*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.*
25350 Magic Mountain Pkwy Suite 300
Valencia, California 91355
I've worked with The Stewardship Solution for over 18 years. Derrik Hubbard has guided me successfully through the years with my retirement planning. He is personable, easy to contact, very thorough in any financial explanations or instructions, follows through, and is also very patient. Even his office staff offers good customer service and is accountable. I am extremely pleased with his company and I would recommend it and him to anyone, single or married. I believe I would not be in my comfortable retire
The Stewardship Solution organization, led by Derrik Hubbard, has been my go to retirement / investment resource for many years. The fact that I'm fully ready for retirement spoaks volumes about his engagement and effort on my behalf. He knows his stuff and stays on top of new investment opportunities and trends. And he's a straight shooter, letting you know if what you want to do is reasonable and attainable or pie in the sky. If you want someone that will honestly engage with you to plan a solid futu
My wife and I really appreciate Derrik's insight and help with our financial planning. I didn't do a very good job preparing for retirement, but with his help we have our ducks in a row and we are set to look forward to it when it comes. We have a date and it looks like we are in good shape. He knows his products and how to manage them, so we would highly recommend his services.
Derrik has been wonderfully sensitive to my husband and me. I have health issues that caused rescheduling of appointments at the last minute and Derrik made himself available to help us get our retirement plans in check. He spent a great deal of time with us and asked the important questions to help us make decisions for our future. We look forward to our next meeting with him, to review some options to help us keep our hard-earned savings working for us beyond sitting in a passbook savings account. I looke
Excellent service, very professional in handling financial planning. We have worked with Derrik for over 10 years and have been extremely pleased with his financial management. He has a good pulse on the stock market and in helping us plan for our future. If you are looking for a reputable and trustworthy person to guide you through the labyrinth of financial planning, he is your guy!
Being able to have peace of mind regarding my finances, being able to have a quality of life that's comfortable is the result of working with my financial advisor, Derrik Hubbard. He knows the financial business and never tires of making sure his clients receive the best service and best results. He is there for me and I can't say enough about how thankful I am for all he does.
I was fortunate enough to attend one of Derrik's seminars at College of the Canyon recently. As detailed oriented as I am at work, when it comes to investments, annuities and 401k, I have to admit I was at a loss or just too lazy to deal with it. I found Derrik to be extremely patient, thorough and helpful during the seminar as well as during our meetings after the seminar was over.
Outstanding Financial Leadership! We thought we had our finances under control until we called The Stewardship Solution. A few years later I became disabled and no longer able to work, but our finances were in order and we're doing fine. Please do yourself a favor and give them a call. Your Financial Freedom is at stake. The Stewardship Solution is also Dave Ramsey certified.
We have worked with Derrick for about ten years, starting before retirement and social security. He has guided us well through the process of growing our assets, providing safety nets and letting us accomplish short term and long term financial goals.
Had my annual meeting with Derrick. As usual was very informative and professional . He was extremely patient with all my questions. Have been with him for almost 10 years. I highly recommend him as a financial consultant.
Derrik claims to be an ELP (endorsed Local Provider) An ELP is a special kind of adviser who is part of a network of advisers who are supposed to use very specific investment tools (growth stock mutual funds) and give specific, wholesome advises in regards to finances. Derrik didn't use ANY of those tools. Partly because of my own ignorance in financial matters I found myself investing in products I didn't understand and ultimately lost thousands (yes, thousands) of dollars. A very costly mistake. What's mo
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.