Second, you need to ask yourself if you have the skills and the desire to do it yourself. Will you have to learn these skills? Will you have to keep yourself updated? Do you really want to crunch numbers? Do you want more than just a report when you are done?
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How can I know which CPA is best for me?
Any professional you choose should not only have the technical knowledge required, but should also treat you with respect.
Does your CPA and advisor take time to listen to you? Does your CPA and advisor return your calls in a timely manner? Do you feel comfortable asking your CPA and advisor a question?
When you need a professional in the region who will make you their top priority, call us!
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What do CPAs do?
A significant contribution of CPAs in the practice of public accounting is the audit, whereby an independent opinion is expressed as to the fairness of financial statements. CPAs also perform almost every conceivable financial and management advisory service for business and individuals. CPAs do general accounting, tax planning and advice, tax return preparation, estate planning, personal financial planning and representation of clients before government agencies. CPAs also help clients choose and implement accounting systems. They help in the development and analysis of financial models, cost controls, profit plans, and internal reports. CPAs are often consulted on business, civic and other problems on which their judgment, experience and professional standards permit them to provide helpful advice and assistance.
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Are there things I should consider before I talk to you about being my CPA?
Yes. The more you understand about your needs, the better job we can do together of matching our services to those needs. Your first step is to decide what you want from your us. Different CPA firms offer different levels of experience and provide different services. Prior to meeting with any CPA you are considering you should review your present and future financial goals and needs. Some general questions you should ask yourself might be:
Will you need help with personal financial issues,
individual or corporate tax returns, retirement, estate
or college planning? Are you seeking investment help?
Do you need financial statements prepared for your
business? Must those statements be audited or
reviewed? Will you need special financial reports for
government agencies?
How comfortable are you in your own ability (or in
the case of a business, your staff's ability) to handle
financial and operational details. Do you want to do
as much as possible in-house or are you considering
out-sourcing some of your bookkeeping, accounting,
or CFO functions?
Do you need help preparing a business plan or a
personal or business loan application?
Will your business need other services such as
technology planning, strategic planning, process
consulting or costs analysis?
What is your budget for CPA services?
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How much do you charge?
We base our fees on a number of factors including the type of services required, the time required to perform the services, the level of expertise and experience required, and the complexity of the work. The fees at RBM LLP fall into three categories.
Hourly based fees— For much of our work we are
compensated based on the numbers of hours it takes
to complete the work. We are happy to quote our hourly
rates and to provide fee estimates for specific tasks.
Task based pricing— Our payroll processing service
is priced based on the number of pay periods per month,
the number of checks in each pay period, and the costs
of any expenses (such as delivery fees).
Fixed fee services— For some longer term projects
or commitments such as monthly write-up we charge a
fixed fee
Different types of services command different rates because of the expertise level of the people who perform them. We will talk frankly with you about our fees and put together a plan that utilizes the right CPA or staff person for the services you need so that the value of the service and the price of the service make sense for you.
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How do I know what exact services you will perform and what they will cost?
We use engagement letters that define the work and the associated fees before any work is performed. The letter is designed to prevent any misunderstandings and describes in detail the services to be rendered, fee ranges and other terms and conditions of the engagement. It is a contract determining our responsibilities and your responsibilities and sets both of our expectations for a successful relationship.
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How can RBM LLP serve me, my business or governmental entity?
We can help by:
Recommending tax planning strategies
Preparing tax returns
Advising individuals on personal financial planning,
including retirement and estate planning
Reviewing a company's accounting system and
recommending improvements
Consulting on business problems and advising ways
to improve the use of a client's resources
Assisting in the design and installation of data processing
and management information systems
Conducting special studies (financing, inventories, cost
accounting, credit, and collection) for business,
government, and nonprofit organizations
Helping clients apply for loans and credit by gathering
and preparing information required by lenders
Working with clients, attorneys, and bankers on mergers,
acquisitions, and expansions
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What do CPAs and Advisors at RBM LLP do?
Our team acts as advisers to individuals, businesses, financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and government agencies on a wide range of financial matters. Many individuals turn to CPAs for help not just with their tax preparation, but also with their business and personal financial planning.
Most CPAs meet substantially the same education, training and licensing requirements. Nonetheless, they provide a broad and varied range of services. We specialize in small business, tax or financial planning, audit/assurance services, to name just a few.
In order for you to get the most value from any CPA relationship it is important to first analyze your current and future financial needs. This will help you to select someone
who can address your particular concerns
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How can RBM LLP help my family and me?
We can help…
Develop a personal financial plan
Create a family budget
Plan for retirement
Develop an estate plan
Assess insurance needs
Advise on divorce settlements
Devise savings and investment strategies
Build college funds
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How can RBM LLP help me as a taxpayer?
We can help…
Develop tax strategies
Prepare tax returns
Minimize tax liability
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How can RBM LLP help me as a business owner?
We can help…
Set up accounting systems
Secure financing
Analyze operating results
Provide management consulting services on such
subjects as data processing systems
Develop budgets and business plans and forecasts
Prepare tax returns
Audit, review, or compile financial statements
Assess benefit and compensation plans
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What can I do to get the most value out of a relationship with RBM LLP?
The primary step is to commit to a partnership with us. While we believe we are very good at what we do, we are only as good as the information we have. For our relationship to be successful for you, you need to:
Be prepared to discuss your plans, goals, problems,
and questions. We can most effectively advise you
and serve your best interests when we understand
your goals.
Gather all relevant personal and business financial
information so we can get anaccurate picture and
ask specific questions.
Be clear and candid about what you expect from
our services.
Keep us informed of changes in your professional
and personal life. A marriage or divorce, the birth
of a child, an inheritance, a career change, or a
generous bonus can have a significant impact on
your tax liability and financial goals.
Be open to new ideas, tools, and opportunities
And, of course, you need to make sure you (or your
staff) meet your commitments to deliver appropriate,
accurate, and timely information so that we have the
information we need when we need it.
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