Hiring a CPA, or any other financial service provider requires a great deal of trust. After all, the health of your investment portfolio or the state of your business will depend on their professional advice and ability to give clear, accurate information about the state of your finances. Linda M. Shiraiwa CPA, PS Inc. in Gig Harbor, WA, recommends a credentials check before hiring an account, even if they seem qualified and knowledgeable.

To ensure that your CPA is qualified, they suggest that you:

• Check Their License: Fortunately, this is a much simpler task than it would appear to be. Websites such as CPAVerify allow you to check whether a CPA is licensed in almost every state in the country, and some will even inform you of ethics complaints received and the disciplinary action taken by the state.
• Ask About Specialties: Even if they're fully licensed, a CPA may not have the knowledge base to help in a particular situation. Ask what types of clients they typically work with, and try to find a professional with as much experience in your particular field as possible. If you're a small business owner, find an accounting professional who understands your unique industry.
• Consider Services Provided: Does the accounting firm you're considering offer a wide range of services? While you may only need a CPA to handle your tax returns and quarterly reports now, in the future you may require additional services—and a firm with limited capabilities may not be able to handle it. In general, you'll be better off finding a financial services firm that can grow with you, so you don't have to change accountants later.

Linda M. Shiraiwa CPA, PS Inc. offers a broad spectrum of accounting, payroll, and tax services to residents and businesses alike. Learn more about their areas of expertise online, or schedule your first appointment by calling (253) 858-6030 today.