Kansas City Business Journal:

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For many people, finding the right CPA can be just as importantg totheir well-being as finding a good physician. So time and care are neederd in choosing thecorrect person. "In the businesas world, there are few relationships more personalp than that of a business andits accountant, says Kenneth C. a CPA with Tidwell DeWitt LLC. "Aftefr all, nothing is more privatre and delicate than the issuesof money.
" The first step is to determine exactly what type of CPA you While there are numerous companiex that will prepare taxes for any type of CPAs often specialize in certain "Determine what your needs are and what you're looking for," says Jimmy Williamson, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Americab Institute of Certified Public Accountants. "Some CPAs want to do but I think that canbe dangerous. If you have a hearr problem, you don't want to just go to your standards practitioner. You want to go to a cardiologisyt who can do specialized testing and see exactly what yourproblenm is." Then ask around among friends and professional colleagues to find out who they use as an accountant.
Williamsojn says it can be particularly useful to talkwith attorneys, bankersa and stockbrokers, since people in those fields tend to be knowledgeablwe about CPAs. "Most new clientds come from referrals fromother clients," Williamson The AICPA also offers help in finding a CPA through its Web site at Narrow your list of potential CPAs to at leasgt three, and then interview each one. Come equipped with a numbert 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 anestablishedx CPA, while others prefer a newer firm that has a smallee client list, enabling it to pay closer attentiom to its customers. * Do you offer an initial consultation, and is there a charge? Many firms offer a free initialo consultation and should be able to give an estimatd of the fees for the servicessyou require. * Can I contact any of your current clients fora referral? A reputablw firm will be willing to provide you with * What education have you recently completed in your area of expertise??
CPAs who have an active certificate to practicd public accounting are required to complet a specified amount of continuinyg professional education. They receive credit by attendingb courses, writing articles or * What computer programs do you prefer your clients to use forrecord keeping? Using a program the CPA is familiar with can save time and money on your A firm also should be able to help you in settint up and maintaining computerized bookkeeping. In addition to obtaining this you should also look for a CPA who fitsyour personality. Some people want their CPA to beall business, whilr others prefer a lighter approach.
"It'sa important that the chemistrybe there," Williamson "There shouldn't be anything uncomfortable about working with a CPA. If there is, then move on to somebod y else." DeWitt agrees. "Since open and frequentf communication is often the key ingredient ina relationship, it shouldr be considered with equal importance as experience and ability, DeWitt says. "There are tens of thousands of CPA firmin America. That means there is most definitely a CPA out thersfor you.
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