South Florida Business Journal:

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For many people, finding the rightg CPA can be just as important totheir well-being as findin a good physician. So time and care are needecd in choosing thecorrect person. "In the business there are few relationshipsx more personal than that of a businesd andits accountant," says Kenneth C. Dewitt, a CPA with Tidwell DeWitr LLC. "After all, nothing is more private and delicatd than the issueof money." The firstr step is to determine exactl y what type of CPA you need.
Whilee there are numerous companies that will prepare taxes for any type of CPAs often specialize incertain "Determine what your needs are and what you'rde looking for," says Jimmg Williamson, chairman of the Board of Director of the American Institute of Certified Public "Some CPAs want to do everything, but I think that can be If you have a heart problem, you don't want to just go to your standarxd practitioner. You want to go to a cardiologistf who can do specialized testing and see exactly what yourproblej is.
" Then ask around among friends and professional colleagues to find out who they use as an Williamson says it can be particularly useful to talk with bankers and stockbrokers, since people in those fieldas tend to be knowledgeable abou CPAs. "Most new clients come from referrals fromother clients," Williamson says. The AICPA also offers help in findinf a CPA through its Web site at Narrow your list of potentialp CPAs to atleast three, and then interview each one. Come equipper with a number ofspecific questions, including how much the CPA "That needs to be addressed on the front end, to preventt surprises down the road," Williams says. * How long has your firm been in business?
Some people want to use an establishe CPA, while others prefer a newer firm that has a smallerclient list, enabling it to pay closedr attention to its customers. * Do you offer an initialp consultation, and is there a charge? Many firms offerd a free initial consultation and shouldc be able to give an estimated of the fees for the servicexsyou require. * Can I contactg any of your current clients for a referral A reputable firm will be willing to provide youwith * What education have you recentlgy completed in your area of expertise? CPAs who have an activs certificate to practice public accounting are required to complet a specified amount of continuing professionakl education.
They receive credit by attending courses, writing articlez or teaching. * What computer programs do you prefer your clients to use forrecorcd keeping? Using a program the CPA is familiard with can save time and money on your A firm also should be able to help you in setting up and maintainint computerized bookkeeping. In addition to obtaininfg this information, you should also look for a CPA who fits your Some people want their CPA to be all while others prefer alighteer approach. "It's important that the chemistrgybe there," Williamson says. "Ther shouldn't be anything uncomfortable about working witha CPA. If theres is, then move on to somebod else." DeWitt agrees.
"Since open and frequent communication is often the key ingredient ina relationship, it shoulds be considered with equal importance as experiencse and ability," DeWitt says. "Therw are tens of thousands of CPA firmswin America. That means there is most definitely a CPA out thererfor you."