*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.*
6221 Paseo Alta Rico
Carlsbad, California 92009
John O'Reilly has been a lifeline for my family. As my mom dealt with selling her house, moving into an assisted living community, and my dad's passing away, John helped us navigate the complicated financial terrain of all of this. For my mom, who was not the primary earner or financial planner in the family and for whom English is a second language, he gave the great gift of peace of mind as he helped her understand her financial situation now and into her future. He is patient, clear, and kind, and has go
I feel fortunate to be working with O'Reilly Wealth Advisors. John is very knowledgeable about financial planning and he explains things clearly. He is a man of integrity and genuinely cares about his clients.
John at O'Reilly Wealth Advisors was very helpful in the transfer of our 401k plan for Carlsbad Village Pharmacy. He was always readily available when needed and has continued to keep a very open line of communication. He has also been an open and helpful financial resource for my employees.
My wife and I are fortunate to have John O'Reilly managing our investments. John advice and counsel has been excellent. He is always responsive and we receive great service and follow-though.
John at O'Reilly Wealth Advisors is always willing to answer any questions myself or my clients have about their retirement savings programs. He's done an excellent job with my clients providing them with 1:1 analysis and getting new plans set up very quickly. I would highly recommend him for any business. Thank you John!
John O'Reilly at O'Reilly Wealth Advisors has been extremely valuable to us at our Chamber. He has helped us create an affordable 401(k) plan/program that reduces our fiduciary liability and yet has great features and benefits. I highly recommend him to any business considering starting or managing a 401(k) or other retirement plan.
Mr. O'Reilly has been our Financial Advisor for 13 years now. Besides being a Fiduciary he has treated us like family, watched over our assets, been there every step of the way, an honorable man that puts his clients first. We are so very blessed to have found him to see to our financial needs. Highly recommended if you wish to have someone put "you" first.
John O'Reilly is a top notch financial advisory and professional. He helped our company set up a 401(k) exchange for our members. Great asset to our members, great options for local businesses. I highly recommend that anyone looking for a Financial Advisor for personal or business needs contact John.
I contacted Mr. O?Reilly to maybe get a little bit of advice advice regarding my financial situation. I was very happy that he absolutely honest with me that spoke in terms I could easily understand. I couldn't believe Mr. O?Reilly spent an hour and half talking to me about some ideas I had, and he gave me great advice, but did not charge me a dime. John and his company are the real deal, they are doing what they do because they really want to help people increase their wealth, not just take your money. Jo
John listens to your goals and desires and comes up with a plan to work towards that goal. He also is on top of the market fluctuations and will rebalance your investments to keep on preforming to the best possible situation to reach your goal. We would recommend O'Reilly Wealth Advisors to everyone.
If you are looking for a reliable, knowledgable, and friendly person to help you with all your financial needs then John O'Reilly is the one for you. John can help you with all aspects of financial planning and can greatly aid you in meeting your goals.
John is very available and responds quickly to our questions and requests. It is a blessing to have our investment match our Catholic values
I have enjoyed working with John. He's a great communicator and is willing to take the time to make sure I understand the financial decisions I'm making.
John O'Reilly really does care about his clients and their success. I've seen it. His business model is based on low fees and long term stability.
John is one of a very select few consultants I have worked with that I see Truly knows me and my goals. He gives me totally personalized service.
John is extremely helpful and caring. He explains everything in terms you can understand. I really appreciate all the help and time he spends with us.
Thank you, John, so much for your help! You are a Wealth of Knowledge and have given me all the confidence about my future investments with you!!! Thanks again!
I am so very lucky to have found John. He is very informative and is a man of integrity.
Very knowledgeable! John lives and breathes 401k plans.
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.