The College Counseling Specialist

The College Counseling Specialist

About This Listing

Who Can Work with a CPA?

Individuals seeking tax prep, retirement planning, or financial advice
Small business owners needing bookkeeping, payroll, or tax compliance
Freelancers and contractors with 1099 income or complex returns
Couples planning finances together or managing joint returns
Investors with capital gains or rental property income
Anyone looking for year-round financial guidance and peace of mind

*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*

First-Time Clients

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.

What to Know Upfront:

Documentation Bring your most recent tax returns, income details, and any financial concerns
Availability Appointments fill up quickly during tax season — book early if possible

*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*

What to Bring

Government-issued ID for verification
Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, investment summaries, etc.)
Receipts or logs for deductible expenses, donations, or mileage

*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*

Preparing for Your Appointment

Write down any financial goals or questions in advance
Check if your CPA offers virtual sessions or document uploads
Bring a notebook or use a notes app for key takeaways
Know your deadlines for filing, payments, or compliance

*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*

How to Get Started

Use our directory to find highly reviewed CPAs near you. Reach out directly to schedule your consultation.

Other Helpful Info

Many CPAs offer both in-person and remote consultations
Fees may be flat-rate, hourly, or based on service complexity
Some CPAs specialize in industries like healthcare, real estate, or tech
Check for client reviews and credentials (CPA license, EA, etc.)

*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*

Contact Information

Address

8 Corporate Park #300

Irvine, California 92606

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 10:30AM-5PM
Tuesday 10:30AM-5PM
Wednesday 10:30AM-5PM
Thursday 10:30AM-5PM
Friday 10:30AM-3PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

My name is Maria Ibrahim and I have been helped by Laura, the college counseling specialist! She is externally helpful and sweet. She helps me edit my college essays making them sound perfect! I really enjoy her kind personality and willing to help me succeed! Overall, she is amazing and I would definitely recommend her to everyone who needs a college counselor specialist! :) Maria Ibrahim

I am very happy with the information and help Sean provided me and my family in regards to College Counseling and planning. It was very obvious from speaking to him the first time that he has many years of experience in this field and a wealth of knowledge to help you get to where you want to be. From finances to application prep, I cannot recommend Sean highly enough and we personally will keep working with him. It is rare to find someone who you completely trust with planning your life, and I'm glad to sa

Sean helped ease my anxiety around college applications. In my admissions process, I had a unique case as an athletic transfer. Given his wide variety of experience, he was able to provide expertise regardless. I appreciate his attention to detail and genuine care for those he works with!

Sean was expertly qualified and well versed in navigating the sea of information about scholarships, FAFSA, colleges, universities and on to graduate school. He met all our Senior in high school?s needs in 1 x 90 minute session. His rate is reasonable, good pricing plan, we plan on using him for the rest of the family?s secondary education needs. Thank you Sean! You?re the best!

Dear Sean, I wanted to personally thank you for all the help and support during my long journey through the college admission process. I?ll admit that when my parents first mentioned getting outside help with my college admissions, I was skeptical and figured it would be a waste of time and money. After working with you, you certainly proved me wrong. Looking back now I?ve learned the college admission process is a lot more complex and time consuming than I could have imagined. Working with you provided me

Sean has been a wonderful addition to our team. His expertise on how best to finance our son's private college was the only way we could get him into his dream school. Sean understands our family dynamics, our current financial situation, our understanding of risk and where we want to go to as we get older. We trust Sean and recommend him to all our friends going through what we went through (plus we have another son who is a junior in high school so Sean better get ready for round 2!)

Premier College Counseling was instrumental in helping me get the best financial funding for my education. Sean is very knowledgable and has vast experience in the field of college counseling. Sean is kind, patient and answers all of your questions in a timely manner. I would recommend his services 100 percent.

I highly recommend Premier College Counseling. Sean combines his extensive experience, expert insight, and practical advice to provide you with the most optimal strategy for navigating the entire college application process. Sean?s advice allowed me to use every part of the application to put my best foot forward. Additionally, he laid out the complicated financial responsibilities in a simple way that was easy to understand. I received multiple acceptance letters and attended my first choice school, Columb

Sean Gabay of Premier College Counseling, has advised myself and my parents since 2006. We've had a great experience with Sean. During my time in and after college, Sean advised me based on my goals and was attentive to any questions or concerns I had. He was truly a blessing.

Over a 5-year period, Sean Gabay of Premier College Counseling was critical in helping me and my family access the necessary funds to attend a premiere Ivy League university and graduate within 4 years with no student loans. Sean's efforts in helping secure funding for my undergraduate degree also gave me the financial underpinning to pursue my graduate studies immediately after graduation as well as enabling me to participate in other school related activities that I would not be able to do otherwise. Th

I have worked with Sean for over 13 years. His expertise in college planning matters is par excellence. He can quote chapter and verse on information, as well as timing. Equally as important, Sean is attentive to all inquiries and has provided sound, reliable advice from day one. You can trust him completely. A true professional and just a really great human being!

Sean Gabay's excellent financial guidance made it possible for our son to attend the college of his choice. He patiently took the time to explain and choose the best financing options for our family and quickly won our trust as an advisor with our best interest at heart. We thank him for his years of help.

Sean has been my family?s advisor for many years, helping me go to a private college for my undergrad and now again as I go to law school. I highly recommend Sean and his college services for all your college needs. Sean takes the time to answer all your questions with equivocated knowledge and experience.

I honestly feel very bad that I rarely write reviews, but Sean is one of the exceptional people that provides exceptional service. I would feel really bad not to express my gratitude to thank him for his amazing service and help in the past couple of years. He is very friendly, helpful, caring, and professional. It?s not often that you can trust someone with your kids? future and planning, but with Sean I trust we are in good hands. He will advise you and guide you to the best of your interest. It?s not all

Sean was outstanding! In the thick of numerous Manhattan Beach AP courses and the angst of college documents, Sean was a real guiding and calming force. I am a physician and even so found the paperwork cumbersome and difficult. I am so thankful we had his help. I recommend Sean unconditionally. Diane

My experience has been really awesome. My counselor helped me out a lot with the difficult process of applying to college, especially as an international student. They helped me with picking colleges, essays, advice, and most importantly, aid and scholarships from universities. I feel really relieved knowing that there is someone there to help me out all the time and I have great confidence in my applications too. I definitely recommend you sign up for college counseling services here!

I am grateful to have met The College Specialist upon my arrival to California. I was helped in applying to university and I was provided with all of the necessary information about all the different schools, facilitating the process. The College Specialist is an organized person who does his best to satisfy his clients and reach the desired results.

I am hopefully going to USC soon and had no idea which colleges to apply to or properly fill out my applications. My counselor immediately took a-lot of stress off my shoulders walked me through the applications one by one and made the process very easy and smooth. Also, they made me eligible for over $35,000 per year. I did not even know about the financial aid programs until they helped me with it. They are very helpful, professional, and know exactly what to do. I believe if anyone needs help applying to

I would like to highly recommend & encourage all students to work with The College Counseling Specialist. The College Counseling Specialist has a wealth of information and resources to assist students in attaining their dream college. The counselors are trained and experienced professionals who really care about each student and take the time to learn about you and listen to their goals. Thank you for all of your help.

I highly recommend Premier College Counseling for ALL of your students needs when applying to College and Universities. Mr. Gaby has a wealth of experience handling the complicated educational application process. Mr. Gaby has saved my life by guiding my four students (all who are attending University at the same time ) to the Universities of their choice. Mr. Gaby is knowledgable, and he explains the complex and grueling educational process with patience and kindness. Mr. Gaby is the best kept secret in to

From the very beginning when you meet Sean you know you have someone you can count on. He cares very much and works around your schedule! When working with Sean, you get a 10 star service. He gives you the greatest gift of all: peace of mind. He treats you not as business, but as a friend that supports you every step of the way. That is something priceless.

Mr. Sean Gabbay helped my son on his carrier path to apply for most UCs in state and out of state. He is very knowledgeable in College planning and financial aid. He got us the best choice i.e. UCLA with minimum pay out of pocket.

Sean was such a great help! His warm, caring, friendly personality and wide expanse of knowledge along with his patience and prompt responses made the process a breeze. I have been recommending his services and will continue to do so! Truly a 10/5 experience!!!

My family has worked with Sean for the past seven years that my brother and I have been in college. Sean?s knowledge of scholarships and planning a roadmap for funding college is unparalleled and we greatly appreciate the work he has done with us.

They are amazing college counselors. They are honest and will really help to make you feel at ease throughout the whole college admissions process. This process can be overwhelming at times but they made everything so smooth and really took the time to explain everything from start to finish and were very patient with me. I truly recommend them!!

The College Specialist made finding the right school easy! It can be such an overwhelming process, but the College Specialist is there with you every step of the way!! Always quick to respond and gives great advice! So thankful we found someone who can be so helpful!

The College Counseling Specialist really helped my family and I with my college admissions process. He always communicated well, and was professional throughout the whole experience. I plan on recommending everyone I know going through the admissions process.

During my senior year of high school I was at total lost with where I wanted to apply for university but that was all until I came to college specialist. With patience and kindness the were always available to answer my thousand questions where . The college specialist advisors would always take note of my concerns. With the guidance I was able to not only apply but get into 3 UC such as UC irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Barbara but I was also able to file my FAFSA. Do not hesitate to reach out to them

The College Specialist has been a great service to me guiding me the tuff process of finding colleges, writing my essays, making my application and much more. He has been nothing but helpful and has made the process go way smoother than expected.

An excellent and trustworthy advisor When I first started my college application process I was extremely lost. With your help, guidance, and concern I was able to look at all my options and choose which one was best for me. I couldn't have done it without them.

Premier staff was very instrumental in guiding us through the college application and financial aid process. We are sincerely grateful for having worked with them. Thank you so much from the Jiwani family!

Amazing experience and have learned so much because of this team. My essays are perfect, my path for college is set, and it was not stressful but efficient. Thank you, College Counseling Specialist.

Sean was outstanding!! He got everything completed very quickly and was always responsive to any questions. I would highly recommend him and his services.

Sean is very professional and very knowledgeable, and he did an excellent job guiding us through the college application and financing process for both of our children.

This is a must for anyone who wants to put forth the best possible college application when applying. They are very hands on and you can tell they truly care about your future. They help with the whole process from start to finish and I highly recommend them for anyone who needs guidance.

The College Specialist was very helpful and patient towards my college application process! Very attentive, would recommend!

Sean has been my financial advisor for 5 years now. When ever I have a question he always responds it right away.

Sean was extremely helpful! Highly recommend him to anyone in need of counseling.

Very professional and great counseling specialist! I definitely would recommend to my family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should I look for in a CPA?

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.

How do I find a CPA in my area?

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.

What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

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.

How do I know if a CPA specializes in my needs?

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.

Should I check a CPA’s reviews before hiring?

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.

How can I verify a CPA’s license?

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.

What questions should I ask during a CPA consultation?

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.

How much should I expect to pay for a CPA’s services?

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.

Can I work with a CPA remotely?

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.

How do I assess a CPA’s communication skills?

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.

What red flags should I watch for when screening a CPA?

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.

Should I choose a CPA from a large firm or a solo practitioner?

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.

How often should I meet with my CPA?

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.

Can a CPA help with both personal and business finances?

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.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my CPA?

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.