*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.*
1777 Hamilton Ave #1000
San Jose, California 95125
Mark is a great Coach, he has helped me in my personal life and my business life, he has some great tools and wonderful knowledge. I have referred him to others, and found him to be a wonderful Life Coach with a breadth of experience, along with being very caring and understanding.
I loved working with Mark. He was the perfect accountability partner for me to achieve my goals! Love his patience and caring attitude. Thank you, Mark for your wonderful care! I also love that you share your network of professionals to help me achieve my goals!!! Thank you for helping my son, Marcus, with his resume! With your guidance, I know he will get a job soon!!
Mark partners with clients to put dreams into action with practical assessments, tools, and frameworks. His clients build invaluable skills to achieve their goals for a lifetime.
I've enjoyed my business coaching sessions with Mark. He is a good listener and also documents in writing my goals and action steps to get there, and then reviews them and the progress towards those goals the next session. He even developed a spreadsheet for me to help make projections from a numbers standpoint which helped me visualize and get excited about my goals and taking actionable steps towards achieving them. Thank you Mark for your coaching and support!
It has been a great experience working with Mark through goal planning and career coaching. He has provided me with tools and support to develop and achieve short-term goals. Our meetings have helped keep me accountable and Mark always ensures to discuss any priority items and action items.? Each session has always been positive and uplifting.
I engaged Mark when I took a slight turn from my legal work to some creative work - soapmaking! Mark helped me set some realistic goals through several coaching appointments and I achieved great success with his help. I appreciate his approach and experience with coaching. I highly recommend Mark. Thank you!
I enjoyed working with Mark to help me organize my thoughts and set goals for the next part of my life. I had ideas...but Mark helped me to put them into actual measurable goals and priorities. Made it so easy to think about what I'm doing and where to say "no!"
Mark was my student at Life Purpose Institute. He is knowledge, on-point, and able to help his clients get from where they are to where they want to go. His clients will be in good hands with his skills and services.
Mark is a motivated person who's always looking to help people and do the right thing. He's aligned himself with a great group of professionals to help him take care of people. You should get to know Mark !!
I have been working with Mark personally for about a year now and have gained so much from it. Not only is he an expert in his field, but I've also gained a friend. I would recommend Patrosso to anyone looking for life coaching and planning.
He did a great job! Very thorough! Highly recommend!
I worked with Patrosso & Associates on defining and detailing my short-term goals. The experience was positive, my goals were well articulated and achievable. My achievements were tracked through bi-weekly accountability meetings.
Mark is very knowledgeable and patient.
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.