*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.*
742 E Chapman Ave
Orange, California 92866
Highly recommend Scott! He is a wealth of knowledge for financial planning, tax planning, and retirement planning. He talked me through setting up a new retirement account that I did not even know was an option for my family and I. Thanks Scott!
Scott and his team have been tremendous to work with. He helped me through a large business acquisition and then helped myself and my family with managing our funds. He listened to my needs and has done a great job with my investments. Scott and the staff are very communicative and easy to get a hold of. They treat you like friends and really care about the businesses and families that they work with. I would highly recommend working with them.
My family and I have been working with Scott for the past 3 ? years, first through my organization?s retirement planning and then growing the relationship to our personal finances. Scott?s approach has always been very personable, and his team takes care to first understand the individual before setting up a manageable and easy to understand financial plan. He has encouraged us to think a bit outside the box while ensuring the conventional areas are well covered. Scott and his team are friendly, very respon
Scott and the Standing Oak Advisor team are well-versed in all areas of financial/wealth management. On a quarterly basis, we meet to check in and discuss the best financial strategy which aligns with market performance (past, present and projected), my risk tolerance, and meet our mutual short/long-term goals. As a two-year client, I have and continue to be pleased with the services they provide and the overall customer experience. They are friendly, professional, patient, and very responsive to any ques
Scott and his team are knowledgeable, responsive, and personal! I was introduced to the Standing Oak Advisors by a family member who has been with them for more than five years. It is not easy to have your money managed and accessed by someone else but Scott has made me feel safe.
Scott Eichler and his team helped me through a major acquisition and strait into my investment future. He is a wealth of knowledge and kind enough to take the time to explain every strategy in a way that is easy to digest. He is kind and always there when you need him. He cares about his clients. My experience with Standing Oak has been exceptional and I would recommend them to my family, friends, everyone!
Scott and the Standing Oak Advisors team really make you feel like you are unique and not just another cookie cutter client. Everyone is different and that is how they handle your situation. They took the time to look deep into our situation and come up with the right solutions. Now, I just have to go forward and do my part. By the way, I am a repeat customer. Scott helped us with out life insurance issues about 20 years ago, so I knew who to go to for advise today. Thank you.
Standing Oak provides excellent advice and customer service. Scott and his staff all speak in "easy-to-understand" language and have delivered on their advice/plans to help my family meet our financial & retirement goals. I highly recommend them!
Scott really takes the time to get to know his clients. He is unbelievably kind and takes the time to explain every investment strategy in a way that is easy to understand. We check in quarterly and come up with a strategy based on market trends. I highly recommend Scott and his team at Standing Oak!
Scott and Matt have both been incredibly helpful and responsive to all of my questions during the process! As a new small business owner it's super helpful to have kind, prompt, knowledgable folks on your side to navigate uncharted waters! We haven't finished our financial plan yet, but I will definitely update and I'm expecting nothing but good results based on what they've shown me so far. Strongly recommend!
Scott and his staff have been fabulous with us. Their "open door policy" makes communication easy, and our questions and needs receive prompt responses. We appreciate everything they do for us!
I've had the pleasure of workings with Scott and his team for a few years now. They really go above and beyond in terms of their financial knowledge and attention to detail along with actually CARING about their clients!
Was amazed, thanks so much Scott, actually returned my call and answered questions, good dude.
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.