How to Find a Good Accountant You Can Trust

Finding a good accountant requires checking credentials (CPA preferred), evaluating relevant experience in your situation, asking about their communication style and fees, and verifying they understand current tax laws. Personal recommendations from trusted sources provide the most reliable insights into an accountant's actual performance.

Why Does Finding the Right Accountant Matter?

Your accountant handles your most sensitive financial information and can significantly impact your financial well-being. A skilled accountant saves you money through legitimate deductions, ensures compliance with complex tax laws, and provides strategic advice for major life decisions. Conversely, an inexperienced or careless accountant can cost you thousands in missed opportunities, penalties, or audit issues. The relationship often spans years or decades, making the initial selection crucial. Unlike one-time services, accounting requires ongoing trust and communication. Your accountant becomes intimately familiar with your financial life, making their integrity and competence paramount to your long-term financial health.

What Credentials Should Your Accountant Have?

Professional credentials indicate formal training, ongoing education, and adherence to ethical standards. Here's what to look for:

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - The gold standard requiring rigorous exams, education, and continuing education requirements
2. Enrolled Agent (EA) - IRS-licensed professionals specializing in tax matters with unlimited representation rights
3. State licensing and registration - Verify current, active status through your state board of accountancy
4. Specialized certifications for your needs - Such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for comprehensive financial planning
5. Malpractice insurance - Protects you if errors occur in their professional services
6. Clean disciplinary record - Check with state boards and professional organizations for any sanctions or complaints

How Do You Evaluate Experience and Expertise?

Generic experience isn't enough—you need relevant expertise for your specific situation. A CPA who excels with large corporations may struggle with freelancer taxes or rental property deductions. Ask about their client mix and how many clients share your circumstances. Request examples of tax strategies they've implemented for similar situations, without breaching confidentiality. Years in practice matter, but recent experience with current tax laws is equally important. Tax codes change frequently, and an accountant who hasn't adapted could miss valuable opportunities. Look for someone who demonstrates continuous learning through professional development, industry publications, or specialized training in areas relevant to your needs.

What Questions Should You Ask During Consultations?

These essential questions reveal competence, communication style, and compatibility:

• How do you stay current with changing tax laws and regulations?
• Can you describe your typical client and how I compare?
• What's your process for preparing returns and how much client input do you need?
• How do you handle mistakes or if I get audited?
• What's your communication policy during and outside tax season?
• Can you provide references from long-term clients?
• What software do you use and how do you ensure data security?
• Do you offer year-round planning or just seasonal tax preparation?

How Should You Evaluate Communication and Availability?

Effective communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures you receive optimal service year-round. During initial consultations, assess whether they explain concepts clearly without overwhelming jargon. Pay attention to response times for your initial inquiries—this often predicts future availability. Discuss their workload and client capacity to ensure you won't be neglected during busy seasons. Understand their preferred communication methods and establish expectations for routine questions versus urgent matters. Some accountants provide extensive year-round planning, while others focus solely on tax season. Determine which approach matches your needs and comfort level. A good accountant should proactively suggest strategies and alert you to relevant tax law changes affecting your situation.

Essential Verification Steps Before Hiring

• Verify CPA license through state board database
• Check Better Business Bureau rating and complaint history
• Review online presence and client testimonials
• Confirm malpractice insurance coverage
• Request and contact at least two client references
• Verify they'll sign your tax return as preparer
• Ensure they use current, professional tax software
• Confirm secure document sharing and storage practices
• Get fee structure and payment terms in writing
• Establish clear communication expectations and boundaries

What Fee Structures Should You Expect?

Accounting fees vary significantly based on complexity, location, and service level. Understand different pricing models: hourly rates for ongoing consultation, flat fees for standard tax returns, or annual retainers for comprehensive services. Be suspicious of extremely low fees, which may indicate corner-cutting or lack of experience. Conversely, the highest fees don't guarantee the best service. Request detailed estimates based on your specific needs and ask what additional costs might arise. Understand billing for phone calls, document review, or amended returns. Many accountants offer different service tiers—from basic tax preparation to comprehensive financial planning. Choose the level that matches your needs and budget while ensuring essential services aren't compromised.

Why Are Personal Recommendations So Valuable?

Personal recommendations provide insights impossible to get from online reviews or credentials alone. Someone in your network can share specific experiences about communication style, problem-solving abilities, and actual results achieved. They can describe how the accountant handled complex situations, their reliability during stressful periods, and whether promised services were delivered. Recommendations from people with similar financial situations are particularly valuable—a small business owner's experience with an accountant differs significantly from a retiree's perspective. Personal referrals also provide accountability; accountants know their reputation depends on treating referred clients well. The context behind recommendations matters too: understanding why someone values their accountant helps you determine if those qualities align with your priorities.