5 Things to Look For in a CPA Sarasota, FL

It is not easy to find a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for your business needs. In fact, there are more than 1.4 million accountants and auditors in the United States. When looking for a CPA, Sarasota, FL, has many qualified professionals to choose from.

However, the truth is that not all CPAs are created equal. There are things to look for that separate the best CPAs from the pack.

Read on to learn what qualities make for a good CPA near me. Explore five things to look for when hiring a CPA.

1. Appropriate Skill Set

Accounting is a broad field and there are many different skill sets. You need to verify that a CPA candidate possesses the skills you are looking for.

For starters, it is important to define what is a CPA? CPAs are responsible for making sure the company’s financial statements and records comply with the law.

They also plan and prepare for taxes levied on your business by the federal and state governments. They prepare and maintain all financial records.

Some CPAs responsibilities go beyond recordkeeping and taxes. They are involved in maximizing business profit by cutting expenses and increasing revenues. It is important to make sure your CPA selection is capable of meeting your expectations.

2. Education

Education is another important qualification to look for. At a minimum, CPAs need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a similar financial field.

Some businesses prefer to hire a CPA with a master’s degree. Before selecting a CPA candidate, make sure to verify their education credentials from an accredited college.

3. Licensure and Certification

CPAs are required to pass a national exam to get their title. The state of Florida imposes additional requirements on CPAs.

This includes passing the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) exam. CPAs must pass all four parts of the AICPA exam within 18 months of passing the first part.

In order to maintain CPA credentials, continuing education courses are required. In Florida, the state requires 80 hours every 2 years covering topics like auditing, ethics, and more.

4. Pricing

In order to survive, small businesses need to keep costs down. Of course, the budget for accounting services is a major consideration.

Before hiring a CPA, you should consider their pricing options. Ultimately, the selection is based on meeting the company’s requirements at the right price point.

5. Experience

Experience is another critical factor when looking for an accountant. The best accountants have years of experience.

CPAs rely on this experience when complex financial issues rear their ugly head. They have lessons learned to fall back on that help them with problem-solving. Before making a selection, carefully review the candidate’s work experience to ensure it is sufficient.

Qualities to Look for in a CPA in Sarasota, FL

If you are looking for a CPA near me, our guide is certainly going to narrow down your list. You should focus on hiring a CPA with impressive education and work experience.

At a minimum, they need to be licensed and certified in the state of Florida. If you are looking for a CPA in Sarasota, FL, contact us today to schedule an appointment.