*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.*
11512 El Camino Real #350
San Diego, California 92130
I have been trusting Pacific Wealth Management with my portfolio for over 40 years. They are a wonderful group of professional, knowledgeable and experienced advisors! Highly recommend them!
Justin and Isaac and the PWM team are professional, efficient, kind and immensely helpful! I value them as an important resource?a combination of both pragmatic assistance and knowledge AND emotional sturdying in the complicated realm of money.
I appreciate Jim, Justin, Mike and Melody for helping me with my retirement account. They are professional, courteous, knowledgeable and very helpful. I highly recommend the Pacific Wealth Management team
With over 15 years experience with this great team, I am proud to pass along a glowing recommendation. Through life's high and lows and interest rate swings, PWM has provided guidance and care and have given my family an overwhelming sense of security that we are in good hands. As a retired banker who no longer wanted the responsibility of tracking these crazy markets, I have confidence in the strategy they employ. Our golden years are filled with hope and confidence with this team at the helm.
Pacific Wealth Management is an excellent financial advisory firm. My wife and I have really enjoyed working with Jim, Justin and their team over the past 3+ years. We sought their advice during the last few years prior to our retirement when we decided to move our account away from one of the larger wealth management firms. We found them to be knowledgeable, responsive, creative and strategic. We like that the size of the firm allows us to work directly with its senior members. Despite the volatility in th
We've been working with Pac Wealth of San Diego for over 25 years. Pac Wealth, it's leadership management team including Jim & Justin Kuntz and the rest of the company has been top-notch in all aspects of our wealth management efforts. From proper investment strategies to tax mitigation efforts, Pac Wealth has made good things happen for us. The customer service responsiveness, thoroughness in research and wonderful rapport have made all our interactions not only highly productive but thoroughly enjoyable
Pacific Wealth is a great financial advisory firm. I have really enjoyed working with Jim, Justin and the rest of the Pacific Wealth team. They are very experienced, knowledgeable and responsive. Most importantly my portfolio has done better working with Pacific Wealth than any other Financial Advisory Firm that I have used in my 30+ years of investing.
We've worked with Pacific Wealth Management for a number of years. They have consistently provided high quality insight and guidance, and this has served our portfolio very well. They're very pleasant to work with and have provided excellent financial advice related to various life events and situations over time. We recommend Pacific Wealth Management without hesitation!
Pacific Wealth Management?s expert team of professionals are some of the best, anywhere. As our family has grown and moved seven times around the country, we have continued to rely on their professional guidance, built on a foundation of experience, research and resourcefulness. They embrace their responsibilities seriously, understand our financial objectives and always act in our best interest. We appreciate their disciplined financial planning oriented approach that they are taking to help us retire with
Justin, Jim and the excellent team at PWM listened to our financial goals, determined our risk profile and then proposed a commensurate investment strategy for our long term needs. My wife and I have been with them for over 5 years and we trust their management of our hard earned nest egg, which has grown significantly. We meet with them quarterly for formal updates, but they always answer the phone for any immediate discussions too. They are a true Fiduciary team: Looking after our needs 1st.
The team at Pacific Wealth Management provides wonderful financial guidance. They make all recommendations based on what's in their clients' best interests. Thank you for all your help Margie and the entire PWM team!
I recently went through a wide search to find a financial advisor for my wife and I. After looking at many advisors we chose PWM for the following reasons: 1. They showed us a thorough plan for the next 40 years 2. They listened carefully to our needs and build their plan around our needs 3. Their investment plan took current market conditions and risks in to account. 4. They were cognizant of our tax situation. 5. Their offerings and network of experts have been able to help us with our holistic financial
I highly recommend Pacific Wealth Management and specifically Margie Smith. Margie is truly one of the best people I know- smart, dedicated, thoughtful- and always puts her clients' interest first.
Our second quarterly review went very well with the team answering all my questions. Extremely helpful and professional people.
Margie Smith is the best. She is smart and compassionate, traits uniquely found in the some of the best people I know. Margie is one of them.
The worst of the worst - these guys repeatedly cold call everyone at my place of employment despite being told to stop. They are probably a failing business on top of being spammers. Avoid.
Great place to invest
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.