Guide 101: 5 pointers for finding a CPA in Lake Mary

Regardless of the business you own, hiring a CPA is not a choice anymore. While you can always choose to have an in-house accounting team, you can also consider the more convenient and economical option of outsourcing. You can get a CPA in Lake Mary, Florida, to work for your business on demand, and if you are having a hard time choosing one, we have a few pointers below for help.

1. Consider the best firms. You can always ask around for references, but your best bet is to hire one of the top-rated firms in your area. Check what other clients have to say about a firm, and you can make a shortlist based on Google listings. There are also additional websites that offer dedicated local listings.
2. Check the service profile. CPAs do much more than accounting for their clients. Besides bookkeeping and preparing financial statements, your CPA can offer advice on coming up with strategic plans, tax planning, payroll, and audits. Because the CPA doesn’t have a personal interest, they will protect your business interests. Go for a full-service CPA firm.
3. Look for exposure. Does the firm work in your sector? Do they have a conflict of interest? Who are some of their biggest clients? How old are their clients on average? What is their retention rate? These are some of the common questions that you need to ask before you choose a CPA.
4. Discuss your requirements. Once you like a CPA’s profile, you need to consider the requirements of your business and discuss the same in detail. Remember that an accounting firm is only useful when they can align their work with the needs of your business. Ask what they can and cannot do as per your necessities.
5. Ask about the fee. There is no fixed fee range for CPAs in Florida. It depends on the work they do for clients, whether the tasks are time-consuming, and how frequently the clients need their services. This doesn’t mean you have to go blind with the budget. You can meet potential firms and ask for an estimate. However, don’t choose a firm just because they are the cheapest of the lot.

Your CPA’s professional time is valuable, and it makes sense to use their expertise when needed. Even as a small business owner, you can consider having a bookkeeper who can make the work more straightforward for the outsourced accounting team.