*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.*
1939 Harrison St Suite 908
Oakland, California 94612
I have received exceptional care and service since my initial conversations with Tiffany and our consequent follow up coaching discussions. I am so glad my wife and I found her, given how much value and up-to-date wisdom she brings. Tiffany is friendly, attentive and very professional. I?ve experienced Tiffany to have an ability to quickly zero in on the essence of our financial situations and then partner with us to bring real-world clarity and strategy to our much needed financial solutions. She loves wha
We've worked with Tiffany on and off for the last few months and have been thankful for every piece of guidance she's given us. We are both in some debt and numbers are not our strength. Thanks to Tiffany we were able to get a clear picture of what we needed to do to pay off debt, save money and get control of our spending. Tiffany has always been friendly, professional and offers guidance when needed. However she's also great at presenting options and letting you choose what fits best for you. We went in
My boyfriend and I recently moved in together. We needed to create a budget that worked with our fluctuating income. Tiffany was an awesome financial coach and was so gracious with your time and knowledge. It was a pure joy working with her. She made the overwhelming task of "budgeting" less "painful" and doable and helped us sort out our priorities. Tiffany has a great personality, friendly and is non-judgemental. I highly recommend her!
Tiffany is an absolute pro, and a joy to work with. At the first meeting I had with Tiffany, she immediately began to unravel years of neglect, in my personal and business finances. Her approach is swift, effective and I can already foresee long lasting results. Her ability to work with complex financial situations, is very impressive, and her friendly nature puts you at ease. I feel very grateful to have found her, and I cannot possibly recommend her any higher! Thanks Tiffany!
Working with Tiffany was incredible. I am so greatful to her for helping me get my finances organized. She also helped me create a plan to pay off debt, and designed a reasonable budget I can work with. Would 100% recommend to anyone who wonders where their money goes each week. Thanks Tiffany!
We met with Tiffany to get a game plan for getting out of debt and to start building into our future. She was recommended as a local financial adviser on the Dave Ramsey website. Since we had just gone through Dave's Financial Peace workshop, we wanted to meet with someone that followed the FP method but could give us insight into our specific situation. Tiffany was able to do that with confidence and a great amount of knowledge. In about two hours, we reviewed our financial standing with her and formed a
I highly recommend Tiffany?s financial coaching. She?s extremely personable and made me feel at ease throughout my coaching sessions. Tiffany broke down my finances to make them easy to digest and helped me see my financial future more clearly.
Tiffany was amazing! She able to give me a simple solutions for a complicated financial problem and she was so friendly and gave me helpful and life changing information. I would definitely recommend her!!!!!!!!!!
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.