Business owners often are unable to differentiate one CPA firm from another other than by price. Nor are they able to evaluate their current CPA relationship. Here are questions/criteria for business owners to ask to help them evaluate their current CPA firm to determine whether a change is warranted:

• Other than accounting, audit, and tax, has your CPA offered to provide any advisory services?
• Are you aware of any additional services your CPA offers?
• Are there services you would like from your CPA that are not being offered?
• Would you say your CPA is proactive in the relationship with your company?
• Does your CPA refer the services of other professionals to you?
• Does your CPA refer you any potential suppliers or customers?
• Does your CPA ever invite you to lunch to inquire how your business is doing?
• Has your CPA ever discussed with you the “health” of your business from a financial statement perspective?
• Do you have a clear understanding of what the financial statements are telling you about your business?
• Do you understand the difference between expense and investment/ROI?
• Does your CPA understand your business as well as you would like?
• Has your CPA ever asked “how can we help your business be more successful?”
• Is your CPA knowledgeable about your industry?
• Does your CPA provide guidance to your strategic plan?
• Does your CPA provide guidance to your succession plan?
• Has your CPA introduced you to cost reduction or revenue enhancement experts?
• If your CPA were more of a value-add service advisor, would the fees matter as much?
• Is your CPA your most trusted advisor? If not, who is”?