Finding a good CPA and Attorney

[Artism]

Any advice on choosing a great CPA and Attorney for your business?

And also, does anyone have experience finding a new CPA or Attorney who would better serve your business? Is it easy to switch?

Thanks!

 

[MamaMcAllister]

That is a good question! I am very happy with my accountant, but I don't have a business attorney and don't know at all what kind of questions to ask or how to know how to find the *right* one.

 

[Randy B]

Anita, do you belong to any networking groups? That's how I'm starting to fill in those holes for my business -- either directly within my group, or on recommendations from member/friends.

 

[Nuci]

Not right now. I do have a CPA and he has recommended an attorney. But in choosing the CPA I don't think we put much thought into it. He had stopped by our other business and we ended up working with him for our taxes.

But today I went to meet with him (at $100/hr) regarding the growth of my business and I really don't feel he had much to offer. He did engage me in conversation about one thing or another for the entire hour, but I walked away without much of a resolution. I don't even think he understands the vision I have for my business or how I'd like it to grow. I basically came out with the same thoughts I had going in, and still confused about financial options.

He's done our taxes for the past three years, but I haven't been impressed with his ability to help create a plan for financial success for our businesses. He says he's in business to help small businesses succeed, yet he wasn't much of a help for my $100 today.

It's like he lacked vision or perhaps just has no clue how a massage business might generate money. In either case, I'd like to find a 'business team' to help propel my business to the next level....and beyond.....

I've never worked with a CPA before, I don't know how faux pas it is to just go find another one, and how to terminate the existing relationship.

And if I do, should I find one to handle all our businesses and our taxes or just my business?

I feel through this experience I have a better idea of how to go about 'interviewing' these people, but what to do with the guy I've got now? It's a somewhat small town, I don't want to burn bridges.

 

[??????]

Sounds to me like you're looking for a Business Coach, rather than a new accountant. The accountant (if he's good) can handle the paperwork behind any changes you make to your business. A business coach can guide you through those choices.

Does your town have a Small Business Resource Center? Often, you can get free advice from retired business owners who volunteer their time.

Is there another MT in town who has expanded their practice, who would be willing to mentor you?

Another option is to use the services of the Coaches who are members of this forum. Kneadfulthings has expanded her massage practice, AND she has a side business now as a business coach, which I believe she can do by phone. You might want to contact her:
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=4010

Good luck!

 

[Cato U]

You might also be looking for a financial planner, esp. if you know what you want the business to do but need mostly financial advice.

I sympathize about not knowing how to change these relationships. We made a few missteps buying our first house, because we didn't know the "realtor rules."

 

[Teala]

Thanks! I am sure both a coach and a planner would be great assets as well.

Still for everyone else on the board who needs a CPA, Attorney, or whoever to help their businesses.....

Any advice on choosing a great CPA and Attorney for your business?

And also, does anyone have experience finding a new CPA or Attorney who would better serve your business? Is it easy to switch?

If you've got a great team, what makes them great and how do they help your business?

Have you ever needed to find someone new and how did you go about making the transition?

 

[Future?Artist]

I didn't use a CPA/attorney last year as our taxes were rather easy, but this year we are opening a veterinary clinic so will definitely use professional services!! We found our CPA via personal recommendation of my landlord who has been in business for over 25 years. I trust his referrals completely (he operates a marketing/PR firm). We found our attorney by going to a small business development workshop and the facilitator gave me 3 recommended names. We picked one, met with him and decided to go forth.

Again, I think word of mouth is a good way to get a solid recommendation. Talk to other professionals etc. re who they use.

 

[Yoda Cookie Monster]

I have a great CPA. He does taxes for my parents' corporation (a larger, international small business) and I sort of "inherited" him when became of working age. He's great! I really lucked out. He's licensed in all 50 states, quite ethical (former head of the Ethics Committee), and does all kinds of taxes, from personal up to multinational. I still use him, from 930 miles away. If anyone wants his info, plz PM me, I'm happy to help

As for a good atty, I wish I could help you there! I'm looking for one myself. While the CPA is licensed everywhere, the great atty my parents used is not licensed in my state.

Hugs,
~Jyoti