*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.*
5901 Sun Blvd #100a
St. Petersburg, Florida 33715
I've known Trudy for 31 years. She has been an integral part of our business and all its financial components since that time. I feel blessed to have found someone so knowledgeable and professional to help navigate the many obstacles to success that the restaurant industry poses. Over the years she has become a trusted confidant as well as a personal friend. She remains the one constant that I've come to rely upon to help resolve any issues that arise. Our success, in many ways can be attributed to her pe
Trudy is a great member of our team. She's timely, accurate, helpful and always willing to go above and beyond. I'm good at food and hospitality, not emails and paperwork, so she must be very patient to take care of me for all these years.
Trudy has been our CPA for over 10 years. She is incredibly professional and knowledgeable. Trudy has saved us thousands and we can always count on her to properly guide us and provide us with insights we didn?t think of. She truly cares about her clients and goes above and beyond to meet their needs. It is an honor to know her and have her and her team in our corner.
Trudy?s CPA services has helped our business tremendously while always being attentive and helpful.
Trudy is an extremely professional and personable CPA She does an amazing job communicating with me about questions I may have involving my business. During tax season she makes you feel like you are her only client and will help you with whatever tax preparation needs you may have. She is like a business partner to me, she consults me with almost every move I make with concerns to my business. She helps me save money, make money, and save time.
I just called to retain Trudy's services again since she was so helpful before, only to find out that she is slammed with work and isn't taking on new business clients. I realized I didn't give her a review before, so here it is: she rocks! Congrats on the success!
I didn?t hear from Trudy for nearly 6 months after hiring her. Frankly, I never expected to hear from her again until getting an email that she started working on my case and a deadline was the next week. Behind the 8-ball, I thought let?s just get this done. We worked through some substantive issues on the matter cordially, but a sticking point came up that caused me to lose confidence in Trudy. Upon my termination of our working relationship, she became quite defensive, accusatory, and generally hostile.
Trudy is a top notch CPA and ultimate professional. She is honest, forthright and cuts to the quick of a problem or issue straight away. I highly recommend her and her company associates.
I have used Trudy's services for several years. She is very experienced yet still manages to provide personalized service and makes you feel like special. Highly recommend.
Fantastic service! Trudy is very professional, knowledgeable, honest, quick, and she provides thorough work. I recommend Trudy to everyone in need of CPA.
Working with Trudy has been awesome! She is an asset to my business!!
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.