Where to Find a Good Accountant or CPA for Your Startup Taxes and Financials

Starting a new business can be exciting, but it also comes with a plethora of financial responsibilities. Ensuring your startup's taxes and financials are in order is crucial for the long-term success of your enterprise. Here are some effective strategies to help you find a reliable accountant or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to handle your financial affairs.

1. Word of Mouth

Ask Friends and Business Associates: The most reliable recommendation often comes from within your network. Friends, colleagues, and business associates are familiar with the professionals they work with and can provide firsthand insights into their reliability and expertise. If someone in your network is also a business owner, they might have a recommended accountant already.

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For a more diverse pool of recommendations, you can also look around here on Quora. As a community of experts, there are several CPAs here who might be willing to work remotely with clients. Some notable ones include Wray Rives, Mike Emeigh, and Hristo Ivanov. Check out their answers to see who might fit your personality and business needs best. Feel free to message the one that interests you the most.

2. Banker Recommendations

Ask Your Banker: Your banker is another valuable source of professional referrals. Most banks have established relationships with trusted accounting firms and individual CPAs who can handle your startup's financial needs. Your banker can likely provide you with 2-3 referrals to choose from.

When you contact these potential CPAs, start gauging the knowledge, likeability, and trust factors. Some CPAs may not have a preference for working with startups, while others specialize in this area. Ensure you ask them how many other startups they have worked with to gauge their experience.

3. Small Business Networking

Ask Other Small Business Friends: Networking within the small business community can also yield valuable recommendations. Reach out to your network of fellow entrepreneurs to find out who handles their accounting or tax work. This approach can help you tap into a community of business owners who can provide first-hand insights and referrals.

4. Local Small Business Development Centers

Check Your Local Small Business Development Center: If you live in a university town, consider reaching out to the local Small Business Development Center (SBDC). SBDCs are federally funded organizations that assist small businesses with various needs, including access to financial resources, marketing, and tax preparation. The local office will have extensive knowledge of local accountants and CPAs who work with small businesses and startups. They can provide you with valuable insights and personalized recommendations.

Conclusion

Starting a business means taking on new financial responsibilities. Ensuring you have a reliable accountant or CPA is key. By leveraging your existing network, banker referrals, and small business resources, you can find the right professional to help you manage your startup's taxes and financials efficiently and effectively. Remember, relationships are crucial in business, and finding the right partner can significantly impact your success.