*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.*
2999 Douglas Blvd STE 180
Roseville, California 95661
Christian has been our financial advisor for a number of years now, and we are very pleased with him and his staff support! He understands our long and short term goals with our investment monies. He explains (so we fully understand) the various options/strategies to achieve what we want and the best course of action. The portfolio reviews, and the newsletters with financial updates are greatly appreciated. Christian always keeps us in the know. He and his staff are very personable and a pleasure to do busi
Christian has provided our family with expert portfolio advisement for well over 15 years. His sound execution of our investments has afforded us the opportunity to live comfortably in our retirement. His explanations of investment options are easy to understand and often includes multiple options to choose from. He is always available to answer any questions and gets back to you promptly. We have and will continue to recommend Christian to our friends and family with no hesitation.
Christian has been my portfolio advisor for several years now. He is very professional, straightforward, and explains the ins and outs of financial investments in a way that's relatable and easy to understand. He listens well; I always feel comfortable asking for clarification or more information and I can openly discuss any concerns. And he accommodates my ever changing schedule. I think he is also caring, genuine, and trustworthy. I highly recommend him!
Christian has been a great help with my investments and retirement plan. He advised me with no risk, high return annuities and funds as well as a diversity of other investments. He is a pleasure to work with as he does his research and easy to deal with. I have known him for years and I recommend him to assist you with your finances.
Christian Ortez has been our financial advisor for several years. He's extremely knowledgeable and is able to explain in layman terms everything to us about our financial plan. As importantly, he is a very caring person who genuinely cares deeply about giving us the best financial advice possible. I highly recommend him. - Tonya O
The annuity Christian recommended in October '23 has shown good results so far. I just started another one with a retirement account I transferred from my former employer. I am comfortable with the security it provides and excited about the potential growth. I am confident Christian took the time to find and research the best investment options for me as I am approaching retirement in a couple years.
Christian Ortez is an absolutely wonderful wealth manager, and I have been working with him for years. He assisted me with properly setting up my retirements accounts, has kept me on track, and has never steered me wrong. He has navigated me through several job 401K changes, and also helped navigate me through the death of my mother in 2016 (and all of the financials that went along with that). The trust & friendship that has been built is what keep me with him. If I could give him more than 5 stars, I woul
Christian has been an amazing partner of mine for over 10 years helping me navigate the best strategies of building wealth as an early-in-career young adult onwards. He is always listening to what my goals, ideas, and concerns are and helps me map out the plan for how to best accomplish long term success. Over the years, his guidance has helped me buy my first house, additional investment properties, strategize stock and portfolio positions to fit my goals, and continue to prepare me for retirement. Christ
I have had the pleasure of working with Christian for the past 8+ years, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service and support he has provided. Christian's in-depth knowledge of the market and understanding of my financial goals have been instrumental in my peace of mind, especially during the last few years. I highly recommend Christian to anyone seeking not just a financial advisor but a trustworthy partner in their journey toward financial success. Thank you Christian!
Christian has been my financial advisor for many years. He has helped me with a couple 401k rollovers and helped me growth my savings. He is very thorough to work with, easy to understand and has great follow through.
We've been working with Christian and his team for more than 15 years. Christian worked with us to develop a socially-responsible and fossil-free investment strategy for us while also ensuring good portfolio performance. It's been great to be able to invest responsibly and do well financially at the same time.
I have been with Christain Ortez for 2 decades. He is hard worker and a persure to work with. Alreadys ready to help anytime I need him expain what is going with my account. Sometimes more than once. He understand how I think and works with me.
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.