*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.*
1455 Frazee Rd Suite 543
San Diego, California 92108
Working with Steven and the Next Gen Financial team is such a worthwhile investment. I found Steven years back and was drawn to his approach to financial planning and his commitment to listening to me and creating a plan that fits my goals and my lifestyle. I liked that he intended to be a lifetime resource for me, as I was under 30 at the time, and I am not good with long term financial planning beyond just saving as much money as possible. Steven helps you strategize with your money and make decisions tha
Wife and I worked with Steven and Josue for the past 5 years. They both have provided us great and easy to explain goals for us to plan for during difficult and life changing times, such as during COVID, wedding, moving states, and new family additions. Highly recommend! both have treated us well and told us in plain words what we should do, expect, and adjust.
If you want someone to guide you through a long term financial plan and actually help you understand HOW to do it, Steven is your guide. He explains things thoroughly without ever being condescending. And he asks thought provoking questions about your future to really help find the best plan for you. I've worked with a lot of financial planners over the years but never had one who felt so genuinely interested. He comes to every meeting with notes from the previous, and we review to make sure all tasks were
Steven has been an absolutely amazing Financial Planner. I definitely recommend him to anyone looking for someone with tremendous financial planning experience. He has helped guide me in making more informed financial decisions. I most appreciate his attention to detail, his professionalism, his extensive experience on a wide array of topics, and his patience. There are so many positive things to say I could go on and on!
I will never go back to fee-based financial planning. With a fee-only firm like Next Gen Financial, you pay a flat rate for their services, which means no upselling just to get your commission and no ulterior motives. I have been a client for almost 2 years and I cannot speak highly enough of Next Gen Financial. Steven is a pleasure to work with. He is personable, extremely knowledgeable and is incredibly patient when sharing complicated information. He had absolutely earned my trust. It is very clear that
I appreciate the financial and investment I got from Mike and Steven at NGFP. They were friendly, patient, and really knowledgeable. I really felt they had my best long-term interests in mind. I like that that they took a life planning approach to their recommendations and based them around how I wanted to live my life. If you're in the phase of finding a financial partner who is right for you you will do yourself a great service in setting up a meeting with them.
I have had Next Gen in charge of my investments for several years now and they are always on top of things. Steven and his crew are friendly and always get my questions answered.
I really like Mike?s thoughtful and accessible approach?tailoring information to my investment goals, knowledge, and finances. Having worked with Mike, I feel more confident in financially planning for my future. Thanks, again!
Excellent service and advice. Rafael is the best, has helped me make a plan and achieve my financial goals.
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.