How to find a good accountant for my small business? (CPA, non-profit)

[Surfertx]

I'm looking for a good accountant for my small business. I'm new in town and don't know anyone who I can ask for references. I tried Yelp and Google map but there are no reviews available.

Any suggestions? I may just randomly pick one and see how it goes.

[sideman]

If at all possible find a CPA that knows your business. She/he can be invaluable as you grow and can alert you to areas of your business that you need to shore up to make it more profitable. Try the local chamber of commerce, SBA and/or SCORE. If there's a local BNI (Business Network International) go to one of their meetings and network with other business owners so you can get names of CPA's to interview. And just remember that even though they're the professional accountant, they work for you. Good luck.

[vinivedivichi]

I'm a good accountant

[TaxPhd]

While the advice to find a CPA may work out well, in truth, many CPA's are terrible small business accountants.

Are you just starting your business, or are you already established? If established, what software are you using?

One suggestion is to look for a Quickbooks Pro Advisor. While much of their business is Quickbooks specific, many are very experienced in small business accounting and advising, and they could help you regardless of what system you are using.

[harry chickpea]

HMWC looks like it has connections, Quon looks more like one where you won't get lost in the shuffle. If there is a non-profit arts group in the area, find out who does their work. An accountant that can do the not-for-profit dance in a public arena easily enough to have clients is more likely to have a full skill set.