*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.*
219 2nd Ave
Edwardsville, Illinois 62025
My experience with YCG was frustrating, costly, and unprofessional. They missed important tax payment and filing deadlines, causing unnecessary stress and multiple warning letters and a fine from the IRS. They also made serious errors, including payroll mistakes and even sending me another business? financial records, an alarming breach of confidentiality. Their pricing was completely unreasonable for the lack of value provided. They increased invoices without explanation, and the quality of service did n
Knowledgeable, professional, and efficient, Susan Young and her staff at YCG provide outstanding service. Having been in business for more than 40 years, we have had several accountants - good, bad and indifferent. We absolutely trust this firm with our taxes and wholeheartedly recommend them.
YCG has been an amazing and welcoming experience. I was in the first year of starting my business when I began services with them and they've been so helpful with all the accounting questions and concerns I've had along the way. They have really impressed with me with how quickly they respond to my individual questions and how easy they have made everything. Wonderful service with a family-business atmosphere!
YCG has been doing our corporate accounting and personal income taxes for approximately 9 years and we have always been very happy and satisfied with their services. Susan Young is so personable and we love working with her and all the very capable and friendly staff that she employs.
We have used Susan Young CPA and her office for eleven years now and she and her office staff have always been informative and helpful. We started using her office after a bad experience with another CPA involving our rental properties and remodeling business. Our company highly recommends YCG Accounting for all of your personal and business accounting needs. Don Hawley president of South Central Illinois Partners LLC.
When I established my LLC in June 2018, I was lucky enough to be referred to YCG Accounting by my law firm. As my firm buys and sells collectibles domestically and internationally, Susan Young and her team had to develop a custom General Ledger to properly capture our financial data. As with all their services, they did this efficiently and cost effectively. Susan and her staff are a pleasure to work with and offer practical guidance to resolve various accounting issues that arise as we continue to develop
I have been a client of Susan's for over 10 years. Susan takes her job as an accountant and a business consultant very seriously. She is highly ethical and very thorough. I can honestly say that as a new business owner back in 2009, Susan was instrumental in the early growth of my company. Beyond accounting, she has also been a mentor to me. Susan helped me to rewrite my business plan which allowed me to obtain financing and expand the business. She always has creative business ideas and is able to l
As a business owner operating a Non Profit organization you must have professional services you are confident that's knowledgeable of the nonprofit sector of laws and governing policies. Our organization has had the pleasure of working with YCG accounting since 2016 and we recommend their firm to other business owners. Thank you YCG for allowing our organization to focus on what's important and that's serving the children, families and homeless individuals in Madison County.
Excellent service. YCG has been handling the accounting for our homeowners association for several years now. They are always very responsive to questions, their monthly reports are detailed, their help in keeping our financial records straight has been wonderful.
Love that YCG Accounting takes care of my financials so that I can focus on the ?sweets? of my business. Only negative is that I didn?t hire them when I started the business, as I thought doing the books would be a piece of cake. Nope, it took me a bit to relinquish my books, but ever since, they have all been amazing to work with! Thank you for all that you do to keep my stress off of the financials and on my goodies!
Susan at YCG Accounting has prepared my taxes for many years. She does an excellent job and is pleasant to work with. I highly recommend her and YCG Accounting.
I?ve been a client of Susan?s for just shy of a decade, and I?ve had nothing but professional and pleasant encounters. I know I can rely on her and her staff to respond timely to questions and I am confident in her thoroughness each year that I utilize her services. Love Susan and YCG Accounting!
I have been a client of YCG Accounting for YEARS! They are fast, professional, and kind. I would suggest YCG Accounting to anyone who needs either an accountant or an auditor. They are a place of wonder people who definitely know their stuff.
I've worked with several accounting firms in my business career, and they were ok, but YCG has exceeded our expectations. If there was an option for a 10-star rating, our organization would not hesitate to give YCG 10-stars.
Susan Young and her staff are great! They handle our personal as well as three corporate returns. She is very responsive and finds the right answers when needed. I refer everyone I know to her for tax and accounting advice.
I couldn?t run my business without Susan and Diane keeping me on the right track! I?ve learned so much being a new business owner. Thank you for all your help, I couldn?t do it without you!
Fantastic team at YCG!! They really create a personal touch like no one else
The best at quick replies, knowledgeable staff, and very reasonably priced! Highly recommend.
Very expensive for very little work, felt very misleading take caution!
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.