and fantastic job locator. I was looking to move to PNW from the Midwest and Erik was able to set me up with interviews that fit both my skill set and my career desires within a few weeks. Highly recommended.
I've had the honor to work with Scott Mertens at Matrix Finance and my experience has been delightful. He is very professional, detail-oriented, responsive, kind and helpful. I really appreciate all the feedback and prompt responses from the beginning of the process to the end. Keep up the good work!
Working with Kelsi as a recruiter at Matrix Finance and Accounting made the experience of finding a new role easy and painless. She asks all the right questions and was able to recommend positions that matched my interests and abilities. With her positive encouragement and thorough coaching, I walked into every interview feeling confident and prepared and ended finding a role at a great company! Kelsi is an extremely professional, knowledgeable and personable individual, and anyone looking for work in the f
Bret is my go-to for contract hires in Accounting and Finance. His team is reliable, easy to work with and always find the best talent in the market. Bret listens to what I'm looking for and always presents a variety of well qualified candidates for my team to interview.
I was laid off earlier in the year due to the coronavirus and was out of work for about 6 months. I was looking for jobs on my own and probably applied to about 60 of them and couldn?t even land one interview as I am only one year into my accounting career. By the grace of God Aimee Bach reached out to me, we talked about my experience and what I am looking for and she told me about some jobs she had available, she updated and submitted my resume and BOOM I GOT A JOB DURING THE CORONAVIRUS!!! I am so happy
Erik Johnson at Matrix was fantastic. He was quick to reach out to me with opportunities and had me set up in interviews right away. He was friendly and always available to answer any questions I had. Thanks, Erik!
Working with Scott has been excellent. He has gotten to know our company well, and provides quality candidates that will fit technically as well as culturally. He does not provide candidates hoping they may fit, but rather recommends them knowing already that they will.
Matrix Finance placed me in a key role with major company. The experience greatly helped my accounting career. I later used Matrix Finance for help in recruiting a staff member to our accounting team. I highly recommend Matrix Finance to help with your staffing needs.
I had the pleasure of working with Elbe. He was professional and responsive and found us a great candidate for a high level role. I would definitely use their services again.
Aimee from Matrix reaches out to me at exactly the right moment in my career. Presented me with an opportunity that has worked out very well. Smooth and quick process. Thanks!
Customer Service is terrible!! I reached them to hire their recruiting service to polish my CV and career experience in order to fit in the Financial Industry. However, their response were absolutely unprofessional.
Matrix has been very helpful and supportive on my journey.
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.