*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.*
21515 Hawthorne Blvd 2nd floor
Torrance, California 90503
Brian has helped our entire family! My sister, my Mom, our son & my husband & my personal finances. All stages of financial life, Brian has handled. He is extremely prompt & informative with all questions & issues that arise. He has been incredibly patient with my Mom, who is 90. Very informative with my son, who is 22. As well, he has helped us understand what the best options are for our stage in life. We feel quite relaxed knowing Brian & The Galeb Group are helping us with our investments & retire
I am so happy to have found The Galeb Group. All of the advisors are true professionals and extremely knowledgeable in their field. Ryan M. is an outstanding advisor and as a young professional I feel confident and optimistic with him managing both my retirement and personal investment portfolios. He consistently goes above and beyond, spending as much time as needed to thoroughly review my performance summaries. He is always prompt and provides thoughtful, trustworthy advice. I will continue to recommend R
Brian has been my financial adviser for years and I'd be lost without him. He manages both my retirement and personal investment portfolios and got me set up with life insurance. He always takes the time explain my options to me and reviews my summaries so I understand how my portfolio is performing. He is trustworthy, responsive and extremely knowledgeable in the world of finance. I would highly recommend him or his team to anyone looking to set themselves up for success in their financial future.
Galeb Group makes my life so much easier. They help me understand my investments and finances so I don't feel lost! They build and maintain genuine relationships with their clients. I really value their advice and feel at ease working with them.
Brian is super helpful with everything money related. I was very lost before working with him and now I have a much better grasp on everything. Also it doesn't hurt that I've made a nice amount of money since! Highly recommended.
The Galeb group has been so instrumental in guiding me to plan my retirement. I feel confident that with their continued support I will have no worries in my golden years.
I am so pleased with this group as they have helped me very much with my retirement. I feel confident in their knowledge and they are always here for me if I ever have questions. The best group I have ever dealt with. Margie Provine
Just a shout out to Shawn Finley from Galeb Group - you are making my retired life so much easier!! Thank You!!
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.