FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
After an initial consultation, it is possible to give a fixed price monthly quote for comprehensive payroll services, for example. Many times, other tax preparation can be quoted within a range of prices. For some other services, such as monthly accounting and/or financial statements, a quote typically can be done after a month or two of work is done on a trial basis. Providing a fixed fee without "living it out", makes it more likely that the relationship will not work out in the long term. There are many "moving parts" to a relationship between a CPA and his/her client, and each relationship is unique. Clients bring their own specialized needs, wants, skills, and budget, as well as the amount of time they have available to get necessary accounting and other functions completed.. From the CPA's perspective, providing a fixed fee that is ultimately too low doesn't serve either party well. Providing a fee that is too high may work for the CPA temporarily, but does not serve the client well.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
By meeting in person with a potential new client or speaking to them over the telephone, the potential client is able to assess whether a relationship is a good fit. This is done at no cost to the individual or business looking for someone to hire for their accounting, tax, or payroll services.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Full time CPA's in Ohio and Kentucky must have forty hours per year of continuing education, which is about 5 days of classroom training.