finances

Not all businesses are the same. In the same vein, no CPA is the same either. When you begin to research for a CPA, you must first take into consideration the type of business reports you need for your business, what taxes you will be expected to pay and what type of business you are running. It does matter. CPAs are quite often trained to handle different types of business forms, even though there are some basic accounting forms that every business needs. You may think that being a small one person operation that you don’t need the services of a CPA. You would be wrong. Both small and large businesses need CPAs to help them with their financial statements and other forms.

What are the different types of CPAs?
Most small business CPAs specialize in tax audits and tax preparation. These CPAs help small businesses with their taxes and help them prepare for tax audits. Corporations often use CPAs to track old accounting files through forensic accounting to uncover bad debts and other issues. A CPA has many choices to pursue in helping businesses stay on a good financial track. Your business might need a CPA to plan out future cash and stock projections or work at industry specific financial forms and statements. CPAs help non-profit businesses and government agencies with regulations and financial issues.

Should I choose a CPA to do my taxes or hire someone else?
Small businesses often tend to look inside their own organization first before hiring a CPA. CPAs are trained to handle tax related issues and financial statements, so they are better qualified to do your business taxes. This also eliminates the need to hire a tax professional, since the CPA you hire would have that specialty.

Where should I look for CPAs that handle my specific industry?
Your best bet is to look within your industry to find out what firms your industry is using now. CPAs specialize in a wide variety of industries and handle specific forms and regulations. You may also want to research local accounting firms to find out what specialties they handle. Finding the right certified public accountant to handle your financials will definitely help your business succeed in its financial goals. You should also look for CPAs that have a proven track record in your local Chamber of Commerce and business organizations.

Why do I need a CPA?
CPAs benefit your organization in many ways. They can help you track your business growth, create a financial plan, research and uncover inconsistencies in your financial history and help you with your tax audit. The more complex your financial situation is, the more you need a CPA to help you untangle the mess and get you back on track.

The most important way CPAs help both small and large businesses is by ensuring that they remain financially stable through consulting and hands-on work. CPAs provide businesses with the means to enact financial progress and stability.