How to Find a Good Accountant: 10 Steps to Choose the Right CPA

Learning how to find a good accountant in Canada isn’t just about checking credentials. It’s about choosing someone who understands your unique financial situation, communicates clearly, and offers proactive advice year-round. Whether you’re hiring an accountant for your small business, side hustle, or personal taxes, knowing how to choose the right CPA can save you time, money, and stress.

This step-by-step guide will help you choose an accountant who goes beyond basic tax filing and plays an active role in your long-term financial success. Let’s dive in!

1. Verify the Accountant’s CPA Credentials in Canada

Before hiring anyone, make sure they’re a Chartered Professional Accountant registered in your province or territory. Check your provincial CPA registry to confirm their status. This ensures they meet national standards for education, ethics, and practical experience.

2. Choose an Accountant Who Uses the Right Technology

Technology can make or break your accounting experience. Ask:

• Do they offer a secure portal or digital document sharing?
• Do they use cloud-based bookkeeping tools?
• Can you access reports year-round?

Choosing an accountant with modern systems helps avoid delays and keeps everything organized.

3. Look for an Accountant Who Offers Proactive Tax Planning

The best CPAs do more than react at tax time. Look for someone who:

• Reaches out mid-year or quarterly
• Helps you plan contributions, dividends, or payments
• Alerts you to tax changes that affect your situation

Proactive tax advice can lead to major long-term savings.

4. Ensure the Same CPA Handles Your File

When you’re searching out the best cpa to hire, it’s important to know who you’ll actually work with. Ask:

• Will you handle my account personally?
• Will my file be passed to junior accounting staff?
• Who answers questions during the year?

Consistency matters, especially for businesses or complex financial situations.

5. Find an Accountant With Experience in Your Field

The best accountant for your business is one who understands your world. If you’re self-employed, a landlord, or a business owner, choose someone who knows:

• Your industry’s deductions
• CRA audit risks in your sector
• How to structure income for tax efficiency

Industry experience leads to better outcomes.

6. Choose a CPA Who Supports You With the CRA

A strong CPA doesn’t disappear when the CRA comes knocking. Ask:

• Will you respond to CRA letters on my behalf?
• Do you assist during audits?
• Is this support included in your fees?

A good accountant stands behind their work and advocates for you.

7. Evaluate an Accountant’s Approach With Real Examples

Ask for real scenarios that show their expertise. For example:

• How have they helped a client reduce tax liability?
• How did they handle a CRA review?
• How do they approach business structure planning?

Their answers will help you judge both skill and communication style.

8. Hire an Accountant With a Strong Professional Network

Good CPAs often collaborate with:

• Bookkeepers
• Financial advisors
• Mortgage brokers
• Legal professionals

Having a trusted network is a sign of experience, and it can save you time down the road. If you’re planning to grow, incorporate, or invest, their network can save you the effort of additional searches.

9. Start With a Trial Before Hiring a CPA Long-Term

You don’t have to go all in right away when choosing a CPA? Start small:

• Personal tax return
• Bookkeeping review
• Help setting up accounts or workflows

A trial engagement is a low-risk way to test their responsiveness and accuracy.

10. Understand Your Accountant’s Fees and Scope of Work

Before hiring an accountant, ask:

• Do they charge flat rates or hourly?
• What’s included in their base fee?
• Are there extra charges for CRA responses or planning?

Clear expectations around cost help avoid frustration later.

 

Work With an Accountant Who Does More Than File Returns

At Cross & Company, we help individuals and business owners find long-term clarity—not just tax prep. Whether you need a one-time filing or full-service support, we offer smart advice, clear pricing, and reliable communication.