*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.*
15910 Ventura Blvd #1605
Encino, California 91436
David and his colleagues at Navalign manage my employer's 401k program. They have selected the best-performing funds with the lowest costs that I have ever had in a 401k program. David has provided sound advice regarding investment strategies tailored to my personal financial situation and retirement plans. I would recommend them to anyone looking for expert financial guidance from a fiduciary advisor.
The staff at NWP have your best interest in mind. They're transparent, thorough, and thoughtful. Even a mere consultation with them is insightful. Stephen and Kevin are passionate, proactive, and genuine in their pursuits to help you. I couldn't recommend them enough!
Stephen is incredible. When I met with him on my free consultation, he spent over an hour getting to know me and learning my financial goals. He was incredibly supportive, flexible, and left me feeling really confident about my financial future. I immediately signed up with 1080 Financial. Since then, Stephen has been fantastic at following up and helping me follow through on significant financial changes. 1080 Financial makes me feel comfortable and confident in my financial future and has taken a huge bur
My wife and I have the privilege of working with the Navalign Group, planning our current and future retirement goals. Arguably, we are not their most lucrative client, however, we always feel that we are a top priority, and that our business is valued. Stephen, and his excellent team, answer any, and all our questions in a prompt, courteous, and knowledgeable manner. Their advice is sound, relevant, and tailored to our specific needs. We did extensive research seeking an investment firm; our due dilige
Stephen has truly been a pleasure to work with. He is very thorough in explaining our investment opportunities in a way that is easy to understand. Stephen is always very responsive and I appreciate how he takes time to talk through all options. The online portal is also awesome, it has a clean dashboard and has been a great resource for us. I love seeing our finances all in one place. Would highly recommend Stephen!
Stephen was so helpful and informative about my ESOP rollover. He was genuine about wanting what is best for my individual situation and offered wonderful advice. He was able to break down the differences and pros and cons of each type of retirement plan and gave me some suggestions for where to start my financial investing journey. After our phone call he sent me a follow-up email listing several resources that I am excited to utilize. Thank you so much for your time and advice Stephen!
Financial Planning 101- Super Nice & Relatable! I'm so happy I started with Stephen when I did. I've got a visual plan for my finances and it's looking good! I never would have imagined that I'd be planning for my retirement when I was 25 but the smallest contribution will make a huge difference 30 years down the line. Tony Robbins says start with whatever you can. Stephen is relatable, trustworthy and wants the best for you. He breaks everything down so it's easy to understand what you're doing and why you
Stephen Rischall at 1080 Financial Group is our financial guru. We think he is the best fiduciary financial advisor in Los Angeles. His knowledge of the market is right on, and we feel confident having him guide us with our retirement planning and investments.
I was in a situation with my 401K so I googled certain criteria and Stephen's name populated and after reading his Bio I reached out to him via email and that same day he responded to my question. He took his time and answered my concerns as well as read the plan documents for the plan and gave really great advice without hesitation. It is very obvious that he is in this for the right reasons and I will look at utilizing him and his company in the near future.
One of the best financial planners in Los Angeles by far. His ability to connect with each client is uncanny and really think his ability to create a clear, big picture, realistic plan for each client is something that is so rare in this business. Give him a call, he's great.
My search to find a Fiduciary Financial Advisor(s) ended up being way more challenging and elusive than I would thought. I started by asking for referrals from my social network of family, friends, colleagues. Much to my surprise several were in the same "boat" as me. That is, either searching and not finding what they were seeking, or they had an existing relationship with a financial firm/representative yet it wasn't meeting their needs and expectation, and I don't mean strictly in respect to the financia
I use 1080 Financial and Stephen as my financial planner, our offices are next to his in Sherman Oaks and he makes himself available for meetings regularly. But most important his advice has saved me on my taxes.
My spouse and I love 1080 Financial, they've done so much to help us save more for retirement and have given us great business advice too. They're the best financial advisor, THANK YOU!
Stephen is always professional and does a great job of explaining personal finance and investing in a way that makes sense!
Hands down the best fiduciary financial planner in Los Angeles. It's great working with them and I highly recommend Navalign.
Incredibly knowledgeable, great service, and easy to navigate site and app! There is no one better
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.