*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.*
101 Lewis St
Petoskey, Michigan 49770
I have known Tim, and his family since we moved back to the area about 10 years ago. It was such a relief to realize that we could work with him for my small business and our family tax needs. He is efficient, honest, and easy to work with. We trust his judgment, and he has taken much of the stress away from tax time. I would recommend using him for your business and personal needs!
We have been working with Tim for over 5 years. He has assisted us in making business changes to fit our tax needs better as our business grows. When we have a question he is quick to respond and provides answers in terms in which we can understand. Easy to work with!!!
Tim is a great CPA! Very knowledgeable, helpful in both our personal and business taxes. I highly recommend Tim for his integrity, works promptly, reasonably priced and is very thorough! Tim is personable and works with you on organizing and planning ahead. If you have a small business or just your personal taxes and are looking for a good CPA, Tim Beardsley is your man!
I've been a client of Tim's for 5 years with great results! He's navigated my business through some rocky waters and now that we have clear sailing, I couldn't be happier. He helps keep on top of our taxes so I can focus on what makes my business money. I'm very blessed to have such a hard working accountant in my corner.
We switched our business accounting and payroll to Tim a couple years ago. He is very knowledgeable, reliable, and always goes the extra mile to give us great service. Tim handles our accounting, so we can focus on running our business. I highly recommend Tim's accounting and payroll services!
Tim is professional, returns calls and messages promptly and does a great job. He has done our personal and business taxes for a number of years. We highly recommend Tim.
Tim is an amazing Accountent! We started our small business in Petoskey over a year ago and Tim was undoubtedly the best investment we made for our business. He has helped us through everything ! Not just money and accounting questions but also basic business and ?what if?s? as well. Our taxes, payroll and accounts are always done with care and on time. I would recommend him to anyone for business finances or personal finances.
We moved our business back to Michigan from another state and it was a difficult transition tax and payroll wise. Tim got us straightened out and back on top of things. He usually answers phone calls, extra or emails within 24 hours and is always willing to help. So far, I?m glad we choose his Firm.
I have used Tim's service for last 5years, he has set up and managed my company's tax and payroll system. I highly recommend him to other small business owners who don't have the time or knowledge of this side of business.
Thank you Tim for helping us with our new business. You're services are very important to us and we couldn't be where we are today without your knowledge base, great communication and overall friendly service. We will always use Tim Beardsley CPA for all of our financial needs.
Tim is always there if I have any financial questions. His tax preparation work was also stellar and he went above and beyond with my wife and I's questions.
Tim is very up to date and thorough! He even offered to review all my past tax returns and found hundreds. He cares about you
Timothy is one of the best CPAs around very blessed to have him. And very hard-working
Very intelligent, integrity and character is above reproach, a solid human working well in his field to ensure accuracy and adept at passing along his knowledge and talent to those who require excellent service. Highly recommended! Worth every penny!
So thankful for Tim when I started my business! He is knowledgeable and very patient! Highly highly recommend!
I met with Tim to find out how to start a small business. He was not only very informed on the process, but was able to make information easy to understand.
Always available for my phone calls, always reliable and always great service. Thank you Mr. Beardsley!
The best accountant in town Thank you for helping me with all my tax adventures and fixing my problems
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.