*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.*
1900 S Norfolk St #350
San Mateo, California 94404
Brian Wachs, who was my intermediary, was wonderful in guiding me through the sale of my book of business. His expertise and knowledge was exceptional that helped me not only through the sale, but his guidance and judgement help me to deal with certain situations. I really appreciate him, and his knowledge that he brought to the table.
My firm had the good fortune of having Ken Berry of Pro Horizons represent us in the sale of our tax practice. Ken brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the process. And best of all, he produced a great result. Definitely five stars.
Pro Horizons sold my practice for me and I was very happy with the process and the results. My practice was previously listed with another brokerage firm for about a year, there was no personal attention or communication; I felt like they posted it on their website and just waited for someone to call. Ken, from Pro Horizons, was much more proactive and communicated with me regularly from the time the practice was listed all of the way through the closing of the sale. Within about 10 months, we had a full p
My experience with Pro Horizons was excellent! I worked with Ken Berry and he provided guidance, information, support, and was a true professional. I still check in with him from time to time but when I was preparing to sell my business he was there through everything. His communication skills are exceptional. His familiarity with my line of work made a huge difference and he worked to make sure my deal was more than competitive. I never regretted choosing Ken or Pro Horizons as my broker. If you are looki
Ken made the entire process run smoothly and I am quite pleased with the results. I would recommend Ken and Pro Horizons to any CPA wishing to sell.
My experience with Pro Horizons has been great and excellent. Ken Berry is very knowledgeable and a great resource to have when it comes to buying/selling an accounting/ tax firm. Ken is very timely and knows the process and provide a great assistance when it comes to a transaction. More importantly, he is very ethical and professional and provide support with analyzing the information and provide guidance in helping you to make a wise decision in buying or selling. I highly recommend Ken and his compan
Ken Berry with Pro Horizons was amazing! I had a very unique practice sale and Ken did an amazing job finding the right person for me. I felt like he went above and beyond to make sure that I was getting the best deal and was available whenever I needed him to answer questions and explain things thoroughly. I would not hesitate to use him again.
I previously listed my practice with another broker, who did virtually nothing to market my practice. After talking with Ken at ProHorizons, I listed with him. Ken provided excellent communication, and brought me two offers within a reasonable time frame. I sold to one of them. In all, I had a great experience working with ProHorizons and would highly recommend them.
It's a pleasure to recommend Ken and his company to anyone who is in need of a broker to sell their CPA firm. Ken is very knowledgeable about the process and brings his expertise to your transaction every time. He also goes above and beyond just listing and then standing back; he's hands-on and helps both you and the potential buyer to understand the process and to conclude a successful transaction. We couldn't have done it without Ken. Jerry
Ken Berry provided excellent service in the selling of our tax prep business. He identified potential buyers, discussed them with us, made the contacts and, eventually, facilitated a sale that exactly fulfilled our requirements.
?I cannot overstate how pleased I am with the job Ken Berry and ProHorizons did on my behalf. Throughout Ken was very accessible and responsive to my every need and even helped walk me back from some emotional moments that would have been challenging to navigate alone. Ken did all the work in finding and screening buyers, working with the buyer and bank financing, negotiating the core terms of the sale, helping the buyer structure due diligence review, providing templates for offers and final contracts, and
Ken was easy to work with, found us a great buyer and helped the negotiations through until the deal was done to a win win situation. I would recommend him highly to anyone.
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.