How to Find a Good CPA That Keeps Your Financials Investor-Ready

Picking the right Certified Public Accountant (CPA) changes how your business handles taxes, compliance, and financial planning. For founders, the right CPA isn’t just filing returns—they’re protecting runway, tightening compliance, and giving you clean, board-ready financials.

A qualified CPA does far more than prepare tax returns. They help you make faster, cleaner financial decisions and reduce the risk of errors during due diligence. In this guide, you’ll learn what to look for when hiring a CPA, how to evaluate their qualifications, and why the right partner matters for long-term business operations.

What a CPA Does (and Why You Need One)

Many business owners think CPAs only handle taxes. They do more. A CPA supports your business across tax strategy, financial reporting, and compliance—giving you accurate numbers you can use to run the company, not just close the books.

Beyond returns, a CPA provides strategic financial guidance, helps you avoid audit-risk mistakes, and ensures your financials stay aligned with how investors and boards expect to see them.

Tax and Compliance Expertise

A CPA ensures your company complies with tax regulations, claims eligible deductions and credits, and avoids costly penalties. They can also help plan for future tax seasons, forecast liabilities, and manage cash flow efficiently.

Business Advisory Services

When structuring your company, a CPA can recommend the right legal setup—LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp—to minimize taxes and streamline operations. They also help with budgeting, payroll, and forecasting, offering holistic business CPA services that go beyond compliance.

Auditing and Assurance

If you’re applying for funding, bringing on investors, or scaling operations, an audit or financial review by a CPA provides assurance that your financial statements are accurate. This adds credibility and builds investor trust.

Financial and Retirement Planning

A good CPA helps align business and personal financial goals—whether it’s saving for retirement, planning investments, or optimizing compensation structures.

IRS Representation

If your business ever faces an IRS inquiry or audit, only certain professionals can represent you legally—and CPAs are one of them. Having a trusted CPA gives you confidence and peace of mind.

Key Qualities to Look for in a Good CPA

Finding the best CPA for a small business requires more than checking credentials. You’re choosing someone who will manage sensitive financial information and guide critical decisions. Here’s what to look for:

1. Strong Communication Skills

A good CPA communicates clearly and avoids unnecessary jargon. They should actively listen, explain financial concepts in plain language, and make you feel comfortable asking questions. Effective communication ensures transparency and builds trust.

2. Relevant Industry Experience

A CPA familiar with your industry understands its tax nuances and common financial challenges. For example, a CPA specializing in healthcare will be familiar with the rules surrounding equipment depreciation and insurance reimbursements, while a tech-focused CPA may be well-versed in R&D credits. Always ask if they’ve worked with businesses like yours before.

3. Proven Reputation and Credibility

In competitive markets, reputation matters. Research client testimonials, online reviews, and professional references. Look for consistency in client satisfaction and evidence of problem-solving expertise.

A certified public accountant with strong reviews and professional affiliations—like the AICPA or state-level societies—signals a commitment to ethics and continuing education.

4. Proactive, Not Reactive

Top CPAs don’t just respond to problems—they anticipate them. A proactive CPA will notify you about upcoming tax law changes, recommend smarter expense strategies, and identify potential deductions early. This forward-thinking approach saves time and reduces surprises during tax season.

5. Detail-Oriented and Tech-Savvy

Accuracy is non-negotiable. A single error can trigger compliance issues or penalties. Choose a CPA who double-checks their work, uses modern accounting tools, and values precision. Tech-savvy CPAs who leverage automation and cloud accounting can deliver faster, more accurate service.

6. Transparent Billing Practices

A trustworthy CPA will clearly outline how they bill—hourly, per project, or on retainer—and disclose any additional costs upfront. Transparent pricing helps you manage expenses and prevents unwanted surprises.

7. Ethical and Trustworthy

You’re sharing confidential financial data, so integrity is essential. Ask about their ethical standards and verify their credentials with your state’s Board of Accountancy. A CPA with a valid license, up-to-date ethics training, and a clean record reflects professionalism.

How to Find the Best CPA for Small Business

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start your search strategically.

Define Your Business Needs

Before searching, clarify your priorities. Do you need tax preparation, accounting system setup, financial planning, or all of the above? Outlining your needs helps you identify which small business accounting firm or individual CPA is the right fit.

Search in the Right Places

Start with online research. Use queries like “CPA near me,” “certified public accountant,” or “CPA for business taxes” to find professionals nearby. Explore their websites, read reviews, and look for case studies or testimonials.

You can also check:

• The AICPA directory for licensed CPAs

• State CPA societies

• Referrals from other entrepreneurs or professional networks

Evaluate Credentials and Experience

Confirm their CPA license is active and in good standing. In the U.S., all CPAs must hold a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) to file tax returns. You can verify this through the IRS Return Preparer Office Directory.

Ask about their years of experience, industries served, and approach to client relationships. A CPA who regularly works with small or growing businesses is more likely to understand your needs.

Ask the Right Questions

When interviewing potential CPAs, cover these essentials:

• How do you stay updated on new tax laws?

• What industries do you specialize in?

• How do you communicate with clients (email, Slack, meetings)?

• Will you sign and e-file my tax return?

• What’s your fee structure?

• Can you provide audit defense if needed?

Their answers reveal both technical competence and interpersonal fit.

Compare Value, Not Just Price

While pricing matters, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Focus on value—expertise, responsiveness, and reliability. A skilled CPA may save you more in taxes and prevent costly mistakes that outweigh any fee difference.

How Haven Simplifies Finding and Working With a CPA

At Haven, we understand how challenging it can be to find the right financial partner. Our business CPA services are designed for founders and small businesses that need proactive, transparent, and growth-oriented support.

Our CPA-led team helps you:

• Manage day-to-day bookkeeping and corporate tax accounting

• Identify trusted CPA partnerships when specialized services are needed

• File accurate returns and leverage R&D tax credits

• Maintain clarity across business and personal financial goals

Join 400+ startups and growing businesses who rely on Haven for accounting, compliance, and financial strategy—all supported by real-time collaboration on Slack.

Choosing the Right CPA for Your Business

Knowing how to find a good CPA is about more than credentials—it’s about trust, communication, and shared values. The best CPA will guide your business with accuracy, foresight, and integrity, helping you make decisions that improve financial stability and long-term growth.

At Haven, we help founders connect with the right accounting expertise, streamline financial operations, and focus on building what matters most: their business.

Book a Call to Learn More About our Accounting Services (Trusted by 400+ Startups)

Haven helps startups navigate their unique financial challenges so they can focus on growth. Letting an experienced team handle your bookkeeping and taxes minimizes costly errors and ensures your business takes full advantage of available credits.