*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.*
612 N Beaver St
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
Stephens & Company is an outstanding CPA firm. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Debbie McKee for the past year. I was a new user to QuickBooks and had quite a backlog of work to complete for my employer. Debbie went above and beyond to help me get up to speed on QuickBooks. What was truly exceptional about Debbie's customer service, is she reconciled three years of accounting information so we could get caught up more quickly. Without Debbie's help we would not have completed the tremendous a
We have been working with Kevin Stephens, Paul Fox and Ashleigh Norton at Stephens & Company, PLLC for nearly 8 years and could not be more satisfied! They not only handle our individual and business taxes, they also manage bookkeeping and payroll for our mental health private practice. Being accounting/finance-illiterate, we needed all the help in the world. Stephens & Company quickly proved we could let them lead in order to utilize our energy and skills to meet client needs and feel confident in our busi
Working with Kevin and his team has been an absolute joy. Nothing is fun about taxes, but he makes the process enjoyable and easy. He is extremely knowledgeable and thorough and works in the best interest of his clients. After my father passed away, I was overwhelmed by the complexity of managing his settled estate during tax season, and Kevin jumped right in and took care of everything I needed! I would highly recommend Stephens & Company to anyone looking for a new tax preparer or accountant!
I highly recommend Paul and Stephens & Company, PLLC for anyone in need of reliable accounting support, especially small business owners. Their expertise has been invaluable in helping manage the financial side of my drywall business here in Flagstaff. They are professional, detail-oriented, and always available for advice or guidance. Working with them has made a significant difference in keeping my business running smoothly and efficiently.
Truly Impressed ? Highly Recommend Paul and His Team at Stephens and Company LLP I just want to take a moment to share how incredibly grateful I am for the amazing service we?ve received from Stephens and Company LLP. Our company, Body Bliss, has been working with Paul and his team for over seven years now, and I can honestly say they?ve been nothing short of outstanding. From the very beginning, they?ve made everything feel clear, organized, and manageable?even during the most complex financial moments.
Stephens & Company was wonderful to work with on my taxes. Their system made it easy to upload documents, and the initial questionnaire was not overwhelming nor complicated. Answering the questions and compiling the needed documentation was easy and doable. They were very thorough and explained all the details to me about the various returns and some complications specific to my situation. I highly recommend this CPA firm!
Paul Fox and the team at Stephens & Company are great to work with. They are responsive to questions throughout the year and are quick with completing tax returns. They are creative with solutions for different client needs. Highly recommend.
I usually file my taxes independently but this year I had a circumstance that I wasn?t sure how to navigate, so I sought Kevin and his services. I?m so impressed with how quickly he was able to complete my taxes. I would absolutely recommend his services and would be willing to use them again in the future.
I was initially impressed with this firm after interviewing with them for my business needs. Over the course of nearly two years, I juggled the decisions of needing a tax professional, as my company's needs a were dealing with a slow period and finances were tight. I advised Kevin and his associate back in 2023 that due to unforseen circumstances, I needed to cancel my follow up visit with their firm. Then, in 2025, I reached back out because our business was increasing and we were finally at a point where
Paul and his team at Stephens & Company have been great to work with. As a contractor, it is important to have someone that is reliable and understands the business.
My Wife and I had an extremely enjoyable conversation with Kevin Stephens. This was for tax situations in 2025. Very knowledgeable and we will be setting up a meeting with him in May.
I appreciate the time Kevin, Jeff and Makayla took to assist me with a family member's estate taxes. They were very patient with my questions and provided me with options to move forward with our accounting needs.
These CPAs are completely reliable and have been immediately responsive to my inquiries. I recommend them without reservations.
Great firm with knowledgeable & kind staff. Everyone I have interacted with at this firm was capable and excellent at communicating.
Love this office! They have done our taxes for years and they are the best!
Kevin Stephens is an excellent accountant with a great team to assist in your tax or payroll needs. I have been with this firm for many years and I will always be a customer. Thanks Kev!!
This company was a referral from a Dave Ramsey ELP. Originally took weeks to schedule which is fine, then when I did get Kevin on the phone he stated he would charge me $200 for a consultation. I am looking for someone to not only do my taxes but help plan for taxes in the future so I agreed. But when we got closer to the date he had to reschedule the time and I agreed. At 7:36 the day of the appointment scheduled for 10am I emailed informing I was unable to make the appointment. I received no response and
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.