Posts Tagged ‘Mindset’

Characteristics to Look for in Your Next CPA

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

In my last post, I wrote about the need for business owners (and individuals) to contemplate changing CPAs, especially if the relationship with their current CPA just doesn’t seem to be working any longer.

In this post, I’m going to piggyback on that topic area and give you a few characteristics to consider when it comes to hiring your next accountant.  After all, if you’re going to take the step to change CPAs, you’d best do it pragmatically!

1.  Honesty

You deserve a CPA who will be perfectly straightforward with you in terms of what he/she can do and what he/she thinks of your plans.  If you can’t be honest with one another, your partnership will be lacking.

2.  Knowledge/Expertise

CPAs should stay up-to-date in their areas of practice.  If your CPA doesn’t believe in continuing education… run!

3.  Availability

You shouldn’t have to feel like you need Sherlock Holmes to help you track down your CPA.  If an accountant wants your business, he/she should be available to you.

4.  Reputation

Your CPA should have a spotless reputation.  Ask for testimonials and referrals, then contact those people.  It’s the best way to investigate an accountant because you’ll get the answers you need.

5.  Team Mentality

Your CPA should act as though he/she is part of your team… because he/she IS!  If you run into a CPA with an “it’s all about what I want” mindset, move on to the next accountant and don’t look back!

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  • How Much Can You Afford to Give?

    Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

    It’s that time of year.  From now until December 31, you’re likely to receive tons of requests for charitable contributions from nonprofits.  Though you’d like to give something to all (or at least most) of them, it’s not practical.  Besides… do you even know how much you can afford to give?

    It’s a great (and difficult) question, isn’t it?

    The fact is that there are many ways to get something from your giving, but you have to know how much you can (or should) give first.  And that’s where a CPA and/or CFO can help you analyze your books.  For instance, someone with financial expertise can help you evaluate how much you can reasonably afford to donate to local, national or international nonprofits.

    Never forget that it’s customary for businesses to give back to their communities in some form, even in difficult economic times such as those we’ve been experiencing in 2009.  Make sure you work with a CPA or CFO so you don’t wind up hurting your cash flow as you’re trying to help others.

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