What should I look for when hiring a CPA?

A: When selecting a CPA, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you partner with someone who truly adds value to your financial life or business:

  1. Professional credentials & specialization
    • Confirm they’re a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in good standing with your provincial/regional accounting body.
    • Look for specializations relevant to your needs, such as corporate tax, personal estate planning, GST/HST compliance, or small business advisory services.
  2. Relevant experience & industry knowledge
    • Ask whether they’ve served clients in your sector (e.g., retail, tech, real estate, manufacturing).
    • Inquire about the complexity of engagements they regularly manage, like SR&ED credits, corporate restructuring, or trust audits.
  3. Proactive, value-driven approach
    • A good CPA does more than file taxes – they’ll identify deductions, plan year-round tax strategy, and forecast cash flow to help you grow responsibly
    • Seek out someone who offers regular financial check-ins and timely advice, not just an annual tax appointment.
  4. Communication style & client service
    • Are they accessible when questions arise? Do they explain financial concepts in clear, non-technical terms?
    • Find out how they handle deadlines, client support, and urgent filings, especially during busy periods.
  5. Technology & process efficiency
    • See if they use cloud accounting platforms (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Xero) for real-time tracking, remote accessibility, and collaboration.
    • Ask about their tools for secure document exchange, digital signatures, and client portals.
  6. Transparent pricing & clear scope
    • Understand how they structure fees: hourly, flat retainer, project-based – and what’s included.
    • Get everything in writing: a formal engagement letter detailing services, deliverables, timelines, and responsibilities.
  7. Local reputation & referral history
    • Request references or case studies, especially those reflecting similar financial situations or business scales.
    • Check for testimonials or reviews demonstrating reliability, integrity, and a strong client focus.
  8. Long-term partnership mindset
    • Your CPA should feel more like a trusted advisor, supporting both current compliance and future growth strategies, whether it’s succession planning, scaling operations, or exit planning.
    • Choose someone who invests time to understand your goals and aligns their advice to support them.