*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.*
24028 Ristras Ln
Murrieta, California 92562
I hired Stephanie Peterson to help organize the financial side of my real estate business, and I couldn?t be more pleased with her work. After years of handling things on my own, I finally decided to bring in a professional, and Stephanie has been the perfect choice. Her expertise, knowledge, and communication have been invaluable throughout the process. She?s meticulous, efficient, and has made bookkeeping feel effortless. Thanks to her, my finances are more organized than ever. I highly recommend Stephani
I had a fantastic experience working with Stephanie on my personal taxes this year. She was incredibly thorough, knowledgeable, and efficient throughout the entire process. Stephanie took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all my questions with patience, and made sure I was getting the best possible outcome. Her attention to detail and professionalism gave me complete confidence in her work. I truly appreciate her expertise and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable and sk
I found Stephanie when I started my small business and she is an amazing partner for me while my business grows. It has been so nice to have her expert guidance before major decisions and fantastic how she can support all financial aspects of business, from accounting and bookkeeping to taxes - both biz and personal. Her advice is invaluable! Thank you Stephanie <3
I can?t recommend Stephanie highly enough! As a small business owner in the drywall industry, keeping up with the books was always a challenge, until I started working with her. She took the time to understand the specific needs of my business and handled everything with professionalism, accuracy, and efficiency. Her attention to detail and clear communication made a huge difference in my peace of mind. Tax season was stress-free for the first time in years, and I always felt confident knowing my financial
Stephanie was absolutely amazing! I was looking for someone to help with my business taxes, and she exceeded all expectations. She was incredibly helpful, answered all my questions, and took the time to explain everything clearly so my wife and I could easily understand. I highly recommend her!
Stephanie is great! She has been doing our company books for over 3 years. Her attention to detail is top notch!! I highly recommend Stephanie for your bookkeeping needs.
Stephanie is the best! She has helped my small business and my personal finances over the past few months. Stephanie is dependable, responsive, and knowledgable. I'm so glad we found her to help us with our business bookkeeping, taxes, personal taxes, and consulting.
Stephanie was my accountant and office manager for many years before I sold my business. She is well-educated, trustworthy, and very organized. Her worth ethic is remarkable and I could always depend on her getting things done efficiently. I would highly recommend her accounting services, as I find her to be a significant asset!
We've been working with Stephanie for a couple years now and since day one she continues make our lives so much easier.! As a small business owner it's in our nature to try and do everything ourselves, so I was reluctant to hand off something so important. But from our first call, Stephanie's knowledge in this field made it apparent that not only I should be handing this off to a professional, but that she was someone I could trust to do a great job. Stephanie has always been patient with us through our ver
Stephanie was a pleasure to work with! She was very responsive and knowledgeable with Quickbooks software. She was able to fix our issue quickly and help walk me through what I was doing wrong. I would highly recommend Stephanie and I plan to use her again for my bookkeeping needs in the future.
Stephanie Peterson at Superior Virtual Bookkeeping is a real pleasure to work with. She responds quickly and thoroughly to my questions and requests. She's always professional and upbeat. Her work is impeccable, and her rates are reasonable. I feel fortunate to have her on my team.
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.