When choosing a professional to help you file your income taxes – whether you are an individual or are running a small business – choosing the tax accountant with the right credentials is key. Flipping through the phone book or browsing through online business listings, you’ll likely encounter a veritable alphabet soup of acronyms such as CPA, CFA, CFP, CMA, ABA and others. In fact, there are upwards of 46 different acronyms that relate to certifications in accounting, finance and business. Of these accountant credentials, you’re most likely to retain a CPA, ABA or CFP. Here’s what each means:
Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
CPAs are most well known for preparing taxes, but they can also advise you on how to structure your small business and setup a bookkeeping system as well as help you plan for retirement, college and organizing your estate. CPAs must undergo rigorous testing and continuing education to maintain their licenses. This means accountants who are CPAs are highly qualified with up-to-date knowledge of the latest tax laws in their local area. That means a CPA operating in Seattle or Bellevue is required to be well-versed in both federal tax law and Washington state tax law.
Accredited Business Accountant (ABA)
An ABA is an accountant who has undergone additional training and has passed the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT) exam. This is a voluntary accreditation and is meant to signify that this accountant specializes in accounting services for individuals and small- to medium-sized businesses.
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
A CFP can help you with your investment goals. CFPs are a good choice if you are planning for the future, as they can offer a broad range of financial advice. So,which financial professional should you choose? That all depends. Are you looking to file your individual income taxes? Are you starting a small business? Or are you trying to build a reliable investment portfolio for the next 30 years? Different professionals serve different needs.
The best way to determine whether a financial advisor is a good fit for your needs is to schedule an interview or consultation. Many accounting firms have multiple specialties that work in conjunction to serve your needs. For example, some CPA firms also offer business consulting for small businesses and can help you set up a QuickBooks accounting system or provide advice on how to incorporate your independently owned business. So, take your time and interview at least three different accountants before deciding which one works best for you.
