Prepare to Meet With a CPA
There are important questions to ask when going into your introductory meeting with a CPA. Below are some examples -- whether you’re looking for individual tax or small-business advisory services -- to help you find a CPA that’s the right fit for your needs.
- How long has your firm been in business?
- Do you maintain an active CPA certificate?
You can also refer to the Minnesota Board of Accountancy website for a directory of CPAs with an active certificate.
- Do you have a firm permit to practice public accounting?
A firm that implies that it's a CPA firm must have a firm permit. You can also verify a firm has a permit on the Minnesota Board of Accountancy website.
- Do you prefer conducting client meetings in person, virtually or a combination of the two?
- What education have you recently completed in your area of expertise?
- Are you a member of a professional organization, such as the Minnesota Society of CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants?
- What other certifications are held by CPAs and staff accountants in your office?
- Can I contact any of your current clients for a referral?
Questions for small-business owners
In addition to the questions above, small-business owners will benefit from asking the following questions in their introductory meeting.
- What is your expertise and industry knowledge of my business?
- What percentage of your practice comes from other clients with a similar business as mine?
- What is your hourly rate and what charges can I expect if I have questions throughout the year?
- What computer programs do you prefer your clients use for record-keeping?
- When was your last peer review, and would you be willing to show me the report?
